effective insect repellents

nesssie1702

It's that time of year again when the midges are out and about and they seem to love my blood.

Can anyone recommend alternative insect repellents? Does Avon's Skin-so-Soft really work? Someone at work mentioned garlic capsules (swallowing them, not covering yourself in the stuff!)

I'd try anything as an alternative to scratching myself stupid.

Pink.

Hi nessie,

Some of the suggestions on these threads may help:

mosquitoes

Washing with Tea Tree Oil

Fly spray recipe

Pink

at27

I read somewhere that mosquitos hate the smell of marmite which they pick up on if you eat some. Apparently you don't need bucket loads, just a couple of pieces of toast with it on every morning.

Would love to know if it really worked..!

nesssie1702

Like the advert, you either love Marmite or you hate it, and I'm not a fan!

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check out the other threads too.

potsofmoney_(I_wish)

They don't like lavender, you can use it neat around the tops of your socks when out walking and at your wrists. A drop will do the trick. Also if you're away anywhere a few drops on your mattress will stop you getting bitten during the night.

Lavender is also a wonderful soother for bites and will take that itch away. I take it as part of my first aid kit for going anywhere, as its such a versatile oil. Doesn't smell too bad either. Hope that helps.

cganim

the hate garlic, try taking a garlic capsule and see if that helps.

Herbaholic

Have PM'd you some info Nessie

MRSMCAWBER

Hi there
I use citronella or tea tree oil....they hate it..but its if you like the smell... i love them both...and tea tree is a great antiseptic if the little devils bite...but it is quite strong, so you may want to let it down in a bit of oil...
you can burn citronella in an oil burner indoors to deter them and if you have outdoor oil lamos/lanterns you can get big bottles of citronella oil to burn...
i have seen on ebay some stretchy band that are impregnated with citronella that you put around your ankles, wrists...you could always make some..

Miss_Cinnabon

I can totally reccommend avon skin so soft, my hubby swears by it, there are loads of unwanted beasties at his work! he loves the stuff.

Also as prev said, lavender oil is great for deterring too.

Kyle

MrsMW

I also like the Avon stuff and they have a great offer on at the moment. You get a lovely free travel bag if you spend £30, and loads of stuff is on BOGOF.

zhari

Hi, I just wanted to say that I have been using the Avon body oil spray for about eighteen years as an insect repelent. First bought it in America where it was advertised in a supermarket as a mossie repellent and to be honest I havent found anything better. They have changed the name and formula a couple of times over the years. But I used it earlier this year whilst on holiday and it still seems to do the same job. I never go in the garden without it and I even spray it over the top of my suntan lotion!!!
I react very badly to insect bites and am never without a bottle or two or three!!! I think its worth a try. x