Research library
The studies behind every number on this site
Every protection estimate and evidence rating traces back to the papers below. Each study page summarizes the sample, species, methodology, and measured results, so you can judge the evidence yourself.
6 studies
- Topical repellents for malaria prevention (Cochrane systematic review)
Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Wagah MG, Maia MF, et al. · 2023 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Art. No. CD015422
Meta AnalysisDefinitive evidenceSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and cluster-randomized trials testing topical repellents (sprays, lotions, gels) for preventing malaria infection in endemic regions.
- Protective effectiveness of long-lasting permethrin-impregnated clothing against tick bites: a randomized controlled trial among outdoor workers
Mitchell C, Dyer M, Lin F-C, Bowman N, Mather T, Meshnick S · 2020 · Journal of Medical Entomology 57(5):1532-1538
RctDefinitive evidenceTwo-year randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial of factory permethrin-impregnated clothing versus sham-treated clothing among 82 outdoor workers in an endemic Lyme-disease region.
- Efficacy of topical mosquito repellent (picaridin) plus long-lasting insecticidal nets versus long-lasting insecticidal nets alone for control of malaria: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Sluydts V, Durnez L, Heng S, et al. · 2016 · The Lancet Infectious Diseases 16(10):1169-1177
RctDefinitive evidenceLarge cluster-randomized controlled trial in 117 endemic villages in Cambodia testing community-wide topical 20% picaridin plus long-lasting insecticidal nets versus nets alone for malaria control.
- Efficacy of four insect repellents against mosquito bites: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled field study in Senegal
Uzzan B, et al. · 2009 · Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology 23(5):589-594
RctDefinitive evidenceDouble-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover field trial of icaridin (picaridin) 20%, PMD 20% and 50%, and DEET 50% sprays among 100 volunteers over five nights.
- Field evaluation of the efficacy and persistence of insect repellents DEET, IR3535, and KBR 3023 against Anopheles gambiae complex and other Afrotropical vector mosquitoes
Costantini C, Badolo A, Ilboudo-Sanogo E · 2004 · Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 98(11):644-652
Field TrialDefinitive evidenceLarge topical field trial in Burkina Faso directly comparing skin-applied DEET, IR3535, and KBR 3023 (picaridin) against wild malaria vectors, with over 49,000 mosquitoes collected (~95% Anopheles gambiae complex).
- Comparative efficacy of insect repellents against mosquito bites (complete-protection-time study)
Fradin MS, Day JF · 2002 · New England Journal of Medicine 347(1):13-18
LabDefinitive evidencen = 15Aedes aegypti10 measured armsControlled arm-in-cage trial measuring complete-protection time for DEET, IR3535, a soybean-oil product, botanical sprays, and repellent-impregnated wristbands against Aedes aegypti.