Crocodile Natural Insect Repellent Without DEET

Good smelling natural insect repellent that works without DEET -- what a concept! Crocodile makes just such a DEET-less all natural insect repellent -- not bad for your skin or the planet. Field-tested by me on mosquitoes and sand fleas, this natural insect repellent works almost as well as DEET but has a better bouquet. I have reservations about getting personal with goop that I must pat lightly on my clothes for fear that it may touch my skin (that would be DEET). Crocodile natural insect repellent smells good. And I can drink it in a pinch (okay -- not really).

A relatively new vintage of bug dope (first pressing was in 1994), natural insect repellent Crocodile's maker Dancing Roots has perfected an old world recipe with an earthy thyme base, layered with high notes of rosemary and a peppermint finish. Excellent nose with unpretentious aspirations. Bugs hate it.

DEET works, without a doubt. But ay yi yi, does DEET dope reek. Citronella smells fine and I don't dread growing a third eyeball if I sit too near a candle. Crocodile natural insect repellent rules, though. Smells good and works without DEET or citronella. I love this stuff.

DEET-less Insect Repelling Travel Tip

Sleeping in a beach palapa -- cozy. Just you, the surf, and nine million mosquitoes and sand fleas.

Bug-free dreams can happen by rolling a line of insect repellent around the perimeter of your bunk, sheets or sleeping bag. Avoid gagging on DEET fumes mid-dream with natural insect repellent.

Is There a Vaccine for Malaria?

There is no approved vaccination against malaria -- your best bet is to keep malaria-carrying mosquitoes off your skin. Bug dope with DEET is endorsed by the CDC, which watches health issues for US citizens. DEET works. In fact, DEET is probably the most surefire way to keep bugs at bay. It just stinks.

In 2006, the CDC gave its seal of approval to picaridin (pick-CARE-a-den) as an effective anti-skeet agent. And the CDC also likes oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Cutter Advanced (contains picaridin)
• Ben's Insect Repellent with DEET

• Crocodile natural insect repellent

If you do use DEET in areas where malaria is a heavy threat, try this: put a few drops of insect repellent with DEET in your palms, rub together, and pat onto your hair and clothes. Keeps the DEET and the bugs off my skin every time. Malaria not a worry? Try the natural insect repellent route.

• More About Malaria