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Brits warned to not waste money on mosquito repellents lasting only 3 minutes
Which? said some fashionable repellents failed in under 3 minutes, while Asda’s £4 spray protected volunteers for 9.5 hours.
- Which? warned holidaymakers against "trendy" mosquito repellents, finding some offer less than three minutes of protection. Asda's Extra Strength Insect Repellent spray, priced at £4 for 125ml, delivered "impressive" nine-and-a-half hours of complete protection.
- Two products marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives—Pestects Mosquito Repellent Bracelets and Meadows Organic Citronella Spray—failed to protect volunteers from bites for more than a few minutes, despite "bold" packaging claims of 300 hours of protection.
- Highly effective DEET-based options included Jungle Formula Maximum Aerosol Insect Repellent and Pyramid Trek 50 . Autan Insect Repellent and Incognito Insect Repellent Pump-Spray also provided extended protection without synthetic chemicals.
- Although highly effective, DEET carries drawbacks including strong odour and risk of irritating sensitive skin. The chemical also acts as a strong solvent capable of melting plastics and synthetic fabrics.
- Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, advised that consumers "don't need to pay a premium to stay safe," noting some pricey repellents are "a complete waste of money.
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12 Articles
£4 Asda mosquito repellent beats £19.99 alternative that ‘lasts three minutes’
Products do not need to be as harsh to be effective Neil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle) 06:32, 01 Jul 2026Updated 06:33, 01 Jul 2026 A watchdog has warned Britons heading abroad this summer not to waste their money on “trendy, alternative” mosquito repellents, with some failing within three minutes. Which? tested 12 products and found that two – both marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals and claiming …
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Center
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
80% Center
L 20%
C 80%
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