The best insect repellents contain active ingredients that the little nasties hate. The most notable is DEET, though this can be irritating for sensitive skin in large doses and can even react with synthetic materials, such as watch straps. Other active ingredients in repellents include Picaridin (also known as Saltidin), which is found in Smidge That Midge, a spray offering good protection from midges. Ben’s is also available in a spray bottle. Ben’s ‘Max’ spray contains a hefty hit of DEET (50% in Europe, the highest percentage allowed under EU law, but up to 98% in the US), which means that despite its dinky size, you don’t need to spray too liberally to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Avoid using the strong spray on delicate skin – spray it in your hands first and avoid your eyes and mouth if you’re applying to your face. There are few things more irritating than being mobbed by midges or hearing the high-pitched whine of a mosquito around your ears when you’re settling down to a campfire-cooked meal or trying to get to sleep in your tent – that realisation that you’re about to get munched is awful. As a rule of thumb, you should apply a repellent containing DEET or Picaridin once or twice a day or after you swim or sweat heavily. Reapply natural repellents every two hours.

Repellents come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re likely to find one that suits you. We usually recommend spray bottles, especially those that still work when sprayed upside down, as they give full, even coverage, allow you to reapply on the go and are usually clear, so they can be applied to clothes as well as skin. If you prefer a cream based repellent, many brands also come in lotion form. You can divide insect repellents into two broad categories – those with DEET, and those without. DEET (or to give it its more tongue-twisting name, diethyl-meta-toluamide), is an active ingredient that is highly effective against insect bites, working by creating an impermeable barrier on the skin that stops insects getting through.It has been around since the 1940s, and was originally developed for the US Military, but has been available to the public since 1957. The only spray we reviewed offering 24 hour protection (well, if diligently reapplied three times), Lifesystems Expedition Max may be overkill for a ramble in the Lake District but it’s ideal for jungle conditions or anywhere where you’ll be exposed day and night to illness-carrying insects. This is another natural repellent that claims to be effective in malarial zones, but we would recommend using a stronger repellent such as LifeSystems or Jungle Formula on tropical trips. A cream version and repellent-infused wet wipes are also available. This formula is ideal for anyone who finds DEET irritates or dries out their skin, but still needs hardworking insect protection on their travels or in places where it’s important to avoid mosquito bites. You can also use this spray on children and delicate skin.

Can I wear sunscreen with Jungle Formula products?

The overall design of the range of Jungle Formula products has changed, there have been updates to the instructions for use to help you get effective use from the product, and to comply with updates in regulations. Note that natural repellents are never as effective as stronger ones, and evaporate faster, but are ideal for mild climates or for use on children or people with sensitive skin. Type of application Re-apply as necessary, depending on conditions, as high temperature, humidity and other environmental factors can reduce the duration of protection of all insect repellents.

If you prefer an all-natural spray, look for one containing citronella or oil of lemon eucalyptus (also known as Citriodiol), naturally-occuring plant ingredients that dissuade biting insects by masking the smell of skin with their own strong citrus scent. Jungle Formula Dry Protect is ideal for travel in areas with no known risk of malaria or other insect transmitted diseases. It has been specifically formulated for Europe and the UK, having an Insect Repellent Factor (IRF) 3, the aerosol format provides up to 7 hours protection*, whilst the pump spray format provides up to 6 hours protection* from mosquitoes and other biting insects.Jungle Formula Dry Protect is a DEET free, non-greasy insect repellent aerosol with soothing ingredients and a pleasant fragrance for strong, skin friendly protection, without the greasy feel. In the USA, repellents with more than 35% DEET aren’t recommended for use on children. We advise using DEET only on adults, and primarily when avoiding mosquito bites is imperative, such as when travelling in countries where malaria and other insect-borne diseases are present. DEET-free alternatives The benefit of no DEET is that Incognito feels light and grease-free on the skin and has a pleasant scent of bergamot and citral. We advise to read the label in the first instance, as it should state if you cannot use other skin products like sunscreen at the same time. Where simultaneous use of sunscreen and insect repellents occurs, the sunscreen should be applied before the repellent. Once the sunscreen is dry the insect repellent spray can then be applied. This method of application should avoid the sunscreen masking the smell and efficacy of the repellent.