Help me find an Effective Mozzie/Midge repellant (tried 'Vape'?)

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by pammosley

I`ve heard that you apply another`coat` after 20 mins & then it lasts a few hours. I`ve bought some but haven`t tried it yet. Let us know how you get on, it`s good to have a WAB guinea pig

Put it on 1mm thick - their mouthparts won't penetrate through then!
;^)

Jim

[muldonach]

Found both Autan and Jungle Formula to be totally effective on midges but never use the aerosols since they are expensive and wasteful.

We always use the roll-on stuff and it is essential to make sure that face, neck and ears are well coated.

Tried citronella once and am sure that the mdges came from 20 miles away to try it - they loved it!

Never found anything that will deter a cleg and according to our local doctor the only worthwhile treatment is to take an aspirin 4 hours before getting bit!



Regards
mac

[Deb London]

My better half suffers badly with bites from mozzies. Having read this thread, I think I might buy him both Jungle Formula and a jacket in case the repellent doesn't work. Has anyone had any experience of mosquito-proof jackets for men - where to buy, what to look for etc? He is convinced that they will bite him through anything. And I'd quite like to go on recommendation, having personally witnessed that one managed to somehow get under the leather of his shoe, quite far down. No idea how it did that, but I can see that mosquitos value him highly. I will also try feeding him vitamin B tablets (and I'm sure a G&T will help too).

[The Woodman]

Hi Deb

I've no experience of full mozzy suits but regularly use a head net made for the job. I can recommend these, there are a couple of brands out there. I see the "Argyll" midge net on the shelves of outdoor shops around here, mine is a Canadian job.

Basically a big bag of fine black mesh with fine elastic around the opening designes to put a loop of it under each arm which keeps the net snug against the torso. Wear it with hat to keep the net away from the ears and face. It will trap a suprising amount of heat despite being net. My mate wears the inside plastic spidery bit of a cheap plastic safety helmet to do just that - it's light, ventilated and the semi rigid straps that locate into the slots inside the rim of the helmet cantilever out holding the netting in just the right place.

Not the easiest of kit to eat and drink in though!

A decent long sleeved shirt e.g. Cragghoppers, maybe lightweight gloves and trousers tucked into socks should keep them at bay. Good luck.

[Deb London]

Thank you Woodman. I will look at that brand and your recommendations. We were doing some conservation work, so possibly the head net it might be too hot for this?

Deb

[The Woodman]

I think it would depend on the amount of physical work and the temperature, for example, cutting reeds on a hot sunny day will be a tad uncomfortable.

The full suit with the head net built in will be even warmer if worn over light clothes.

A head net by Scotmas on Amazon for less than a fiver must be worth a try?

I see it's a "round the neck" fitting

Pyramid Head Net: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home

My "under the arm" job looks a little like this one

https://www.johnnorris.co.uk/shop/ty...e-bug-net.html

[Deb London]

Yes, for a fiver it's worth it. Seems good value. Thanks for your help, Woodman,

Deb

[Harry Eales]

Avons Skin so Soft does work, but not for everyone. It certainly works for me and I have worked in the Northumberland and Durham Forests (where 'Yeti' size midges live in uncountable zillions) for over 15 years. I'd tried all the other 'Jungle' and 'Mossie' creams that were available and none of those worked for me, so you'll have to experiment to see what works for you.

You must apply 'Skin so Soft' in a fairly thick layer and do not rub it into the skin, just smooth it over all exposed surfaces including inside and behind your ears. Remove your watch or any wrist jewellery you have, apply the cream and then replace the items.

I carry Skin so Soft in my vehicle all the time, that way it's never left at home.

Harry

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Harry Eales

You must apply 'Skin so Soft' in a fairly thick layer and do not rub it into the skin, just smooth it over all exposed surfaces including inside and behind your ears. Remove your watch or any wrist jewellery you have, apply the cream and then replace the items.

So it's a _mechanical_ barrier to the midges, rather than a deterrent. You spread it on thicker than the length of the midges mouth parts, so they can't penetrate to the skin. I guess any cream/marge/butter/lard etc. would have the same effect if spread on thick enough!

Jim

[Deb London]

Hee, hee, haven't tried the lard.

Anyway, Jungle Formula is working for the OH, so I guess he is one of the lucky ones. He doesn't need/want a net now.

SSS works for me, but the one I have is very oily, so for my face I've bought a very lightweight cap with built in net. I've also been on the vitamins.

So far, so good, having been out a couple of times to try some of these methods. Before this we must have had 100 bites between us, many on the face.