Italian Tests Reveal Best Mosquito Repellents for Tropical Travel

Consumer organization Altroconsumo tested leading mosquito repellents intended for tropical use, evaluating efficacy, safety, and ease of use in its laboratories in Italy. The organization followed World Health Organization guidelines, measuring protection duration by exposing volunteers’ arms to tiger mosquitoes. Conad Tropical Insetto Repellente Lozione No Gas scored highest with 79 points, offering high protection with 30% DEET and costing around 6.45 euros.

The tests revealed that repellents with DEET at concentrations of 30% or higher are most effective, especially for travel to areas with diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. While icaridin-based products were better tolerated by skin, they offered less protection than DEET. Many “natural” repellents using essential oils proved to have limited and short-lived efficacy.

Altroconsumo’s final score considers 65% efficacy against tiger mosquitoes, 20% safety, 10% label quality, and 5% packaging. The organization’s findings will help consumers choose effective repellents as summer and mosquito populations increase.