FAQs
Why do insects bite humans?
We are an attractive meal to biting insects due to the kairomones we produce, such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. The more you sweat the more attractive you are to mosquitoes. Some insects need blood for the development of their eggs, such as female mosquitoes. Male mosquitoes are vegetarians, so don’t bite.
Why avoid insect bites?
Insects carry dangerous diseases and their bites can cause painful sores. Protecting yourself from insect bites is the best way to avoid your holiday being ruined. Several diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects can be life-threatening, including Malaria.
What is an insect repellent and how do they work?
An insect repellent stops insects from biting you. They do not kill insects. Insect repellents produce a repellent vapour that interferes with the insect’s receptors, preventing them from homing in on your skin! The repellent vapour in Protect repellents also has an unpleasant taste to biting insects.
What insects are repelled?
Protect repels mosquitoes, midges, ticks, horseflies and other biting insects.
How to apply insect repellent?
Spray an even, thin layer of repellent onto areas of skin not covered by clothing. Do not spray onto sunburnt or irritated skin, and eyes or mouth. Cover up as much of your skin as possible with long-sleeved clothing to reduce the amount of exposed skin and the repellent that needs to be applied.
The spray repellent does not need to be rubbed in. Wash your skin before bed to remove any residual left on the skin. Follow product instructions on pack. Find out more >>
Can I apply insect repellent and sunscreen to my skin?
Insect repellent and sunscreen should not be applied simultaneously to the skin. It is best to apply sunscreen first, allow it time to absorb thoroughly into the skin and then only after being absorbed fully, should insect repellent be applied.
When should I reapply insect repellent?
After excessive sweating, heavy rain showers or swimming. Each Protect bottle states the length of time in hours the repellent should last for from application, dependent on perspiration and activity. After that period of time, we would advise reapplying the repellent.
Can I use insect repellent on clothes?
No. Repellents should only be applied to exposed skin, not clothing. Repellents containing DEET can discolour and damage synthetic fabrics.
Are your repellents suitable for hand luggage on aeroplanes?
Yes all Protect repellents in both bottle sizes 60ml and 100ml are suitable for hand luggage.
Will insect repellents provide 100% protection all of the time?
To get maximum benefit from insect repellents, you should follow on pack instructions. No insect repellent can provide total protection in every situation and is dependent on proper coverage, application and the temperature and humidity of the environment. Protect insect repellents offer the best protection you can buy to stay bite-free on holiday, and are in compliance with the EU Biocidal Products Regulations (528/2012).
What insect repellent should I use for sensitive skin?
We have designed an insect repellent especially for sensitive skin. Protect Sensitive is a gentle yet effective repellent, that does not include irritant ingredients. The Saltidin® repellent ingredient in Protect Sensitive has been tested as suitable for sensitive skin and pregnant women.
Like any product, when first using an insect repellent we would suggest applying a small amount on the skin to check for no irritation or allergic reaction before applying further.
What is DEET?
Otherwise known as Diethyl-meta-toluamide, DEET is a synthetic chemical and a very effective repellent to biting insects. It is recommended by health professionals particularly for high-risk malarial areas and has been used around the world as a repellent since the 1940’s.
Where should I store my Protect repellent?
IIdeally in a cool dry place.
I've opened the repellent, how long will the bottle last after opening?
They last for approximately 3 years. Each Protect bottle includes an expiry
date.
If I am going to a high-risk Malaria area which repellent should I use?
Take a repellent containing a high % of DEET. Either Protect Max, containing 50% DEET or Protect Once which contains 30% micro-encapsulated DEET would be suitable. Protect Once contains a lower % of DEET, however due to the advanced time-release technology it provides longer protection, over a 12 hour day.
Is there an insect repellent suitable for children?
Yes a number of the Protect repellents are suitable for children. For young children Protect Natural is ideal, being made from plant-based ingredients it can be used on children from 6 months+. Our Saltidin® DEET-Free repellents, Protect Sensitive & Protect Midge & Tick are suitable for children from age 2+.
If you wish to purchase a DEET repellent for family use we would advise using Protect Once or Protect Everyday, both can be used from age 2+.