Every time I go to the lottie I seem to get bitten by something - midges, red ants. I am particularly prone to bites and so use a couple of different sprays - Mijex (50% deet) and also Autan Family Care (which I don't think is strong enough for me).
Currently, I have a bad bite on my ankle which is leaking yellow puss (sorry) and has a large swelling - might be a trip to the docs in the morning.
What does everyone else use as a deterrent ? Was thinking of trying the famed Avon body lotion (might smell funny but if it works then worth it). Is this it:-
http://avonshop.co.uk/product/summer-shop/bikini-ready-body/skin-so-soft-soft-and-fresh-dry-oil-body-spray.html (http://avonshop.co.uk/product/summer-shop/bikini-ready-body/skin-so-soft-soft-and-fresh-dry-oil-body-spray.html)
i'm not clicking on that link! I've come over all faint just looking at it :D
bikini-ready-body/skin-so-soft-soft-and-fresh-dry-oil-body-spray.
I get a bad reaction to bites - they swell up and fill with fluid then burst. I have steroids to control it. I've tried all types of repellants - sprays, lotions, Avon, citrus, tea tree, tumble drier sheets, garlic, you name it I've tried it. The ONLY thing that comes close to working is 50% DEET. It's not nice stuff but it's either that or suffer.
Which? magazine just did a trial that included Avon and it didn't work for them either. The two high strength repellants they recommend are both 50% DEET - Boots Repel Extra Strength and Jungle Formula Extra Strength.
I've been avoiding the Mijex because it is a bit oily but I think I'll go back to it and put it on even if just nipping to the lottie. This ankle is killing me
I (luckily) dont have a problem with this I must taste really bad because I never get bit (what this space now!!!!!), however I do know that anything that contains citronella is supposed to be very effective.
Sorry I couldn't be more help hoep it all gets better soon :)
Chris
Just found this on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Citronella-Insect-Repellent-Holiday-Mosquito-Spray-125_W0QQitemZ270380195771QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL?hash=item3ef3ea5fbb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1683|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Citronella-Insect-Repellent-Holiday-Mosquito-Spray-125_W0QQitemZ270380195771QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL?hash=item3ef3ea5fbb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1683%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)
Cheap enough might be worth a try :)
hi kendy. I get bitten to pieces too, and can vouch for the Avon stuff. it may not work for everyone but it does work for me. I hope you find something that works for you - it might be worth trying the Avon stuff, you never know!
Quote from: ChrisBro on July 01, 2009, 16:43:27Sorry I couldn't be more help hoep it all gets better soon :)
Thanks Chris - it's every time I go to the lottie something gets me and it is getting worse as I get older (must be rotting!)
Avon skin so soft works for me too(green bottle) and I am like the last supper to all mosquitos and midges. If it works for me it should work for anyone :D Its pleasant to use and doesn't smell feminine. I can actually smell the citronella in it. I am sure i read somewhere that its has been used by the USA troops as a mosquito repellant!!
Duke :)
I've only just tried skin-so-soft to keep off the horse flies. It's difficult to say if it worked because there are so many - I work outside in the country and there'll be 20 trying to bite me through my boilersuit - the only thing that's really effective is covering every inch of skin - but then I get heat exhaustion. Bummer!
Black flies and midges are sometimes troublesome on the allotment but on bad evenings I just go home. My wife's a gardener and swears by lemon juice.
Increase the garlic content of your diet?
'Avon skin so soft' for me use it all the time fishing, :)
Avon Skin So Soft is the business (Greeney Blue bottle/ Fresh scent one). SAS use it and other armed forces guys. Works even with Scottish midges :)
Quote from: Duke Ellington on July 01, 2009, 16:56:08
Avon skin so soft works for me too(green bottle) and I am like the last supper to all mosquitos and midges. If it works for me it should work for anyone :D Its pleasant to use and doesn't smell feminine. I can actually smell the citronella in it. I am sure i read somewhere that its has been used by the USA troops as a mosquito repellant!!
Duke :)
SSS works for me too - it was recommended to me years ago by my brother in law - he's American and lives in West Virginia - he goes turkey hunting and it keeps those "noseeums" as he calls them, at bay. I live in MIDGIE LAND and this spray oil does work. Not the nicest smell in the world, but who cares if you are not being eaten alive!
Meg
If none the above work try taking garlic capsules every day and get some Tiger Balm from the chemist rub a bit on both sides of the ankles. While its not the best of smells its very afective.
I cover up - baggy cotton trousers, an old shirt of OH's (he's twice my size) and a headscarf. Always gloves, of course. Stops me burning as well as preventing bites, except on my eyes - I have been known to wear protective goggles especially in the evenings. Ooh, I do look elegant!
Yes, another vote for skin so soft ;D
I'm in a Biker club (motorcyclist) and have been arranging our annual AGM, which this year is in Scotland.
Almost all our Sottish colleagues have mentioned this product (also another one that I can't remember)
So, if some rufty tufty bikers recommend it, it can't be bad ;D