Story: Sandflies and mosquitoes

Insect repellents

Insect repellents

There are many types of insect repellents, and some are more effective than others. A home-made lotion of Dettol and olive oil (front left) does work, but not as well as products containing DEET (diethyl toluamide). A cream containing DEET (front right) is the most effective known repellent. Burning citronella candles can also deter mosquitoes. The vial (centre) can be placed into a vapouriser that plugs into a wall socket. It releases the chemical allethrin– an insecticide that knocks down mosquitoes in flight.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Sandflies and mosquitoes - Dealing with bites', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14753/insect-repellents (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Sep 2007