News: Thinking about going out tonight to watch fireworks?  New study finds that DEET-based products are superior for keeping mosquitoes away -- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22061-2002Jul3.html

Comment:  Off! Deep Woods was the longest lasting by far, protecting for over six hours. But Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Lotion Insect Repellent, which is also marketed as Fite Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent -- protected participants for an average of 120 minutes. Another, containing 2 percent soybean oil, Bite Blocker for Kids, worked for an average of 95 minutes.

Avon Skin-So-Soft was useless, as were wristbands (even if they contained DEET).

DEET is very safe, even for kids. In 45 years, only 50 recorded cases of significant toxicity, generally involving high doses or deliberate ingestion.

10:50:37 AM