Mosquito repellent and general defence

[ajcj]

We don't like the mosquito, no sir. Now how best to keep the little blighter away?

I'm going on a 2-week trip across India, just post-monsoon, and would really like to avoid Dengue Fever, Malaria, and a face full of septic bites. Does anyone have any hard-won advice on the effectiveness of Deet repellents, citronella wristbands, those wee buzzers, anything else? Nets are an obvious one, what else should I be packing?

[sawman]

You need deet, get the strongest you can.

[FasterFreddy]

The best defence at night is a good net. Buy one now and practice putting it up at home so you can do it in the dark if necesary.

During the day, deet-based repellants are probably the best you can get but no guarantee and they melt plastic and can cause skin irritations.

Easy to say but try and stay away from areas where malaria and dengue are rife if you can.

[havoc]

sawman said:

You need deet, get the strongest you can.

Anything over 20/25% is overkill, and is probably harmful for skin. 50% is good for the cuffs of clothing, but it can stain so be warned.

"Mossie milk" (comes as a roll-on) was reasonably effective when we were in Africa.

[Don]

Mossie net for nights.
Midge hood might be useful on occasions.
Deet based repellant.
COVER UP. The less skin you have exposed the less bites you will get.

[sawman]

havoc said:

sawman said:

You need deet, get the strongest you can.

Anything over 20/25% is overkill, and is probably harmful for skin. 50% is good for the cuffs of clothing, but it can stain so be warned.

"Mossie milk" (comes as a roll-on) was reasonably effective when we were in Africa.

Actually you might be on to something there, I have spent two summers in the canadian prairies, where mozzies are big (in size and number). the strongest deet you can buy legally in canada is about 28% and is supposed to last for 6 hours, lower doses last for less time.

Ha ve a look at this: http://watkinsinsectrepellent.com/.

Watkins is very good in particular the lotion, which is easy to apply and seems to minimise deet irritation.

[Stu R]

Avon 'So Soft'. Wasn't intended to be an insect repellent, but just so happens to be great at it.

Failing that Jungle Formula has always been decent enough.

[havoc]

sawman said:

Actually you might be on to something there, I have spent two summers in the canadian prairies, where mozzies are big (in size and number). the strongest deet you can buy legally in canada is about 28% and is supposed to last for 6 hours, lower doses last for less time.

We're off to Ontario, BC and Alberta in a few weeks - any advice (re: mossies, to keep it on-topic)?

[Don]

havoc said:

sawman said:

Actually you might be on to something there, I have spent two summers in the canadian prairies, where mozzies are big (in size and number). the strongest deet you can buy legally in canada is about 28% and is supposed to last for 6 hours, lower doses last for less time.

We're off to Ontario, BC and Alberta in a few weeks - any advice (re: mossies, to keep it on-topic)?

Cover up when in infested areas - and try not to visit these at all if possible! Strong repellant - same advice as always.

Oh...if you stay in smaller, older B&Bs in Albterta (like we did) you will find cutesy wooden houses with sash windows with screens.

This does not keep out mossies. It only keeps out "the big stuff". So close your windows if you do not want to be badly bitten in the night.

We got this http://www.aspivenin.com/english/main.html to try and help. But I'm not convinced. You have to use it right away after being bitten to have any useful effect IMO.

[sawman]

havoc said:

sawman said:

Actually you might be on to something there, I have spent two summers in the canadian prairies, where mozzies are big (in size and number). the strongest deet you can buy legally in canada is about 28% and is supposed to last for 6 hours, lower doses last for less time.

We're off to Ontario, BC and Alberta in a few weeks - any advice (re: mossies, to keep it on-topic)?

the mozzies should be dying down over the next month, they are worst in the evening, get some mozzie stuff, the watkins is great, but you can pick up "Off!" in any superstore which is ok.

Dont leave your windows open at night unless you have mozzie screens.

sounds like you have great trip coming up

Edited by sawman on Saturday 21st August 10:44

[Don]

sawman said:

Dont leave your windows open at night unless you have mozzie screens.

