Two people wearing mosquito head nets

Insect Repellent & Mosquito Net Buying Guide

Why does insect protection matter?

Choosing insect repellents

Alternatives to DEET

Mosquito nets

Net shapes

Insect repellent clothing

Accessories & bite relief

Product picks

More guides

Why does insect protection matter?

Biting insects are more than just a nuisance. In many countries, mosquitoes carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and Zika. Even when disease isn't a risk, getting swarmed by midges in the Scottish Highlands isn't many people's idea of fun. Effective protection comes down to a combination of repellents, nets, clothing and accessories. We will break down these options and explain the benefits of each.

Choosing insect repellents

What options are available for insect repellent sprays

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DEET concentrations explained

  • 20–50% DEET: general outdoor use, low-risk countries, reapply every 6–8 hours 

  • 20–40% DEET endurance formulas: high-risk areas (Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Asia), lasts 10–12 hours, suitable for children 2+ 

  • 50–95% DEET: maximum protection in high-risk areas, not suitable for children under 6, lasts 8–10 hours. You'll find this in products like Lifesystems Expedition MAX.

Alternatives to DEET

Pyrethrin & Pyrethroids

Pyrethrin & Pyrethroids: Derived from chrysanthemum flowers or synthetically produced. Biodegradable and safe for mammals. Often added to DEET repellents for extra protection.

  • Prallethrin: A fast-acting synthetic pyrethroid. Often used in plug-ins and coils for indoor protection against mosquitoes. 

  • Permethrin: A synthetic pyrethroid used to treat clothing, nets and gear. Provides long-lasting protection by repelling and killing insects on contact. You will find this in Lifesystems EX4 AntiMosquito. 

Saltidin (Picaridin/Icaridin): Image

Saltidin (Picaridin/Icaridin):

Proven effective, odourless and colourless, gentle on skin. Good choice for children and sensitive skin. You will find this in Smidge.

Citronellal Image

Citronellal

Found in lemon eucalyptus oil, non-toxic and child-friendly. Common in citronella candles.

PMD Citriodiol:

A natural active from lemon eucalyptus oil. Widely recognised as a safe and effective DEET alternative. Suitable for family use. You'll find this in products like Lifesystems Natural Mosquito Repellent.

Mosquito nets

Your guide to mosquito nets

Mosquito nets provide a physical barrier against insects, making them essential for sleeping in high-risk areas.

Net fabrics 

  • Travel nets (156 holes/in²): protect against mosquitoes, good ventilation, indoor use 

  • Superlight nets (500 holes/in²): protects against most biting insects, versatile indoors and outdoors 

  • Expedition nets (1001 holes/in²): finest weave, protects against midges and sandflies, ideal for camping in Scotland 

Lifesystems nets are treated with EX8 repellent, lasting up to 2 years and are re-treatable.

Net shapes

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Box

Roomy, best for long-term use on double beds

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Wedge

Compact, quick to set up, ideal for backpackers

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Bell

One-point suspension, good for couples, suited to short-term stays

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Hoop

Spacious and simple to set up, but bulkier to pack

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Free standing

Geodesic design, can double as a tent, heavier than other options

Insect repellent clothing

Covering up remains the best defence. Clothing treated with insect repellent is particularly useful if you are sensitive to DEET or spending extended periods outdoors. Craghoppers NosiLife is a great option for this; it has been tried and tested to offer defence against most biting insects

Accessories & bite relief

  • Mosquito coils: release insecticide smoke, lightweight option for campsites 

  • Plug-in mosquito killers: emit insecticide indoors, protect rooms for around 10 hours per tablet 

  • Bite relief clickers: reduce itching by restricting histamine response if used immediately after a bite 

  • Tick removers: essential in grassy or wooded areas; use specialised tools to remove ticks fully and safely to prevent infection

Final thoughts

Staying safe from biting insects requires a combination of strategies: a reliable repellent, the right mosquito net, suitable clothing and practical accessories. Choose your protection based on your destination and risk level. For advice on insect repellents, nets and travel gear, visit us in store and speak to our team.

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