Preventing Mosquito Bites

cheekymole

As I've said, I think it depends on the individual, NOTHING works for me even the most expensive tried and tested formulas

I'll continue to carry my antihistimines

researcher

Do avoid anything perfumed, including all body and hair products - mosquitos are attracted to them - in Mallorca they say they like 'sweet blood'!

50% Deet is the most effective product, second to that products containing 'citronella' (the avon products do). You can get bands to put around your ankles and wrists from Milletts which you douse with deet - I'm told they're quite effective. You can buy your deet, unbranded at a local chemist for half the price of Jungle Formula.

Start taking B1 now, and if you can manage a spoon of marmite daily - (very good results have been obtained in two scientific studies).

With regard to antihistamins, I've tried them all, and Piriton works best for me, (various chemists all agree it is the most effective for mossy bites). But protection is much better than cure!

Have a lovely holiday - and enjoy Mallorca, I used to live there and still miss it!

hollydays

Re the citronella,think it must be similar to eucalyptus,somewhere someone suggested putting citronella in your aftersun lotion,think i might try that unless someone says otherwise.Where do you buy it?Boots?

jude123_2

cheekymole wrote:

As I've said, I think it depends on the individual, NOTHING works for me even the most expensive tried and tested formulas

I'll continue to carry my antihistimines

I suddenly developed severe allergic reactions to insect bites a couple of years ago and half of last year's holiday was ruined because of the pain and swelling I suffered. Do you mind telling me which antihistamine you find most effective and when do you take them? I was wondering whether to take one a day all the way through my hols? I've also stocked up on Jungle Formula and am awaiting delivery of the Avon oil.

melancholly

SVM wrote:

There are the coils you can use too. You burn them like an incense stick and the smell will keep them away. More suited to sitting on the balcony, picnics etc rather than being on the move. Available from most outdoor shops such as Millets, Blacks.

i haven't been able to find any of the incense stick things for a couple of years - everything now seems to require a plug (which isn't always helpful abroad). i haven't seen them in boots or been able to find them online - if you've seen them in a shop, could you let me know which one so i can rush there to buy them out?!

balt

Mozzie milk is supposed to be good, non toxic I believe, also have a look at this http://www.arnywear.co.uk it was mention in Sunday times and is available at some boots and at airports.

Wolfhound

I usually come home from holiday covered in lumps but last year we tried this tip, tie a Bounce tumble drier sheet through a belt loop, or as I did, around the strap of my shoulder bag. You can even rub them on any exposed part of your skin. Mozzies hate the smell. Result... no bites at all. We went into a local supermarket and bought a bag of Citronella tea lights and made sure we had them lit at night on the balcony, on the table and under the table, they seem to love my ankles for some reason. Some of those spray's are so strong that they melted my nail varnish. :eek:

helen21_2

Vit B and anti-hystamines

Becles

The DEET sprays and other travel essentials are on 3 for 2 at Boots. They have different strength DEET sprays, lotions and wipes. I've just bought the strongest Boots own brand one, which was cheaper than brand name ones.

Citronella does work well, and I've bought some scented candles to use on the balcony. I've also bought a bottle of concentrated citronella essential oil to blend into the after sun.

Piriton works best for me if I get bitten but I can only take it at bedtime as it knocks me out Boots also sell a Hayfever and Allergy tablet made by Galpharm. It contains the same amount of Cetirizine Dihydrochloride as Piriton allergy tablets, but it was considerably cheaper.

FakeIrish

melancholly wrote:

i haven't been able to find any of the incense stick things for a couple of years - everything now seems to require a plug (which isn't always helpful abroad). i haven't seen them in boots or been able to find them online - if you've seen them in a shop, could you let me know which one so i can rush there to buy them out?!

Well, I tend to buy them abroad so I haven't seen them in shops recently either. However, you can buy them on various places on the web. I did a search on google for "Mosquitoes coils" and came up with a number of results. Here's one:

https://www.travelwithcare.com/browse.asp?catID=689&prodID=HS011