I've got to say: just don't leave your windows open at night. Ow ow ouch.

[Cotty]

How about some clothing with protection built in
See Nosi and Losi life

http://www.craghoppers.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servl...

[ostrix]

You have to watch the DEET as it can 'melt' your sunglasses or any plastic / veneer.Found some great natural stuff called OnGuard in South Africa last year and I see they now sell online..www.naturallyonguard.com

[Beardy10]

If you are sitting outside at night try and avoid sitting with your feet on the ground...Mozzies basically only fly at low level unless they fly into something at which point they fly up as opposed to around it. Sounds daft I know but a very good friend of mine if health economist and specialises in the control of Malaria. He's spent an awful lot of time studying Mozzies and one of the things they needed to work out was how they got into your typical African hut which has a roof overhanging the wall with a gap in between to proved ventilation....it's also a nice front door for your average mozzie. Actually I think that flying characteristic may be peculiar to the type of mozzie that carries malaria....so even more reason to do so.

[ajcj]

Cotty said:

How about some clothing with protection built in
See Nosi and Losi life

http://www.craghoppers.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servl...

Just bought two of these shirts on ebay, thanks for the tip. All others, much obliged for the advice.

A

[Mr Darcy]

I have spent a lot of time in places like India and other mozzy infected places and the best thing that I have found that repels them is not showering for a few days. The smellier you are the more likely they will leave you alone. Sleep with some bird that uses sweet scented body wash they will get eaten alive but you will be fine

Local stuff is better than anything else you can buy though. Sandal wood candle for example will work a treat when out in on your balcony or whatever.

Edited by Mr Darcy on Tuesday 24th August 12:09

[FlashmanChop]

sawman said:

You need deet, get the strongest you can.

+1

NafOff Horse flyspray has it.

[condor]

Beardy10 said:

If you are sitting outside at night try and avoid sitting with your feet on the ground...Mozzies basically only fly at low level unless they fly into something at which point they fly up as opposed to around it. Sounds daft I know but a very good friend of mine if health economist and specialises in the control of Malaria. He's spent an awful lot of time studying Mozzies and one of the things they needed to work out was how they got into your typical African hut which has a roof overhanging the wall with a gap in between to proved ventilation....it's also a nice front door for your average mozzie. Actually I think that flying characteristic may be peculiar to the type of mozzie that carries malaria....so even more reason to do so.

It's also a very good reason why I got many bites a couple of days ago - sitting outside in the early evening...mossies got in through my jeans via the ankle and proceeded to bite their way up and then down the other trouser leg as they were trapped. I only find out hours later when all the bites start itching

Once you have been bitten, a good way to reduce the itching is to boil up some water , put a teaspoon in boiling water to heat up and then use the base of the spoon directly on the bite....will stop the itching for a few hours.
Alternatively, if you've got loads of bites - have a hot bath and gently apply soap plus rinse for temporary relief.

[Bill]

Don said:

COVER UP. The less skin you have exposed the less bites you will get.

This is the main point, especially at dawn and dusk, and particularly your ankles. Tuck your trousers into your socks if necessary.

And make sure you don't stretch out and rest the soles of your feet against the net in the night

condor said:

jeans

And leading on from this, avoid dark colours as it attracts them. There's a reason safari suits/shirts etc are beige.

And finally, mosquito coils work a treat, you can even get a metal holder so you can use them in tents.

[5potTurbo]

Stu R said:

Avon 'So Soft'. Wasn't intended to be an insect repellent, but just so happens to be great at it.

Failing that Jungle Formula has always been decent enough.

THIS ^^^^

I suffered terribly on holiday in the U.S some years ago. A British woman living across the street gave me some of this stuff and I wasn't bitten again.

I only wish I remembered that when I was in Illinois last month. fking bd mozzies - I had over 20 bites on my right foot in one evening, even after spraying myself ALL OVER with "Off" and having 'fogged' the entire garden at my brother's house with this special machine.

I fking hate mozzies.