Best Mosquito/Insect Repellant?

TopQuark

When I lived in the tropics (Philippines, Malaysia), I found out that I was severely allergic to mozzie bites!

On one occasion, I had around 10 bites and I woke up in the night, having difficulty catching my breath. When I turned the light on, my face was like a puffer fish so my friend took me straight to the emergency clinic (fortunately 5 mins away) where I had an adrenalin shot and immediately 'deflated' and was able to breathe again.

Since that time I carry an epi-pen now and take oral anti-histamines as a precaution, but if I happen to get the odd bite, it swells the whole area up and then blisters.

The best thing to do is to stay covered. Long-sleeves tops and trousers if you can and if not, 50% DEET repellent (beware it is sticky and can damage plastics and fabrics - I 'melted' my flip-flops to the floor with it!). You need to apply it throughly - a quick spritz or two won't do the job. And if its very hot/humid, you need to keep re-applying it.

I also use the plug-in DEET repellent for inside rooms, I find it works quite well if you don't leave doors and windows open all the time.

If you are very diligent, you can avoid most bites. I live in fear of having to use the epi-pen and also of even getting the odd bite as the scars they leave behind are so ugly (I have many on my legs). If you are not vigilant, they'll get you!

littlesnuggy

Well I went armed with the Boots Tropical Strength roll on and Avon SSS spray... and got bitten multiple times, as did OH and both his sisters. Auten aerosol & spray versions were bought whilst there and I covered myself in them regularly. I think I would have got bitten more without them, but nothing stopped them getting us. We had citronella tealights in the house, didn't stay outside after dusk, kept windows closed and in the end bought a Raid spray for the house.

So the search will be back on next year!

ibizafan_2

On the strength of good reviews here on MSE, I have invested in some Mosquito Milk ready for Sicily next week. Mosquitos don't really like me much, but I thought I would take some just in case!

balletshoes

I'm just home too - only used the Avon SSS dry oil spray on my wrists and ankles before going out in the evening, and didn't get bitten at all, until my last night, when I had sprayed, but this was the only night we didn't have the air conditioning in our bedroom, and I think thats where I was bitten. I have on small mozzie bite on my forearm, usually I get a lot more bothered by them (but usually I don't have air con).