Sorry for the late chime in . . . .

Consumer Reports has an article (page 15 / May 2003) on this. It
corroborates that DEET is best, but the highest % isn't necessarily better.
3M's Ultrathon lotion topped the list (33% deet). Avon, with 7.5% IR3535,
was judged relatively ineffective.

BugOut spray (15% deet and much cheaper per use), was fine if you didn't
need daylong protection, but even with a reapplication, it's much cheaper.

Application notes: Lotions are easiest to apply to face (don't apply with
spray directly into face - spray into palm and rub in, then wash hand).
Sprays are best for quick coverage of clothes and body.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Thwap!
______________________________________

Ned McGarry
Sammamish, WA
ned.mcgarry at verizon.net