Bug Bears!

One thing that I would highly recommend whilst being out in Malta, is to bring mosquito repellent!

Bugs and insects are one of my biggest nuisances and I always seem to get bitten everywhere that I go!

So, to protect yourself from these little critters. I have compiled a list of some of the best mosquito repellents that you can purchase from the UK prior to travelling to Malta.

These products vary in price range so that it can offer people with a lower budget or a big budget, the best available products that can be found.

One of the best ingredients that you can use to protect yourself from insects, is an ingredient called DEET. This is a chemical that mosquitoes and insects really do not like.

DEET has been tested and found to interfere with a mosquito’s neurons and receptors located on their antennae and mouth-parts, which are used to detect an animal’s chemical balance such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide.

Although it is an effective repellent, you can also find non-DEET containing products that work just as well.

In this list are some hidden little gems which, in my opinion, really do work!

The list is as follows

Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Maximum Factor Formula Aerosol 125ml: £2.99 (Home Bargains)

This mosquito repellent is a must have within my travel kit, as it has provided me with some of the best protection against mosquitoes and insects. I have found that this brand in particular, carry some of the highest concentrations of DEET in their products, with this aerosol carrying 50% DEET. Sure to keep those annoying critters away!

This brand can be found in most supermarkets and even online via places such as Amazon.com.

But the retailer that you will find this product at, with the smallest price tag, is Home Bargains. This brand is carried in all Home Bargains retailers, where their products are extremely popular. There have been occasions where I have visited the shop and they have completely sold out.

The can states that it provides up to 10 hours of protection, which I truly swear by.

However, as it is quite humid in Malta, I have found that the protection normally lasts around six hours, so I re-apply accordingly.

Avon Skin So Soft Original Dry Body Oil Spray 150ml: £2.25 (Avon)

This is a product that I never thought would be on my list of top mosquito repellents. But, here we are!

This dry oil spray not only keeps your skin hydrated, but this citronellol infused spray helps to keep those insects at bay – whilst making you smell really good!

This item is another cheaper alternative to some of the other products on the market, but many people really do swear by it – including sailors!

The product is not marketed as an insect repellent, but it has been given rave reviews that it can help those of us who suffer from being bitten on holiday! Again, because of this product’s rave reviews, it is often out of stock. So, grab one whilst you can!

Incognito Anti-Mosquito Award-Winning Insect Repellent 100ml: £10.99 (lessmosquito.com)

One year, my family decided to splurge on one of these. And, even though it has a hefty price tag, it actually really was worth the money and it’s also travel friendly, meaning you can carry it in your hand luggage!

This spray is guaranteed to protect you from mosquitoes and has been clinically proven to do so.

One of the best things about this mosquito spray is that is Vegan and completely DEET free!

It also doesn’t carry the really heavy scents that you normally associate with insect repellents – which if you get in your mouth, can taste really awful!

In addition, the bottle is environmentally friendly as it is made from sugarcane plastic and is 100% recyclable!

Pyramid Trek Sensitive DEET Free Insect/ Mosquito Repellent Spray 100ml: £8.95 (Amazon.co.uk)

Another travel friendly item that I have found to be one of the most effective mosquito repellents is from the brand Pyramid.

This product again, is DEET free and carries some of the best natural protection against those pesky critters!

Back in 2008 when I was in Spain, me and my family swore by this repellent and we very rarely had to reapply it.

This can also be used if you come into mild contact with water, as it is splash and sweat proof. Meaning, that if you like to go on hikes and sweat a little, the product will still stay in place.

I found that this product lasted solidly for around eight hours and it didn’t carry a strong smell either.