which would any of you recommend? would prefer more natural BUT a group of us(teens) are going down to work the 9th ward on July20-30 so i hear it is hot and buggy ,, want to do our best so nay suggestions? thanks

it doesn't say but we are going to New Orleans

IMO Cutter

I like the Unscented *Off.*

Bull Frog is the most effective for me providing protection for both.

For bugs - any brand with DEET. To minimize your exposure to the chemicals, spray on clothing mostly (see part 2 of my answer)

For sun protection - SPF 30 or above of newly purchased sunblock - it goes bad after a while. Most people do not use enough or reapply often enough. Combine this with long sleeve/long pants clothing - I know it will be hot, but just don't try to spend that much time in sun and exposed to bugs without some protection. Wear a hat. (And spray the clothing with the bug repellant)

And I think you are wonderful to be spending part of your summer doing something like this.

Cutter Advanced. Contains Picardin 7% that for certain types of mosquitoes is more effective than DEET and just as effective for other types according to the WHO. Picaridin also does not have an odor, is not irritating for most people and unlike DEET will not damage clothing or plastics. It IS very hot, humid and buggy in the N.O. summertime. Water + warmth = mosquitoes and plenty of them. Mosquitoes are at their worst at dusk and dawn and are attracted to heat, CO2 and lactic acid. You will producing plenty of all three through working. To help minimize atracting them, avoid wearing dark colors as well as blue and green. Do not wear anything scented and use unscented soap. As gail recommends, wear long sleeves and long trousers as a barrier. Spray your clothing with the Picariden or other repellent.

Hats off to you for your coming good work.

thank you all .. they have returned and all the advice was so handy .. yes they still got bit and are hot and tired ..but i personally am in awe of each and every one of them .. they were part of NY2NO .com a completle student run group from high schools in NYC thanks

Definitely use a mossie repellent with Picaridin rather than DEET. Much, much nicer so you'll actually use it more often! It doesn't smell, isn't greasy, and supposedly is much less toxic to humans than Deet. It's the ingredient in Cutter "Advanced", and I noticed just yesterday that "Off" has a Picaridin version now.

If only one of them will start making towelettes, I'll be happy. I hate carrying liquids!

BostonHarbour (on the Asiaforum) was the first to tell me about this, after she did quite a bit of research for her India trip.

I like spray-on sunscreens, especially the Hawaiian Tropic 30 (35?) SPF.

Bullfrog - or DEET - or Picardin - whichever you choose - Use It ! and often - Do Not Skip

And remember to Shower after using any of them! The 'skittos are vicious this year! The viruses make you feel lousy, so spray away !

As for sunscreen - it's all about Just using it - and applying liberally and often - - I find with my family that the spray-ons work for us - -they are easy to use and smell nice - -increasing their tendency to Use Them ! (keep them in a cooler - so they feel so good, when you spray them on)

{pay attention to hair lines, necks, noses and top of hands - - chemo is not fun }

Places like Whole Foods will have 'natural' type. Do not rule out Walgreens and Walmart's selections.

Good idea about keeping the spray on sunscreen in a cooler!

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus is the top rated all natural mosquito repellent.

Bite Blocker is the safest for kids and pregnant women.