Insect repellant that actually works?

catkins

Insects seem to love me and almost every year I get bitten and most years I have a reaction to at least 1 bite so my leg/arm/face swells up like mad and I have to go to the Dr.

This year I am going to Stockholm and I believe there are a lot of mosquitoes there. I have tried a few sprays in the past but they never seem to work nor do any of the supposed remedies for once you have been bitten.

Anyone got any suggestions that do actually work?

bertiewhite

One that I used in Canada years ago was called "OFF" and worked brilliantly but I don't know if it's available in this country or even if it's still made?

nb. - A quick web search suggests it is.

happyandcontented

bertiewhite wrote: »

One that I used in Canada years ago was called "OFF" and worked brilliantly but I don't know if it's available in this country or even if it's still made?

nb. - A quick web search suggests it is.

Amazon sell it., about £12 a bottle.

Tabbytabitha

I swear by Mosquito Milk which has the advantage of being pleasant to use and you only need to roll it on in strips. You may need to buy it online.

Kunoichi73

I've spent a couple of summers in Stockholm in recent years and never had a problem with insects in the city. If you go out into the forests you may have issues. I always find a high percentage DEET based solution works pretty well.

Toothsmith

Isn't there a Avon moisturizer that people like the SAS swear by as an insect repellent?

I'm sure I read that somewhere?

Torry_Quine

Toothsmith wrote: »

Isn't there a Avon moisturizer that people like the SAS swear by as an insect repellent?

I'm sure I read that somewhere?

You just beat me. Avon skin so soft is very good.

heatherw_01

Insect repellents with DEET do work

no.1swimmum

I second Avon's skin so soft - a few years ago when in Florida, we went on a nighttime Alligator hunt - we laughed when the organiser handed around the avon spray - but lo and behold it works brilliantly.


I also believe that fishermen (i.e. those with a line and rod - not deep sea) swear by it, I might be wrong but I am sure that I have heard Chris Tarrant singing its praises in an online video.

pogofish

Toothsmith wrote: »

Isn't there a Avon moisturizer that people like the SAS swear by as an insect repellent?

I'm sure I read that somewhere?

Urban myth! - SOS is quite useless after the short initial burst of solvent evaporation, which is common to most cosmetic liquids - and yes, I have sat beside people with a case of the stuff, constantly slathering themselves in it because it lost effectiveness so fast.

Even the DEET-laced version Avon launched a few years later as a cash-in is only middling in its effectiveness.

Also, as the OP is going to Scandinavia, they may be faced with other biting insects that respond better to different repellants compared to this country. I have a vague memory that the Deer and Elk Flies common there responded better to the Icaridin used in products like Autan - so maybe a strong DEET product with some Autan on-top? Although I think Jungle Formula contains both - but its a horrible repellant to use and a lot of people are irritated by it.

Tolteca87

Jungle Formula is the only thing that woks for me and I'm a mossie magnet who ulcerates when bitten, The roll-on is good for ensuring good coverage but is strong and should be kept away from Lycra, as it ruins it.