Repel with Deet vs. Sawyers
 

Leaving in 5 days and am wondering how much repellent I will need for 17 days. I bought two 4 oz. of Repel insect repellent with 25% deet. A salesmen suggested I buy Sawyers for my clothes which doesn't have Deet and not for skin, only clothes. Looked at the warning labels on Sawyers and didn't like how harmful it was, but he said that Repel can discolor clothes.

So need some advice from travelers to Bots, Zambia, and Nambia. How much bug spray did you bring? What type did you bring? Any problems with deet discoloring clothes? I've sprayed some items as a test to see how it works and no problems.

Thanks a trillion.

Heather

Heather,
I've used both Sawyers and Repel on my clothes. Both contain permethrin. I didn't realize deet was a component of Repel for clothing, but I haven't paid that much attention. Neither discolored my clothing. I spray everything before I leave.

I also take Jungle Juice, in a small spray bottle, and 3M Deet lotion. I just returned from 3 weeks in Namibia/Botswana, and I didn't even use 1 container of each. In fact, I never used the 3M Deet. I did use the Jungle Juice on several occassions, and my guide at Chitabe used it as well. But, I never made it through the first 3-4 oz. bottle. Many camps/lodges also provide insect repellant. Hope this helps.

Dana

Dana,

Thanks so much. Have one last day to buy/pack and now don't need to worry about getting more bug spray.

Hope your trip was fun.

Jungle juice? Google came up with some great drinks. Don't think that is what you are talking about here. Janet

The travel clinic nurse suggested that we use a repellent with 35% deet or higher. For those of you that have been to Africa before, is this necessary. I have purchased the wipes with 23% deet, but am willing to ditch them for something stronger if need be. What do you guys recommend. We will be in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda from 8/20 thru 9/3.

Thanks.

In Kenya and Tanzania we used the wipes on exposed areas, including ankles and wrists, and had no problems.

Actually, if you get one of the time-release formulations you can use a lower percentage of DEET with the same (but longer lasting) results, and with purportedly less skin absorption.

The two controlled release formulas that I'm aware of are made by Sawyer and Ultrathon. Sawyer has both 'regular' and controlled release, so you have to read the label to make sure which you are getting.

In the effort of balancing out the relative dangers of mosquito bites and their attendant disease risk, and DEET and it's potential skin irritation and neurological damage (although probably an insignificant risk at a normal usage level), I do the following:

I prefer to treat my clothes beforehand with permethrin spray, especially concentrating on cuffs, collars, and waistbands (permethrin is available as either a soak or a spray, and lasts a few weeks -- I don't remember the details), and I use the controlled release Sawyer DEET lotion on exposed skin.

Janet,
I buy Jungle Juice insect repellent at REI. I just looked on the bottle and the active ingredient (95%) is N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, which I think is the same as DEET. Of course the sweet highly alcoholic drink we called jungle juice in college might kill the mosquitos, but only after they got a taste of your blood :)

Ann NYC,
Thanks for the info on the controlled release DEET. I will try some next time. Certainly better than having to spray yourself regularly, and also probably much safer.

Just reading ...... we are going to Kruger/Sabi Sands in November, just for four days. Do you think I will need such strong repellent - and of course in addition to Malarone?

Dana -
Jungle Juice, hadn't heard that name in years. When we first found it (Health Food shop), about 10/years ago, it didn't contain any chemicals, all natural with cloves, cinammon, etc. and worked wonderfully and smelled great. Especially on my friend who was a great attractor of all things that fly and crawl.

abk -
Even for 4/days in Kruger in November which tends to have amazing afternoon thunderstorms, you need to take the Malarone. If all other areas you visit will be non-malaria zones, you have to figure your pills based on 2/days before arriving at Kruger, the 4/days here and 7/days after. And because it's wet and humid during this time, you'll definitely need repellent.