FAQ
A lot of questions will undoubtedly arise when planning a trip or finding out information about various travel destinations. To assist you quickly, we have drawn up a list of Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs, which will be supplemented at regular intervals.When drawing up this list, we have classified the information by categories, to make it even easier for you to find the right answers to your questions quickly.
Vaccinations
Can you tell me which vaccinations I need?
Vaccination advice varies from one individual to another. It depends whether you have allergies, are taking medication, and where you are travelling. For the right advice, consult your doctor, the GGD (public health department) or De Reisdokter?.
DEET
How does DEET work?
DEET is the only substance which has been scientifically proven to repel mosquitoes. It was released by the American Army in 1957. If the mosquito comes too close, the DEET works on its nervous system, the mosquito become disoriented and decides to find another victim.
Why should I use a DEET product?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises rubbing the bare skin with an insect repellent that contains the active ingredient N,N diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). This is only one of the many measures recommended by WHO when visiting the tropics to prevent diseases that are transmitted via mosquito and insect bites (dengue, malaria).
Is DEET hazardous to people?
DEET contains substances in various concentrations that have been available since the 1950s. It is used daily by hundreds of millions of people. In concentrations of up to 50%, there is no question of side-effects if it is used according to the instructions.NOTE: Read the information leaflet. Children tend to put everything in their mouth, so Tropicare recommends only using it from 6 years of age upward.
I have heard that DEET attacks plastic.
DEET is usually packed in a plastic bottle. But DEET products are based on ethanol, and that can attack some plastics. If you wait a couple of minutes after having rubbed it on, then the alcohol will have evaporated and you don’t need to worry about harming plastic items like your glasses or phone.
How long does a bottle last?
When used according to the instructions, a bottle will last 1 person 3-4 weeks if you are in a region where you only have to use it in the evening (e.g. for the European mosquito, Culex, or the Tropical Malaria mosquito). There are also regions where mosquitoes are active during the day (think of dengue mosquitoes). If you also use DEET during the day, a package should last for 1 to 2 weeks.
How long is the storage life of Care Plus? DEET?
Care Plus? DEET has a 3-year life, if you keep the lid tightly closed, otherwise the ethanol evaporates. A use-by date is printed on the bottle or tube.
You have DEET 30, 40 and 50%, but which one should I use?
The higher the concentration of DEET, the LONGER it will protect you against mosquitoes. 30% DEET works for approximately 4 hours and 50% protects you for 8 hours. For concentrations lower than 30% you should apply it every hour. For concentrations higher than 50%, it is still effective for 8 hours.
Can pregnant women and children use DEET?
In the ‘Bulletin Malariaprofylaxe’ of August 1999, it was recommended to restrict use of products containing DEET as a precaution. For pregnant women and children up to 2 years of age, use a concentration no higher than 30%. Since then, there have not been any other publications giving a reason to change that advice.
Mosquito nets
Why is there no floor to most mosquito nets?
On uneven surfaces, this creates too much tension on the net, and there would have to be a zip in it. Tucking the mosquito net under the mattress or sleeping bag is sufficient. There is also a Hammock Mosquito net, which can also be used as a hammock.
What must a good mosquito net do?
A good mosquito net must be: 1. made of good quality multifibre polyester (lightweight and strong) woven in a fine-meshed structure that will keep insects out but breathes sufficiently.2. sealed all around, with sufficient room under the mosquito net so that the sleeper is not lying up against the net.3. impregnated with Permitrine or Deltametrine according to WHO guidelines.
Why should I buy a Tropicare mosquito net?
Tropicare sells mosquito nets under the Care Plus® brand name. Care Plus® nets meet all the quality requirements and the Long Lasting mosquito nets are only impregnated with Deltametrine (working life 2.5 years). Tropicare also supports the Drive Against Malaria In AFRICA. For every mosquito net sold, Tropicare also gives one free to the Drive Against Malaria organisation. The consumer pays a price comparable with other vendors, but is also able to support a good cause. No other supplier is offering a similar campaign with mosquito nets.
Permitrine and Deltametrine kill insects, but aren’t they harmful to people and animals?
No, Permitrine and Deltametrine are contact insecticides that kill cold-blooded creatures like insects and fish. They are completely safe for hot-blooded mammals. Which includes humans and their pets/other animals.
Can I impregnate my mosquito net myself?
An impregnated Mosquito net can be re-impregnated. For other nets, it depends on the fibre used to make the net. For the insecticide to adhere properly to the fibres, a mosquito net must be made of 3 multifibres, each consisting of 20 fibres.
How exactly do permitrine or deltametrine work?
Permitrine primarily repels mosquitoes, just like DEET. It is proven that in a room with an impregnated net, there are up to 75% fewer insects. If an insect comes into contact with the net, then the permitrine attacks the mosquito’s nervous system and kills it within a few seconds. If you should lie up against the net, the mosquito will be killed so fast that it cannot bite.
How long does the impregnation work?
Tropicare products are impregnated with Deltametrine. This substance guarantees the working life of 2.5 years in daily use. It is degraded by UV light. (So if you use your mosquito net for 1 month, and then store it in its bag, you can use the net for another 2.5 years minus 1 month).
Why does Tropicare not use a net with an even finer mesh?
If the mesh is too fine, it feels oppressive, which is uncomfortable.
Does a mosquito net keep out more than mosquitoes?
Yes, snakes, scorpions, wasps, bugs, cockroaches and spiders cannot get through the net.
What should I use, DEET or Mosi-guard??
For the tropics, we recommend (as does WHO) always using a product containing more than 30% DEET in the first instance. For other groups like children up to 6 years old and pregnant women, we recommend using Mosi-guard?.
What is the difference in effectiveness between the roller, the stick and the spray?
There is no difference in effectiveness or duration of protection. Choose the method of application that suits you best.