In short, I hate it. I made my lips blister and melted my friend's plastic watch. Does anything else work against Central/South American mosquitos?

I wouldn't touch 100% deet products, which is the watch-melting variety. We swear by Sawyer's Time Release Formula - about 20% deet, easy on the skin, and kept the mozzies at bay even in areas where there were swarms of bird-sized ones. Most folks feel you need deet to decrease your chances of malaria and dengue in areas where they're present.

We just returned from Chiapas where we used the new Permethrin. I got a small spray bottle from Walgreens for $1.50 ($3 for 2) and it lasted the whole trip (12 days). I spray it on the back of my hand then rub on face, neck.

I thought I read that permethrin was best sprayed on clothing and could last through several washings. I am getting mixed up with another type of insect control?

You want a repellent that contains Picaridin. Cutter Advanced is one. Picaridin is equal to DEET in effectiveness and for certain types of mosquitos, even more effective. It lasts as longer or longer. It is far less likely to cause skin irritation, and will not harm plasics, etc. It has little or no odor.

Permethrin is for clothing only. It is a neurotoxin and EPA classifies it as a carcinogen.

bs2,
According to CR's many reports, 3M's Ultrathon (23.75% DEET) is most effective and longer lasting.
We have used that in Mexico; Central and South America (incl Panama's Darien and Iguazu Falls).
M

Serious question: I plan on doing only carry-on. Are any of these (non-cancer causing, non-plastic melting) bug deterrents available in 3 ounce containers?

have you looked into Ex Officio's Buzz Off line of clothing? Not likely to provide all of the protection you may seek but good deals are to be found and it will not eat your skin like deet.

Oops--my bad--I meant Picaridin--and yes, it did come in a small container (I believe 1/5 oz).

mikemo-I've read the CR tests. However the World Health Organization specifically recommends Picardin as the most effective against those mosquitos that carry malaria, and it is also more effective than DEET for several mosquito breeds other than those common in the US.
Other than its effectiveness, Picardin is much kinder to the skin than DEET.

Oops- typing too fast. That's Picaridin.

Thanks so much for the replies. I was thinking Lemon Eucalytus, but I think I'll go with the Picaridin, eh? I have the same carry-on concerns mentioned earlier in the post, so thank you also for the info on the 1.5 oz bottle. Just FYI, the DEET that melted my friend's watch was 30% and the one that blistered my lips was only about 20%... I cannot even imagine 100%.

You might have wanted to be in Panama's Darien when the Africanized bees attacked - we were spared, but many not.
The bees hate Ultrathon. Mosquitoes hate Ultrathon. I hate Ultrathon, but it's effective.
M (MD; NBME; ABIM; ABNM; ABR)

llbwolf - 20 and 30% - wow! I'll stick with my approach - we haven't had the slightest problem with the encapsulated versions and the creepy little blighters stay completely away. Here's there latest I've found on the CDC site:

http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/u...sNav=browseoyb

The CDC citation is 2005-2006 which is about the time that picaridin was first being brought into the US - thus it was not considered at that time. Since then, CDC recommends picaridin as well. As mentioned, the WHO recommendations prefer picaridin over DEET for the malaria mosquito and for several other mosquito breeds. If both are equal in efficacy as repellents, then we need to look at other factors. Of the two, DEET is more irritating to skin and mucous membranes and can damage plastics and some other materials. Picaridin is also nearly odorless.

mikemo, I'd like more information from you on Panama's Darien as that is on my "future list of things to do". Glover has been as well. If you don't mind, send me an e-mail with a few recommendations about how to get in there, who to hire, etc. Thanks!

[email protected]

I just saw this thread while trying to figure out what concentration of DEET to use. Many thanks, basingstoke2, for identifying a much better alternative!

Pleased to have been of help.

basingstroke - <CDC recommends picaridin as well. As mentioned, the WHO recommendations prefer picaridin over DEET for the malaria mosquito and for several other mosquito breeds.>

Would you cite the URLs? Thanks.

lol, I mis-read this and thought you said that it made your lips melt

I hate it too...but here in Buenos Aires, the mosquitoes are out and I am on the menu..so I am spraying myself with OFF before I go out the door.

Finding these new products is hard for me to find, here..