eaten alive

decides2dream

mosquitos are pure EVIL!



every summer, without fail...i get eaten alive and walk around with bites all over me all the time. i currently have at least 12-15 bites....mostly on my legs, but i have 3 on my neck that are driving me INSANE at the moment.



anyone else mosquito catnip?
any tips?
and no i don't want to spray myself with toxic chemicals daily....thus why i simply endure.

NY PJ1

move out of the sticks

AmentsChick

We don't have skeeters here in San Diego. So neener neener!!

polaris

do you use scented creams/moisturizers ... fabric softeners for clothes ... i would avoid sweet smelling scents on your body ...

if that don't work - wear long sleeves in the morning and dusk when they are most active ... there are some all natural repellants too ... some work better than others ...

CityMouse

when I was about 12 my parents made me take golf lessons and we had to go to the course at some god-awful hour like 6 am. One day I sat on the edge of the practice green and the grass was all still wet and dewy.

I got literally hundreds of mosquito bites. later that day I was so miserable my mom actually had to take me to the doctor.

moral of the story: don't play golf.

norm

currently scratching a bite on my arm...got attacked yesterday on a walk around the lake....today's walk started with a dosing of off!

Swan

don't wear scents or eat bananas.

decides2dream

polaris wrote:

do you use scented creams/moisturizers ... fabric softeners for clothes ... i would avoid sweet smelling scents on your body ...

if that don't work - wear long sleeves in the morning and dusk when they are most active ... there are some all natural repellants too ... some work better than others ...

more than likely.
i find it impossible to be entirely fragrance-free.

i guess too that's the real problem? i wear body spray for work, always like to smell good....then at the end of the day, out on the back porch and i am mosquito food! however, i have ALWAYS had this problem, even as a child. and even on weekends, i still get eaten even if i don't put any sprays on. i am the best mosquito repellant for a group b/c they are usually busy munching on me and leave everyone else alone. and i DO wear the long sleeves, etc.....but it doesn't help.


and i don't live in the sticks, not even close.

Swan wrote:

don't wear scents or eat bananas.

:eek:
now no bananas?!
forget it.............hahaha.

Lizard

they are rare where I live (ONLY good thing about it!!)

How 'bout those Cintrenella (sp??) candles?---you can walk around with one!!!

facepollution

I heard taking Vitamin B complex makes you unattractive to mosquitoes.

norm

i've heard putting a dryer sheet in your pocket keeps them away....

libragirl

cutback wrote:

i've heard putting a dryer sheet in your pocket keeps them away....

I never tried that....I hate mosquitos.....I hate gnats too.I cant sit outside without those effers eating me alive.

polaris

well ... find a sucker worse then you and make them your best friend! ...

oh and clear any standing water that is close to your house ...

Rygar

cutback wrote:

i've heard putting a dryer sheet in your pocket keeps them away....

I heard that too, and it does not.

jimed14

Swan wrote:

don't wear scents or eat bananas.

the first one is true ...

I went to Mexico last week with my lady ... on the nights she put on a little perfume, she was bit many times ... and cursing me up and down for not getting one bite ...

perhaps I stink. but, at least I do so bug bite free.

Get_Right

must be cause your so sweet!

D'oh


seriously, get some bats- they love mosquitos


seriously


avon skin so soft
bug repellant and sun screen
I think it uses citronella instead of deet.

not for the deep woods or a wetland, but great for everyday outdoor stuff

NY PJ1

Here are some tips for avoiding mosquitoes:


Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Avoid bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes.


They are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.


Many species of mosquito prefer biting from dusk until dawn. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. Avoid playing outdoors during the peak biting times in your area.


Citronella candles may be useful when your children are playing outside.


Try to stay away from still water.


People who are highly allergic should avoid vacationing in the Everglades.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an insect repellent on exposed areas of skin. The most effective compound is DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide), an ingredient in most insect repellents. However, insect repellents containing DEET should be used sparingly on children.


Don't apply insect repellent under clothes, or too much of the toxic substance may be absorbed. Also, avoid applying repellent to portions of the hands that are likely to come in contact with the eyes and mouth.


Pediatric insect repellents with only 6-10% DEET are available.


For greater protection, clothing and mosquito nets can be soaked in or sprayed with permethrin, which is an insect repellent licensed for use on clothing. If applied according to the directions, permethrin will repel insects from clothing for several weeks.


Skedaddle and Avon's Skin So Soft both work well for some kids. Neither these nor the stronger repellents stop mosquitoes from landing -- only from biting.


Some studies suggest that taking thiamine (vitamin B1) 25mg to 50 mg three times per day is effective in reducing mosquito bites. This safe vitamin apparently produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes (Pediatric Clinics of North America, 16:191, 1969). It seems to be especially effective for those people with large allergic reactions. Thiamine takes about 2 weeks before the odor fully saturates the skin.


Garlic may work in the same way (except, of course, the odor is detectable by humans), but I have seen no scientific studies supporting this.



Alan Greene MD FAAP
July 13, 1998
Reviewed by Khanh-Van Le-Bucklin MD July 2000

eyedclaar

I've been chased out of a few mountain lakes that's for sure. Bathe in campfire smoke, they don't like that.

chromiam

Any spray or creme with more 20% DEET as an active ingredient works well for me.

decides2dream

[double post]

decides2dream

chromiam wrote:

Any spray or creme with more 20% DEET as an active ingredient works well for me.

i think that works well for everyone. however, i like to spend a lot of time outdoors, usually evenings, daily....and i don't want to put toxic chemicals on myself every single day.

i've tried the dryer sheet....no luck....citronella candles...no luck....even these little battery operated things that supposedlly mimic the sound of dragonflies - mosquitos mortal enemies....no luck.



and yes, make SURE there is no standing water. pond and bird bath both always have running water, and there are no long-standing puddles, etc. i do and have tried just about everything to cut down on the mosquito population around our house. however, they love it here. sure, they must love me...and i guess the trees/shrubs.

hmmmm....second thread today suggesting i use B vitamins! that i have not tried and that could be a good soultion.





and i have read numerous times about different body chemistries being more 'attractive' to mosquitos. whatever it is, i think i have it.