Mosquito repellent

From Imakoopedia

Mosquito repellent is a necessity for travel in areas where yellow fever, malaria, dengue, or other mosquito-borne diseases are endemic. It should contain one of these ingredients: DEET (diethyl toluamide), catnip oil (nepetalactone) or neem or andiroba oil (gedunin and other compounds). Do not trust a repellent made with citronella alone; it is not strong enough.

DEET is effective at concentrations of 10% and up; its strength plateaus at 30%. It should not be used on small children, especially on their hands, as it is poisonous if ingested.

Catnip is about 10 times as effective as DEET. It has no contraindications, but may attract the attention of cats.

Neem is effective for up to 12 hours at a concentration of 2%. Neem (but not andiroba) is a contraceptive, so it should not be ingested by women who are or are trying to get pregnant, though 2% is not enough to do anything.