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April 06, 2007
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What insect-repelling measures can I take while in Africa?
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BUZZ OFF Ombre Shirt (courtesy, Ex Officio)
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I plan to travel for four months in eastern and southern Africa, and I intend to use 50
percent DEET (spray or lotion) and permethrin-treated clothes and nets. But I have no idea
how much of either of these items I will need for this length of time. Can you provide any
enlightenment?
— Daniel
Dublin, Ireland
Do you have a question of your own?
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 That’s an interesting question. The thing is, I assume you’ll be able to re-stock at
some point, although I wouldn’t hazard a guess where. But let’s run some numbers. Most
DEET repellents with 30- to 50-percent DEET advise the user to re-apply every eight to 12
hours, depending on the formulation (“waterproof” repellents last longer). So let’s say
you’re wearing a permethrin-integrated short-sleeve shirt and convertible pants with the
lower part zipped off. You put DEET repellent on your arms, legs, neck, and face. My guess
is you’d go through about four fluid ounces per week (120 milliliters) of a lotion-type
repellent. Maybe a bit less. That comes out to a little less than a half-liter per month,
which sounds about right to me.
As for clothing, makers of insect-repellent clothing, such as Ex-Officio (exofficio.com)
here in the United States, say that their stuff is good for 25 washings. In four months
you might go through a wash per week, so you’d be about right—particularly if you
take a change or two, which I assume you will. You might carry some spray-on repellent
for your clothing, just in case. I suggest lotion for your skin as there will be less
waste so you won’t need as much.
One repellent net should be fine, with a spare in case you lose yours or it’s damaged.
I’d sure check this beta against someone who’s been in the areas where you plan to travel.
Find an online chat site or something and pose the question. But I think my estimates
should give you a good start.
The Gear Guy reports from
2007 Winter Outdoor Retailer, the bi-annual gearapalooza in Salt Lake City. Check out
his top picks for gear to watch in 2007.
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