Insect Repellent Lotion

Deet based insect repellent lotions and creams have been used for decades in the fight against mosquitoes and other insect bites. While effective in preventing bites, they also come with side effects such as rashes and skin irritation. EcoSmart repellents are plant-based insect repellents giving you protection from mosquitoes and ticks that is safe on your skin and the environment.

Insect Repellent Lotion

Insect repellents are a safe, effective, and affordable way to prevent mosquito bites.

They are promoted by health authorities in Australia as the best way to avoid mosquito bites.

Products sold in Australia must be approved for sale by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) which checks products for safety and effectiveness. If applied as recommended – a thin and even coat over all exposed areas of skin – insect repellents can prevent mosquito bites. How long bite protection lasts varies with the strength of the formulation but research has shown it can last for many hours.

But insect repellents aren’t always the perfect solution. Despite being recommended by health authorities and experts around the world and many studies demonstrating registered repellents cause minimal adverse reactions, there remains a perception they can pose a health risk, contaminate the natural environment or they’re unpleasant to use.

In Australia, not much has changed with regard to the active ingredients used in repellent formulations but the cosmetic constituents have greatly improved, making them more pleasant to use.

Mosquitoes in Australia can be a health threat. 

For those who find insect repellents a challenge, there are alternatives to creams, lotions and sprays.

Insecticide sprays ✅

Insecticides can help knock down or repel buzzing and biting mosquitoes. But, be warned, these products aren’t specific to mosquitoes so using them too frequently will reduce the beneficial insects around your home.

Mosquito coils and other devices ✅

Mosquito coils have been a mainstay of the Australian summer. They will certainly assist in reducing bites in sheltered areas and those with insecticides will work best.

But never burn them inside, especially not beside the bed at night. The smoke you inhale can be bad for your health.

A range of alternative devices work like “smoke free” mosquito coils. These devices are either battery or plug in powered and rely on heating an insecticide treated pad or reservoir of oil to release product that knocks out or repels mosquitoes. These can be a useful option indoors and can even be paired with a timer to work for only a few hours during the evening.

Portable devices are that can be clipped to your belt when out and about. It’s important to remember that as soon as you’re outside, especially in windy conditions or close to wetland or bushland areas, these products become less effective.

mosquito coil
Never use smoking coils inside. 

Dress for success ✅

Probably the best alternative to putting repellents on your skin is to cover up. This is always tricky when it is hot and humid but the physical barrier clothing provides may be the best option in areas where mosquito activity is high.

Long sleeved shirts, long pants, and covered shoes are key to this approach.

Protection against mosquito bites can be improved by applying an insecticide to clothing. For extra protection, clothing can be treated with the insecticide permethrin – the same insecticide used to treat bed nets in countries prone to malaria. Always use as directed and do not apply directly to the skin.

Wrist bands and sound emitting devices ❌

For those wanting to avoid topical repellents, the coloured wrist bands sold in many pharmacies and supermarkets may seem an desirable option. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence these devices, irrespective of the active ingredients they contain, can provide whole body protection against mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes don’t seem put off by sound either. For decades small sound-emitting devices have been sold, and repeatedly shown to be ineffective. “Mosquito repellent” smart phone apps don’t work either.

girl runs in sprinkler outside
Summer fun is quickly ruined by mosquito bites.

Changing your diet ❌

It would be wonderful if there was a pill we could take to prevent us being bitten by mosquitoes. It would overcome the challenges of getting you to apply sticky and unusual smelling solutions throughout summer. Problem is, such a thing doesn’t exist. There is no scientific evidence anything you can eat or drink will prevent mosquitoes biting you.

You can still enjoy your gin and tonic, bananas, or vegemite on toast – just don’t expect the mosquitoes to stop biting!

List Of Insect Repellent Lotion

Sawyer Products SP564 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Lotion, 4-Ounce
Price : $5.97
Features :

  • Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent lotion deters a wide variety of pests — up to 14 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
  • Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, and Zika viruses), chiggers, and more
  • Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it’s ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
  • Non-greasy; dries quickly and won’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
  • Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear

Additional Info :

Color White
Item Dimensions
Height 5 Inches
Width 3 Inches
Length 3 Inches
Weight 0.01 Pounds
Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion, 34% Deet, Repels Mosquitos that May Carry Viruses and Deer Ticks that May Carry Lyme Disease, 2 oz.
Price : $10.42 ($5.21 / Ounce)
Features :

  • Contains 34.34% DEET for superb protection against insect bites
  • Proven to repel mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and deer flies
  • Repels mosquitoes that may carry Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and deer ticks that may carry Lyme Disease
  • Advanced 3M Controlled Release Technology provides a continuous shield of protection that lasts up to 12 hours when used as directed
  • Unique time-release technology provides long-lasting protection

Additional Info :

Color Green
Item Dimensions
Height 4.9 Inches
Width 0.6 Inches
Length 2.7 Inches
Weight 0.13 Pounds
Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion with up to 12 Hours of Time Release Protection (Pack of 3)
Price : $23.99
Features :

    Additional Info :

    Color Three-pack
    Item Dimensions
    Height 4.6 Inches
    Width 7.2 Inches
    Length 9.5 Inches
    Proven Insect Repellent Lotion -- Keep Mosquitoes, Ticks and Flies Off, DEET Alternative Repellent, Up to 14-Hour Protection, Great for Outdoor Camping and Hiking – 6 Ounce, Odorless Lotion
    Price : $15.99 ($2.66 / Fl Oz)
    Features :

    • CONTAINS 20% PICARIDIN – Picaridin is an active ingredient recommended by the CDC for protection against mosquito and tick species. According to CDC, Picaridin is safe for use on pregnant & breastfeeding women, when used as directed.
    • LONG-LASTING PROTECTION – With a single application, Proven Lotion offers broad-spectrum protection for the whole family and effectively repels mosquitoes and ticks for up to 14 hours. Repels flies, gnats, chiggers, and no-see-ums for up to 8 hours.
    • DEET ALTERNATIVE INSECT REPELLENT – Proven does not contain DEET. Studies show a 20% concentration of Picaridin is equally as effective at repelling insects as higher concentrations of DEET, for those looking for DEET alternative solutions.
    • ODORLESS FORMULATION – Goodbye toxic smells, this lotion is genuine odorless, with a clean, non-greasy feel that leaves skin feeling soothed and moisturized. Lotion allows for easy, targeted application and is the preferred product for use on face.
    • TRUST PROVEN INGREDIENTS – Proven seeks to create safe, quality-focused, effective products for the health-conscious family. EPA registered, family owned, and formulated in the USA with ingredients sourced from the US and Germany.

    Additional Info :

    Color Clear
    Item Dimensions
    Height 6.6 Inches
    Width 1.8 Inches
    Length 1.8 Inches
    Avon SKIN-SO-SOFT Bug Guard PLUS IR3535® Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion - SPF 30 Gentle Breeze, 4 oz
    Price : $29.95 ($7.49 / Fl Oz)
    Features :

    • Gentle Breeze Scent 4 fl. oz.
    • Deet Free PABA-Free
    • SPF 30 sunscreen lotion
    • Moisturizing Protection with aloe & vitamin E
    • Non-greasy- Suitable for entire family

    Additional Info :

    Color White
    Item Dimensions
    Weight 0.12 Pounds

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