Mosquito Repellant

Kernow666

I am travelling to Thailand in April and am considering getting some Mosquito repellent


i have seen it in Pound land both sprays and wipes and also in supermarkets like Asda from £5 & up


would a cheaper one work just as well as a more expensive one

Moto2

You need DEET
Nothing else consistently works, so check the labels.

They come in different concentrations from 5% to 100%, the higher the percentage, the longer they last before needing re-applying - the higher percentages don't offer better protection per se

alanrowell

Deet also dissolves plastics so wash your hands after applying it.

In my experience they like to chew your ankles so ensure you have lots of coverage in that area and the peak time for them is just after sunset so ensure you are covered up then

eDicky

The most disturbing thing about Thai mosquitoes is the sound of their laughter at someone who paid too much for a repellent that doesn't even bother them much...


The active ingredient required is DEET (di-ethyl-something-or-other), as Moto2 mentions, no other quality is worth paying for. Herbal repellents based on citronella etc can also be helpful but need much more frequent application. Either type are freely available in Thailand, probably much cheaper than anywhere in UK but Poundland.


Mosquitos have had a hard time lately in Thailand due to reduced rainfall, but depending where you are they can still be a nuisance. In outdoor restaurants in the evening it is best to use repellent on the legs, even when coils are lit under the tables. Beware of the daytime biting Aedes Egyptii who cunningly hide under the seats of taxis and carry Dengue Fever, and Sika when it arrives.


Personally I hardly ever use repellent and they don't bother me much, but I don't eat sugar - they are attracted to and prefer sweet blood.

Kernow666

thanks for the replies , I have never ever used it before & been to a few similar places never really thought about it in the past

Heliflyguy

50% Deet has been judged to be effective enough and a trade off for higher concentrations that risk skin reaction, Deet is not a partially nice chemical.

Mosquitoes home in on our expelled Co2 and movement , dont believe they have any desires for sugar.

Other things that help are wearing loose, light coloured clothes that cover your arms and legs, depending on where your staying a net around your bed, also a fan or aircon (not too cold) blowing across you as you sleep.

Mojisola

Heliflyguy wrote: »

Mosquitoes home in on our expelled Co2 and movement , dont believe they have any desires for sugar.

They home in on Co2 but they definitely choose which person to then feast on - in a group, it's usually me.

I don't think it's got anything to do with sugar, though.

PompeyPete

Don't burn a coil in your bedroom unless you wear an anti-gas respirator for bed.:)

pendragon_arther

Take it from someone who has lived in Kenya and the Philippines and who mozzies love to bite - get Off, it's the best one. Another deterrent is Brewers yeast and lots of garlic - mozzies hate them.

prosaver

pendragon_arther wrote: »

Take it from someone who has lived in Kenya and the Philippines and who mozzies love to bite - get Off, it's the best one. Another deterrent is Brewers yeast and lots of garlic - mozzies hate them.

I use to eat marmite and ive never been bitten it say you have to eat it 3 weeks b4 going. take . the brewers yeast tabs must bbe the same thing.
Avon oh so soft works too
just googled it, yes it works .
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186535-i625-k3813183-Midges_Avon_Skin_So_Soft-Scottish_Highlands_Scotland.html
Hedge your bets and do every old wives tale:D cant lose.

PompeyPete

Avon so-soft is good because it's an oil and forms a barrier. Apply it, gently spread it, then top it with mozzie spray.