Bugs and bug bites.

[Speedbird-1]

I’m hoping some of our ‘cousins’ that live in the warmer and more humid environments, might have some recommendations for insect repellents and bite treatment.
We are just at the beginning of our summer here in England, and I’m hoping to get through without too many bites.
We don’t have many really nasty critters here, but, as my wife and I spend most of the day and quite a few evenings in the garden any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks, in advance.

[AzPaul]

I have good luck with skeeters using DEET based sprays. I know it's just common sense but it's important to keep it out of your eyes and mouth. They say not to put it directly on your skin (on your clothes, only) but given the heat in Arizona, I'd be leaving too much skin exposed if I didn't.

[Maleg]

Spray permethrin on your clothes (let it dry before wearing). That will keep the biting insects from your covered body. There are a variety of CO2 bug baggers and electric bug zappers you can put in your garden to thin the herd. The CO2 units work for my wife because there's no zapping noise all night.

I choose to avoid putting anything on my skin that dissolves plastic. DEET repellents will melt plastic. Don't get it on a hesalite crystal, it will ruin it.

Once you're bitten, try a cortizone cream to stop the itch and promote healing.

[White Collar Boy]

Apart from the repellents, we use SOOV Bite for relief, and because one of our little guys needs it, Claratyne (I think it’s called Claritin in the UK), which is an antihistamine that prevents mild allergic reactions to mosquito bites. Both work.

Long days in the garden sounds lovely.

[77T]

I have neighbors who use a seasonal service that kills mosquitos (presuming that's your pest). Also, there are steps to control their breeding grounds in the garden.

Don't know what's allowed in UK but here is some US-based info from an industry leader (no connection with me): https://www.terminix.com/mosquito-co...-control-work/

Once bit, you're gonna use whatever you can tolerate. An ounce of prevention: long baggy pants.




Couldn't resist cross-posting...


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[Andad]

Drink plenty of Scotch Whisky Steve.

I won’t stop them biting but you won’t feel the pain.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Andad

Drink plenty of Scotch Whisky Steve.

I won’t stop them biting but you won’t feel the pain.

[brandrea]

I’m a bug magnet and so is my son, we use deet spray. Nasty stuff but it works

[GB-man]

Sawyer picaridin is what I use on my kid when he goes to day camp.

[Speedbird-1]

Thanks guys.
Some useful info' there.....some not so! (you know who you are )

Just for reference, we have found that the old standby, Avon Skin So Soft
seems to do a remarkable job of repelling most flying bugs. Like all these products though, you have to remember to apply it before you get bitten.

Anthisan (antihistamine) and Brulidene (antiseptic) are both excellent, 'after care' products.