Behavioural Measures |
Avoidance of insect biting times |
• This rule is often forgotten as some new adventure demands relaxation of 'rules'
• For most practical purposes this is 2 hours on either side of dusk and dawn |
Clothing apparel |
Wear light coloured clothing in preference to dark colours. The dark colours retain the body warmth and gases that insects are attracted to. |
Chemical Measures |
DEET containing products |
• DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide ) is the most effective proven repellent against most insects. It has been in use since 1946 will very little adverse reactions noted
• Recommended brands: Bushman's, NZ Military, Repel, Rid
• DEET is a repellent, not an insecticide
• Use 10-20% DEET for children and 30+% for adults
• Higher concentrations of DEET last longer |
PERMETHRIN containing clothing |
• Available as either a soak solution or a spray
• Very effective and efficient insecticide sprayed or soaked onto clothes (but not the skin), which are odourless afterwards
• An application may last from weeks to months
• Permethrin containing products are safe to use for all ages, once they are dry
• Permethrin is resistant to degradation by heat or sun and maintains its potency for at least 2 weeks, even through several washings
• Do not dispose waste Permethrin into water. The product is toxic to the marine life |
Physical Measures |
Air-conditioning and room screening |
Efficient and effective at preventing insect bites. |
Appropriate clothing
Long sleeved, Long legged, Loose fitting |
• Mosquitoes tend to bite ankles and wrists. Clothing that helps prevent this, and reduce the area of exposure, is a recommendation
• Boots for feet are recommended |
Mosquito nets |
• Essential but does need an insecticide soak before travel for best effect, for if contact is made between skin and net then biting may occur
• Ideal mesh size is 18-25 holes per sq cm
• Denier 100 to prevent tearing
• Synthetic nets are the most durable and the lightest
• Ensure that the net is tucked in under sleeping platform, and does not touch the sleeper |
Vaporisers |
Effective for night control of insects. CAUTION: may cause breathing difficulties, or provoke asthma. |
