Anybody used Mosquito Milk? I purchased some in Greece 8-10 years ago and recently checked it out -- it expired in 2001.

I did a web search, and can't seem to find it here in the States. ((b))

Wouldn't mosquito milk just feed the little critters? Did you try eBay?

I tried Mosquito Milk (bought in the UK) a few years ago. It worked the same as anything else on me, i.e. partially.

I swear I do not own stock in Cutters (hmmm...note to self...call broker) but it has worked for me everywhere in the world, including the jungles of Cambodia. It has DEET in it, which can be a hassle if you spray it on since it dissolves plastic (like watchbands). But in the stick form, it's great.

It's my understanding that when it comes to repelling insects, DEET is the magic bullet. Is there really something else that works as well?

Marilyn, you are correct that DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methyl-benzamide) is the only chemical that has been found to have significant insect repellent properties. The common folk "wisdom" that DEET is a neurotoxin is not borne out by the extensive research that has been done, much of which I am familiar with because it relates to my occupation. DEET has repeatedly been shown to be safe when used as intended - this does not mean, of course, that it may not cause problems for some unusually sensitive individuals, who should obviously avoid using it.

There's another thread running at the moment that discusses insect repellents, referencing a material available in Europe known under the proprietary name of Autan. Autan is simply DEET by another name - both chemicals are referenced as CAS# 134623 (The Chemical Abstracts Service assigns a number to each unique chemical compound to avoid this type of confusion - the CAS number is definitive and is commonly used by chemists and regulators to make sure that everyone's talking about the same chemical).

It's entirely appropriate for anyone to be concerned about any chemical they apply to their body. Those wishing to learn the facts about DEET should probably start with the article "Mosquitos and mosquito repellents: a clinicians guide", which appeared in the Annals of Internal Medicine 128:931-940 and was at one time available on-line at http://www.acponline.org/journals/an...8/mosquito.htm. Though much of this paper is very technical the pertinent points are easily understandable to the lay person. It also lists over 100 technical references for further reading.