What Should You Expect from an Insect Repellent?
Effective insect repellents are designed to reduce mosquito bites by making it much harder for mosquitoes to recognize and land you. No insect repellent creates an invisible “force field” that mosquitoes cannot cross. Understanding what repellents actually do can help explain why bites sometimes still happen.
Insect repellent do not eliminate mosquitoes from the environment. They also do not stop you from producing the natural cues mosquitoes use to find human hosts (i.e. carbon dioxide, body odors, body heat, and humidity). Instead, insect repellents work by making it much harder for mosquitoes to recognize you as a suitable host. Even an effective repellent cannot guarantee zero bites in every environment, particularly where mosquito populations are extremely high. Proper application, adequate coverage, and choosing a long-lasting repellent formulation all influence how well that repellent performs.
Why My Bug Spray Doesn’t Work?
✓ Did you cover all exposed skin?
Mosquitoes only need one untreated area to land on and bite you. Commonly missed areas include ankles, ears, neck, wrists, and behind the knees. Spray products can make it harder to judge whether every exposed area has been covered. Lotion formulations make it easier to see exactly where you’ve applied the product, helping reduce missed spots.
✓ Has your repellent worn off?
Protection time varies greatly between products depending on the active ingredient, formulation, and how well the product remains on the skin. Heat, evaporation, and outdoor conditions can all gradually reduce effectiveness. Additionally, many spray repellents require frequent reapplication throughout the day, making it easier for protection to lapse if reapplication is delayed or forgotten.
✓ Have you been sweating or swimming?
Heavy sweating, swimming, and towel drying can all shorten the effective protection time of many insect repellents. Knowing the limitations of the repellent product you are using and when to reapply can help with lengthening protection time for long outdoor activities.
✓ Are you outdoors during peak mosquito hours?
Mosquitoes are at their peak activity time at dawn and dusk. Being outside during evening events or watching the sunrise could mean a greater presence of mosquitoes in your vicinity. Even good repellents will be challenged more during these peak times. Likewise, tropical climates and areas with standing water provide ideal mosquito breeding conditions, increasing the number of mosquitoes you may encounter.
✓ Is your repellent designed for all-day protection?
Every insect repellent relies on an active ingredient to interfere with how mosquitoes locate people. Different active ingredients will perform differently. Scientifically developed active ingredients such as DEET, IR3535®, and Picaridin tend to have a stronger repellency effect compared to “natural” active ingredients such as citronella, lemon eucalyptus, or essential oils. Certain controlled-release technologies found in insect formulas can help extend protection times. Protection time – not just the active ingredient – should be one of the most important factors when choosing an insect repellent.
Fortunately for consumers, many of these common problems can be minimized by choosing a repellent designed for complete coverage, long-lasting performance, and consistent protection.
IMPEDE Helps Keep You Protected Longer
The premium insect protection formulation of IMPEDE is the all-around solution to common insect repellent problems. The lotion-based application allows users to see exactly where the product has been applied. More even coverage means fewer missed areas compared with many sprays. Using the patented controlled-release technology, STAYTEC™, IMPEDE keeps the active ingredient on the skin surface longer by reducing its evaporation, providing up to 14 hours of protection. Long-lasting protection also means fewer interruptions for reapplication.
Built for active lifestyles, IMPEDE is sweat- and water-resistant, making it ideal for long beach days, hiking, sporting events, boat trips, and tropical travel. The DEET-free formula of IMPEDE instead uses the active ingredient, IR3535®, which is designed based on the naturally occurring amino acid B-alanine, and works by interfering with an insect’s ability to recognize human scent cues through its sense of smell and taste. The overall IMPEDE formula is hypoallergenic, dye-free, and suitable for children, pregnant women, and those with sensitive skin.
Getting an occasional mosquito bite doesn’t necessarily mean your insect repellent has failed. Effective insect protection ultimately depends on choosing a long-lasting product, applying it correctly, and understanding how the insect repellent actually works. With its lotion-based application, long-lasting STAYTEC™ technology, and proven active ingredient IR3535®, IMPEDE is designed to help reduce the chances of mosquito bites. Don’t let ineffective insect protection interrupt your time outdoors. Choose IMPEDE and enjoy every outdoor adventure with confidence.