Thanks for all the advice. I am sitting here on antibiotics after a very nasty reaction here in the UK.
I have now got a clicky thing (unfortunately too late for this bite!) as a friend swears by them. I have also just popped to poundland to get a zapper bat (Yes, revenge is sweet).
So along with all the citronella candles, citronella incense, clicky thing! and zapper bat I will be off to France on Sunday,in the vain hope of some sunshine.
There are two different 'clicky' things - the racquet type which you swipe the insects with, and which instantly zaps them into oblivion! Then there is the piezzo clicky which you use on a bite to stop it itching (and it isn't torture, and does work). You can buy a 'medical one' for about £10.00 or a clicky gas ring lighter for £1 from a poundshop - both work just as well!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I had some really nasty bites/stings from red ants (I think). My skin was really burning and so itchy I couldn't sleep. I bought a load of stuff that didn't work and then went back the next day for something called Aspivenin from Boots. It looks like a hypodermic without the needle and extracts the venom by suction. I was really sceptical, especially as the bites were not new. However, it worked almost instantly. It says on the little case that the French Army etc carry this. It was almost £19 but can be re-used endlessly. I will be taking it to France this year as I always get bitten at some point despite my best endeavours with DEET etc.
we also have the Aspivenin,we bought ours in France 3 years ago after watching the campsite life gaurd use it on my daughters wasp sting on her neck,I gave her 1/2 histamine tablet and cool packand she was fine in a couple of hours,,,,
I was relieved that that she reacted "normally "Iwould have needed a course of oral steroids and been wiped out for a week...
I have tried it post bite a fair few hours and not got a great deal of relieve from mosquito bites,but think it is more effective for things like bee/wasp stings
will try the clicky thing.
Another friend bought me asmall device to put on my hand bag which emitts a almost inadable to humans high frequency buzz.
He said load of BA (BRITSH AIRWAY) cabin crew had them and thought they were brill.
I have used it in conjunction with other things never felt able to try it sole.loaned it to a friend who does not like chemicals,but she returned with loads of bites!!!!!
Stay a good distance away from water. That's where they breed. Avoid camping amongst trees. We have been to France and Spain recently and not needed the fly stuff we took with us. We took Avon, an electric plug in and a fly spray.
Fred.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
I was given a free sample of a new repellent at a trade fair last year and it was brilliant. Worked in Turkey when everyone was getting eaten alive and at home with our awful midges. Just had a follow up email off the company who make it asking me to review it. DEET free and it smells great.
Highland Strength anti-mosquito
www.highlandstrength.co.uk
From the website it contains 'Citrepel' and it lists various known repellent chemicals under the 'Product Information' including oils of eucalyptus and patchouli - so it sounds as if it might smell rather nice! We've found, in mosquito heaven in the Languedoc, that the Citronella essential oil sold in the campsite shop, and added to our sun screen drop by drop, works wonders and prevents bites.
We use after sun containing insect repellent too, as you tend to apply that when you get back from the beach, shower etc, and evenings seem to be prime feeding time for the little blighters. Like Val's idea of DIY additive to sun cream for a similar effect during the day.
We burn citronella tea light candles in the evening too, if sitting outside or in the awning. They certainly help as well.
mercurochrome alcool modifie70%vol liquid is very good on bites,our french friends told us about it,we brought some back last yr.i am sat clutching a bottle now.sold in supermarkets.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Stick with what you know, Jungle Formula works for me....& of course welcome to the forum tedshort & thankyou for your helpful & informative first post.
Some of us not only seems to be nectar to the little buggers but also suffer from extreme adverse reactions. My husband swears I'm the best bug repellent becuase he never gets bit if I am nearby, of course they are busy dining out on yours truly. Ive tried everything and yes Deet does work but its like oven cleaner on your skin. Best thing i found couple of years back was Smidge, made for those famous Scottish midges. It works. They still fly around but dont land.
------------- Christine
2014
April -
BunRoy Fort William 3 sleeps
April / May
Invercaimbe Arisaig 4 sleeps
Bleatarn Brampton tbc July
Vicks vapour rub. Sitting outside your tent/caravan in an evening, mosquitoes will go for your ankles, midgies will go for your hairline. So put Vicks round your ankles, wrists & airlines & the bugs will stay away.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Insect Repellent
