For your skin, use an insect repellant that contains DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). I think most good ones contain 20% - 25% DEET. If you're going hunting, be sure to use one that is odorless. Deep Woods OFF!TM is odorless after application and contains 23.8% DEET.
For children ... consider using the 'Cutter Family' insect repellents. They have 6.65% DEET, and aloe.
Also - Avon's "Skin So Soft" -- is recommended. It is a little greasy, but GOOD for dry skin, with a DEFINITE fragrance. The fragrance is what apparently keeps the insects away. If you're not hunting, this product is definitely worth considering.
Permethrin is nasty on insects. This chemical should only be sprayed on clothing - NOT YOUR SKIN!! Both PermanoneTM and Sawyer's PermethrinTM contain 0.5% permethrin. They are both available at The Sports AuthorityTM, and PermanoneTM is available from Red HeadTM. It is claimed that the chemical remains effective for 2 weeks, and is odorless after application. Any bug that comes in contact with this stuff will die in short order.
For more information:
There is a company called "LENTEK INTERNATIONAL, INC." that makes a product called "Mosquito Contro+"TM. It is an electronic repellent that has two settings. One replicates the male mosquito's wing beat frequency, and the second setting replicates the wing beat frequency of the dragonfly, which is the foremost mosquito predator. This device is small - about the size of an oversized wristwatch - so it should be no problem to take with you into the field.
The "male mosquito" setting is silent to human ears, and the "dragonfly" setting makes quiet 'clicks'. The manufacturer claims that the device will NOT affect cats, dogs, fish & birds. I don't know what that means, exactly. Does it mean that it does not bother them, or they can't hear it? Can deer, bear, or other species hear it? Will they react to it? I don't know, but I will try to find out.
Email: customerservice@lentek.com
To avoid biting insects, wear long pants and shirtsleaves. Use common sense - if the weather is hot, wear lightweight clothing. Gloves are good for protecting your hands, and for camouflaging them as well. You should spray your skin with DEET at all places where different articles of clothing come together ('joints') and offer insects an opportunity to bite. Historically and from a practical point, one very vulnerable area is one's neck and head. This no longer need be true. Places like Red HeadTM, Cheaper Than Dirt! TM, Sportsmans GuideTM, The Sports AuthorityTM, CabelasTM, etc ... (any place that sells a good selection of hunting clothing) sell camouflage head nets that are very effective at keeping insects from biting, and offer 'better-than-nothing' concealment as well. ALso see Bug Baffler Clothing's body net and Drake Outdoors' tick guard for clothing that defeats insects. I also list clothing for hunting, some of which is specifically designed to also defeat biting insects, on my Hunting Page.
I hope this write-up proves useful to you. Good hunting from the Spirit of '76 Hunting Page!!
Last updated : 21 May 2001