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

dogstarheaven · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:13 PM

hi all

went camping in edale, derbys last w/end when the weather was fairly modest with the odd muggy patch here and there. unfortunately, we camped next to a river and the midges were quite nasty and we suffered a fair few bites on us... we used Jungle Formula but that wears off fairly quickly. I've noticed in Morrisons the other day an aerosol can called Vape was for outdoor use and you spray in a given area. it's supposed to protect users for upto 8hrs but am a bit sceptical of this. has anyone heard or used this product before? we've tried all kinds of recommended brands ie., Avon So Soft Dry Mist Oil, Autan and the like. Even Citronella, Tea Tree oils don't work (tea tree works a treat for lice prevention on children btw).

i really love camping but being bothered by flying biting insects and sleeping with the tent door closed can put a downer on things...

Doggle Avaddit · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:18 PM

What is your experience of the Avon Skin So Soft? I have heard very many people say it works really well, though I have never tried it.

dogstarheaven · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 08:24 PM

well, when i first heard of this years ago i quickly got myself some from a local avon rep and bought the spray and the body lotion. if i can remember correctly, i think it wasn't as good as ppl make out. i hear that it is effective on some, but not on others. i guess it's the luck of the draw really, if you're the 'mozzie type' then nothing will help us. btw, the Forestry Commission Shops stock this and apparently the army uses this too..

also, i suffer v badly from horseflies. when i was backpacking in italy 2yrs ago, we camped next to the woods and my body was covered in massive red lumps - v painful

what have you tried in the past and failed miserably on?

Doggle Avaddit · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 09:44 PM

Well the only thing I have really had concerns with are Malarial Mosquitos abroad and the dreaded Scottish Midge. I took DEET to India, after discovering that the various anti malarial drugs are unreliable and can do more harm than good if taken for the length of time I was staying.
Though DEET is very effective, it is also quite nasty stuff. It melted the handle of my Swiss Army Knife and any other plastic it came into contact with, so I would only put it on my face in times of real need.

I have heard that the Avon Skin So Soft is very effective against the Scottish Midge. There are many different types of Midge, and it could be that this product (quite by accident by the way) is particularly good at fending off these particular blighters, but not the humble mosquito or other species of Midge.

On a recent trip to the Western Isles we took Midge Nets. There were only a few occasions where they were needed for short periods, and though they are not nice to have to wear, it saves you the days of lumpy agony that the Midge bites bring, and are a chemical free solution at least. I didn't get the DEET out at all.

Jez · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 09:55 PM

I use essential cares organic mosimix, works well for me!

Jim Ford · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggle Avaddit

I have heard that the Avon Skin So Soft is very effective against the Scottish Midge.

Yeah - we've all _heard_ that 'Skin So Soft' is very effective, but I reckon it's a 'rural myth'! I guess if you put it on 1mm thick it would work - but then so would marge.

Jim

Doggle Avaddit · #7 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Yeah - we've all _heard_ that 'Skin So Soft' is very effective, but I reckon it's a 'rural myth'! I guess if you put it on 1mm thick it would work - but then so would marge.

Jim

Can you cite any reasons why you think it is an "rural" (urban) myth?

Dutchess · #8 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 10:09 PM

My GP recommends Boots own brand. Never tried it myself though.

D.

Jim Ford · #9 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doggle Avaddit

Can you cite any reasons why you think it is an "rural" (urban) myth?

Well as I said, everyone has _heard_ it's very effective, but those that have actually tried it (including me) report that is has limited or no effectiveness.

Jim

Doggle Avaddit · #10 (**permalink**) 09-07-2009, 10:58 PM

Hmmm, could be that it works on some but not on others. This is true for a lot of modern medicines too.

Perhaps a deterrent has to combine with the odours and chemicals that each individual person produces to produce a concoction that the Midges either can or cannot tolerate. Thus, each remedy is subjective.