Chemical wins mosquito battle

Insect repellents containing the chemical DEET provide the best protection against mosquito bites, says a report in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Sprays and lotions that relied on plant oils or another chemical did not last as long and might require several applications.



Yet many consumers were reluctant to use DEET and sought alternatives, the researchers said, despite it being deemed safe with normal use.

The report said other plant-derived repellents, including citronella, lasted less than 20 minutes.