- Consumer watchdog Which? has cautioned British holidaymakers against purchasing certain "trendy, alternative" mosquito repellents, as tests revealed some failed to protect for more than a few minutes.
- Two products, Pestects Mosquito Repellent Bracelets and Meadows Organic Citronella Spray, were found to offer minimal defence, with volunteers being bitten within three minutes or almost instantly, despite claims of extended protection.
- In contrast, Asda’s own-brand Extra Strength Insect Repellent spray, priced at £4, provided total protection for an impressive nine-and-a-half hours, outperforming more expensive alternatives.
- Highly effective repellents included those containing DEET, such as Jungle Formula and Boots Repel, as well as Autan Insect Repellent (containing Picaridin) and Incognito Insect Repellent Pump-Spray (using plant-derived PMD), which also offered long-lasting protection.
- Which? emphasised that consumers do not need to spend a lot of money for effective protection, with affordable supermarket options proving superior to some pricier, fashionable alternatives.
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