'Certain mosquito repellents fail to keep bugs away'
The Consumer Council on Thursday said many mosquito repellents may not deliver on their marketing, with one brand it checked seemingly attracting the insects instead of keeping them away.  Checks on Cherub Rubs Scatterbugs found that more mosquitos landed on the tester's forearm than before it was applied.  Of the 25 repellent brands examined, only one sample, containing Deet, passed the test perfectly, with no mosquitoes landing on the tester's arm.  Some natural or herbal brands repelled certain types of mosquito, but not those that spread dengue fever. Speaking at a press briefing, Kenneth Chan, the Vice-Chairman of the council's Publicity and Community Relations Committee, said consumers should choose the products carefully. "Mosquito repellent products with chemical or natural ingredients each have their own advantages and drawbacks. Consumers may consult physicians and pharmacists and choose suitable products according to usage and health conditions," he added.  Chan also urged the makers of mosquito repellents to list out the ingredients in the label clearly and state whether the product is suitable for children.