Bites begone! We’ve tested the best mosquito repellents

Jungle Formula claim to offer up to 9 hours of protection against common mosquitoes with this powerful spray, containing 50% DEET. It also comes in a child-friendly formula, with less DEET. It is an absolutely essential item for taking on holiday - I have used so much of this over the years in hot climes!
My gripe if I have one is that it's an aerosol, but it does come in a roll-on too. I tend to stand outside and douse myself liberally to avoid accidentally spraying furniture, and I also wear a bikini to apply rather than damaging clothing.
The spray isn't too sticky, which is good, and the smell isn't offensive. But to be honest, I'd still buy it regardless, because it works. I wouldn't say it offers a full 9 hours of protection, but it will certainly do 5-6.
In the UK, I don't tend to use Jungle Formula that often unless I'm going to an evening event during the summer months. Then, I tend to spray arms and legs and thankfully avoid being bitten when the mozzies come out.

Whoever Mrs White is, she has my eternal gratitude! This all-natural insect repellent is the first one I've tested that actually works. Normally it's only DEET that works for me. I've been testing this and am delighted with it. Yes, it's quite expensive, but I do believe the price is justified.
It's got a really lovely lemon tea fragrance, so you can smother yourself in it (as I have done) and no one would know you're wearing insect repellent. It's non-sticky, and the spritz bottle makes for easy application. It's also safe to use on linens, clothes, pillows and skin.
Now, full disclosure, I have only tested it in the UK so far, and won't get to test it abroad until next month (and I'll update this accordingly). However, I did wear it during that short hot spell we had a couple of weeks ago. On my normal evening walk by a fairly stagnant river, I often get bitten 6-7 times or more. However, I didn't pick up a single bite in the whole week I wore this.
It also worked really effectively on my son, who got one bite on his ankle and that was it.
You do need to reapply every 4 hours and after swimming, but I'd say that's pretty standard and I'm happy with its longevity. I'd happily recommend this spray.

If you're looking for a more stylish option than being plastered in insect repellent, these bracelets are well worth a try. They come in a pack of 12, with varying colours, so you can match them to your outfit. They are leather, though, so not suitable for vegans.

They are DEET free, instead being coated in citronella, and it's claimed they offer up to 300 hours of insect repellent. They can be worn on the wrist, ankle, or even attached to a backpack, though we're to sure how effective that would be. It's recommended to store them in the sealed pack when not being used.

Customers mostly feel - as I do - that these are great top up option, to be used in addition to a spray or roll-on repellent. They're fantastic for holiday, easy to pack and they can be worn in the water. However, most people said they needed to change the bands more frequently than advised and their efficacy isn't foolproof.

Like its sister spray, tested above, this Jungle roll-on is very powerful, with 50% DEET. It's easier overall to apply as it's in a a roll-on form, but I did find when applying it to my teenage son that it's harder to cover areas like ankles and kneed with a roll-on.
However, my kids prefer it to the spray, and formula wise there's nothing in it. I'd use this abroad agains as I have done in the past, but in the UK I'd opt for the natural Mrs White's spray, tested above.

This mosquito cream is DEET free, but it promises that it’s powerful and long lasting. Personally, I’d rather use DEET free products if possible, and I know many people prefer a cream. Conversely, many prefer applying insect repellent in a different format, and THEYE also sell wipes, a pump spray, an aerosol and even a mosquito repellent bracelet. 

I find cream easier to apply on myself but a nightmare to apply on my youngest son, especially if he’s already had to stand patiently for sun cream to be applied (he is 14 and should know how to keep still but can’t). So, if you have young energetic grandchildren or children, you might like to opt for a different format. 
However, customers do praise the efficacy of the product and while some like the smell (citronella), others have said it’s too overpowering.

Calypso are synonymous with sun tan cream, but this DEET containing mosquito spray is another holiday must-have. It offers up to 8-hours protection (though I’d reapply sooner than that) and is suitable for mozzies at home or abroad. 
Like most DEET sprays, it works well, but a lot of customers would disagree with the ‘pleasant fragrance’ claim from the brand. However, if you’re after an aerosol that’s easy to use and not too fussed about smelling of DEET, this is a good option, with thousands of positive reviews from people relieves they’re not getting bitten.

My grandma always carried Zam-Buk in her bag, and my mum still does. I have childhood memories of running to them with any kind of scrape, sting or bite and having it rubbed on, so I was delighted to find out it’s still being made, and it is still doing a wonderful job as a sooth-all balm. 
It smells (in my opinion) lovely – though I’m not sure if that’s because it makes me nostalgic! Still, it’s a herbal smell rather than a medicinal one. 
The balm comes in a small tin so you can easily pop it in your bag and take it with you. The lid can be difficult to get off, particularly if you have wet or greasy hands, but the balm itself is easy to apply. It might feel greasy initially but that soon goes. Don’t be put off by the colour either (it’s dark green) as it goes on clear.  
I don’t know how it works, but its healing properties are great at soothing bites – and pretty much anything else. In the last few weeks, I’ve used it on a bite on my son, on his scraped knees, on a torn callous on my hand, to stop chaffing on thighs, as a lip balm, and on nettle rash. It’s so reasonably priced, and so versatile, I’d highly recommend getting some.

Anthisan is my saviour, and yet when I recommend it to people not many seem to have heard of it. If you’re heading abroad this summer, I urge you to grab a tube of this and keep it close by in case you do get bitten. 
I have been using it for years as it’s the only cream that stops my itching and soothes the skin. I’ll be honest – it’s fairly thick and white, and it has a strong medicinal smell. But to be honest, if I’ve been bitten, I’m past caring and I’ll take the white splotches on my skin and the strange smell just for some relief. Like Zam-Buk, it’s really reasonably priced, and it works.