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Just got bitten by the Blandford black fly ouch! and the wife has had a really bad reaction so we are trying to take every precaution for our french trip.

So whats the latest with Insect repellent? We've tried the avon stuff which did not work for us, so we usually get whatever the local French supermarket has to offer.

Is there anything new you can recommend? The last posts I could find were in 2007!

We are in the process of dusting off our citronella oil lamps!! 

Hi,

Try "Wrights" coal tar soap, we use it from now until end of October-ish, I used to get bitten all the time either at home or abroad, whilst using the coal tar soap, then very rarely. The missus also takes Non-Drowsey Hayfever tablets aswell as.

Basically

Unperfumed soap

Unperfumed deoderant

Hayfever tablets

All of the above are far cheaper and more effective than any branded products

Regards

Dave

Quote: Originally posted by DamonST on 07/5/2011

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Have you tried the Boots Repel range? 50% DEET in the tropical strength stuff, so should be good for european nasties.

I'd use the spray ones outside though, they are a bit harsh on the back of the throat.

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Just been reading the vinigar 1001 practical uses,it states.Drink a couple of  spoonfuls a day to keep mosquitoes away-your perspiration will be unplesent to mosquitoes.Aparantly Marmite has the same effect,something to do with vitamin B.

But you need to start taking  Marmite daily on toast if preffered 2/3 weeks before journey.Hope it works.

Thanks all...off to Boots to pick up some of their Repel range.some coaltar soap and some marmite although it will stay in the jar!

Thanks again

Those Blandford fly things are bad news.  OH got bitten on his lower legs - about twenty bites on each leg, about 8 or 9 years ago, in the Loire.  The bites looked terrible, and had to be treated with an antibiotic, antiseptic wash, antihistamines, and an antibiotic ointment and took about three weeks before they went down.

They are SERIOUS bites - and can become badly infected.  If anyone is bitten by something which looks like a mini-housefly, which actually bites a chunk out of you, then treat it quickly before it has a chance to look like this:

Avons 'skin so soft' is superb for miggies. An old mate of mine who used to be in British SF suggested it to me a few years ago. He reckoned he could lay in ditches etc for days and not have a problem with miggies.

I reckoned it was because he just naturally smells so bad anyway! :-)

It is very good stuff though. I've jst ordered some online..

Kev.

If you are in the parts of the world where mosquitos can cause malaria, you don't rely on Avon cosmetics, marmite, garlic, vinegar, herbal lotions, or coal tar soap  - you use serious repellents containing Deet - and nets over windows and beds at night. Don't play with the problem.

I understand what you are saying, but he genuinely swears by it. As do a few lads in the RAF Regiment that I know.

I'm sure if overseas they do get supplied the required kit. I must admit that I found it amusing that a big strapping tough guy was admitting to using Avon products. But he was very clear about which one it was and said that the Royal Marines based up in Scotland put him onto it..

Kev.