Mosquito sprays on the Danish market are either based on synthetic substances or essential oils. Abroad, there are also the so-called DEET mosquito sprayswhich are effective but harmful to health.
On this page you will find a comparison of the most effective mosquito repellents in the UK. Please note that this article only deals with mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito bites (the so-called repellentswhich has a deterrent effect on mosquitoes).
You can read about B vitamins against mosquitoes here (which can also be used to repel mosquitoes) and mosquito bite remedies here (the so-called 'post-cut' funds).
Which mosquito spray is best?
Here's a comparison of the best mosquito sprays on the Danish market:
Autan Mosquito Spray ★★★★★
- Efficiency: 5/5 (the most effective mosquito repellent in the UK)
- Duration: Up to 8 hours
- Application: Spray on exposed skin areas
- Active ingredient: HIPC (hydroxy-isobutyl piperidine carboxylate)
- Other: Repels biting flies for up to 5 hours and reduces the risk of tick bites
Urtegaarden Stik-ikke Oil ★★★☆☆
- Efficiency: 4/5
- Duration: Not stated
- Application: Spray on exposed skin areas
- Active ingredient: Olive oil and essential oils
- Other: Is organic
The synthetic mosquito sprays (like the ones above) are generally much more effective than the oil-based ones. This is because the synthetic sprays are specially formulated to repel mosquitoes from humans, whereas the oil-based mosquito sprays are made from essential oils, which simply have a natural repellent effect.
Another important aspect is the duration of action; most chemical mosquito sprays are effective for 4 - 8 hours, whereas oil-based ones typically only work for 2 - 3 hours.
In addition to the mosquito sprays listed above, there are also DEET mosquito sprays that are not legal in Denmark. The advantage of mosquito sprays with DEET is that they are very effective, while the disadvantage is that they are harmful to your health. Therefore, we only recommend using DEET sprays if you are going to mosquito-plagued areas abroad.
Read more about DEET mosquito sprays here.
Other mosquito repellents
In addition to mosquito sprays, mosquito repellents are also available in other forms such as gels or oils. Below you will find a comparison of the best mosquito repellents that are not mosquito sprays:
Autan Family Care Gel ★★★★★
- Efficiency: 4/5
- Duration: Up to 4 hours
- Application: Apply to exposed areas
- Active ingredient: HIPC (hydroxy-isobutyl piperidine carboxylate)
- Other: Contains no perfumes, dyes or preservatives
About the ratings
The mosquito repellents in this article are rated based on their effectiveness:
- Efficiency and effectiveness (90%)
- Price (8%)
- Scent (2%)
The percentages above show how much each parameter is weighted in the comparison.
How to choose the right spray
When choosing a mosquito spray or other mosquito repellent, the general recommendation is to choose the mildest repellent that still meets your needs.
For example, if you're staying in the great outdoors during the summer months, you should always opt for a powerful mosquito spray (i.e. Autan). If you're only staying outdoors in the spring or fall, you may be able to get by with a milder mosquito repellent.
Although all of the mosquito repellents on this page are approved by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency - and thus do not pose a health hazard - mosquito repellents are generally harsh products that should only be used when necessary and always in sparing amounts. In other words, you don't need to use the strongest mosquito repellent in all situations.
Use of mosquito spray
It's usually best to spray the mosquito repellent in your hands and then apply it to the areas of your skin that are exposed to mosquitoes. In practice, these are usually uncovered areas of skin that give off a lot of heat - such as the face, neck, throat, wrists and ankles.
You can also spray the mosquito spray directly onto clothing, bags, tents, etc. as this also provides protection against mosquitoes. This is especially useful if you need to use mosquito spray for longer periods of time or if you are in areas with a high mosquito population.
Remember that mosquito spray should never come into contact with the eyes, mouth or nostrils, and that you should always spray the product in your hands before (gently) applying it to your face.
Children and mosquito repellents
When going out in nature with children, it's important to protect them from mosquitoes for several reasons. Firstly, because some children (like adults) develop allergic reactions to mosquito bites, but also because they don't have the ability to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
As a rule, only mild mosquito repellents should be used for children. Ask your pharmacy or the retailer you buy them from. All the products on this page can be used on children (but not under 3 years of age).
In addition, here are some precautions to take when using mosquito sprays and other mosquito repellents on children:
- AgeMost mosquito repellents should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Ask your mosquito repellent retailer for advice.
- ApplicationMosquito spray should never be sprayed directly on children; instead, spray the product into an adult's hands and apply it to the child's exposed skin areas. Mosquito spray can also be sprayed on clothing. Never let children apply mosquito repellent to themselves and always keep it out of their reach.
- QuantityThere is no need to apply too much mosquito repellent on adults or children. Use only sparingly.
- HandsDo not let children's hands come into contact with mosquito repellents, as children may have a tendency to put their hands in their mouths, rub their eyes, etc.
Remember that the above precautions apply to both synthetic and oil-based mosquito repellents. Just because a product is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe for children!
If you're traveling to mosquito-infested areas abroad, you should always consult a doctor who understands travel medicine before you leave.
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