Best bug repellent?
- Thread starter Surfer99
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Teepee
Thru Hiker
I don't know Myles but I doubt it. Picaridin needs reapplying more regularly than DEET, you go through lots of spray on absorbent clothing. Presonally, I limit spraying clothes to head nets/hats. Autan is fine on clothes though, doesn't melt them.
Permethrin is ideal for clothing as it lasts for ages.
Permethrin is ideal for clothing as it lasts for ages.
Gadget
Thru Hiker
This is the strongest solution of Permethrin I could find in the UK,
http://www.staywelltravel.co.uk/insect-repellents/for-your-clothing/pyramid-mosquito-net-treatment
You can buy stronger/cheaper in the US, but you can't import it.
I steal my Deet from my missus's horse (she buys it in gallon cans).
http://www.staywelltravel.co.uk/insect-repellents/for-your-clothing/pyramid-mosquito-net-treatment
You can buy stronger/cheaper in the US, but you can't import it.
I steal my Deet from my missus's horse (she buys it in gallon cans).
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Goosegog
Summit Camper
I use a mixture depending where I am, in Scotland I was advised by a local that they tend to use Avon skin so soft (green).. worKs a charm and smell nice too.
When I either forget that or go woodland camping (bushcraft) with my young sons I use Pyramid Repel 55, works quite good too
Avon http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avon-Skin...Spray-Mosquito-Insect-Repellent-/271022727398
and at most other places too
When I either forget that or go woodland camping (bushcraft) with my young sons I use Pyramid Repel 55, works quite good too
Avon http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avon-Skin...Spray-Mosquito-Insect-Repellent-/271022727398
and at most other places too
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
Good find that; at 0.5% spray application it works out a quarter of the price as the Life Systems EX4
jj1
Summit Camper
Try garlic - eaten not rubbed on the skin, although that might work too.
Met a horse owner in the Highlands who uses garlic salt licks for her animals to keep the ticks at bay.
So why not for humans?
For midges I have been told by an Aussie that Vegemite - ie Marmite in the real world - works well. Love it or hate it.
Somebody more knowledgeable than me might have an explanation as to why.
PS: it's insect repellent not bug repellent. The word bug is American and is repellent, much like Donald Trump.
craige
Thru Hiker
I am a magnet for the little $**ts. Try standing 10 feet from me and you'll be fine.
Taking odourless garlic capsules a few weeks before going abroad works for mosquitoes ime. Before I always got eaten, since I started taking them before I go I've only ever been bitten a few times. Never worked (noticeably) for me with midges though.
Permithrin definitely works for ticks, I watched one walk over my untreated glove onto my treated gaiter and go all weird walking in different directions, fast, slow, fast then die a minute or two after.
High % Deet works quite well for midges but it's horrible stuff, don't get it on your lips.
Smidge helped a little but not much.
Citronella oil stuff (can't remember exactly what it was) was similar to smidge.
Bog myrtle oil is supposed to work? Not tried it.
Taking odourless garlic capsules a few weeks before going abroad works for mosquitoes ime. Before I always got eaten, since I started taking them before I go I've only ever been bitten a few times. Never worked (noticeably) for me with midges though.
Permithrin definitely works for ticks, I watched one walk over my untreated glove onto my treated gaiter and go all weird walking in different directions, fast, slow, fast then die a minute or two after.
High % Deet works quite well for midges but it's horrible stuff, don't get it on your lips.
Smidge helped a little but not much.
Citronella oil stuff (can't remember exactly what it was) was similar to smidge.
Bog myrtle oil is supposed to work? Not tried it.
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
The Sawyer SP657 Permethin spray is the same concentration, 0.5%, as the LifeSystem EX4 just a bigger bottle.
The Pyramid stuff found by @GadgetUK being 12% works out cheaper in the long run.
I tried the Avon 'Orginal' & found it didn't work for me & went back to cover-up & DEET.
Eating Marmite/ garlic etc have been proven to be ineffective in scientific tests, it may be the people expounding these theories are just less attractive to mosy's/ midge with marked variations to individual attractiveness to these beasties being proven.
Teepee
Thru Hiker
Some testing this summer went very well, I used Autan spray over the top of Wilmas, then peppermint essential oil liberally splashed on to clothing.
It nearly made me pass out, let alone the flying stuff, but without exaggeration, created a 12ft "forcefield" for a good half hour afterwards. I stunk to high heaven, but it even sent the wasps and clegs packing.
It nearly made me pass out, let alone the flying stuff, but without exaggeration, created a 12ft "forcefield" for a good half hour afterwards. I stunk to high heaven, but it even sent the wasps and clegs packing.
el manana
Thru Hiker
Anecdotal but last week I went for a walk with my wife and we both had an array of various bugs (not midge) orbiting our heads causing the usual mischief. Next day same area and weather conditions my wife had the same problem but she noticed there wasn't a single one hassling me.
Only thing I can think of is I had just had a shower and washed hair with a Tea Tree shampoo....it was rather zingy...
Only thing I can think of is I had just had a shower and washed hair with a Tea Tree shampoo....it was rather zingy...
Anecdotal but last week I went for a walk with my wife and we both had an array of various bugs (not midge) orbiting our heads causing the usual mischief. Next day same area and weather conditions my wife had the same problem but she noticed there wasn't a single one hassling me.
Only thing I can think of is I had just had a shower and washed hair with a Tea Tree shampoo....it was rather zingy...
Lavender is supposed to be repellent. The bugs don’t like it either
edh
Thru Hiker
