What's your preferred mosquito repellent?

Not a Number · 06-01-2015, 11:57 AM

In the Cook Islands they use Vick's to treat the mosquito bites, not as a repellent.

Some people use Tiger Balm as a repellent but the directions say it is for the treating insect bites. The smell of the red stuff will keep most living creatures away. Mostly camphor, menthol and perhaps cedar oil anyway.

pete-tarmigan · 06-01-2015, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Permethrin for your clothes. Effective against ticks too, which Deet isn't. And odorless.

https://sawyer.com/products/permethrin-premium-insect-repellent/

Permethrin seems to be a regulated substance in Canada. Even Sawyer's low-concentration repellent isn't available, except by importing it from the U.S. from a vendor selling through Amazon.ca.

**boriscleto** · 06-01-2015, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by pete-tarmigan

Permethrin seems to be a regulated substance in Canada. Even Sawyer's low-concentration repellent isn't available, except by importing it from the U.S. from a vendor selling through Amazon.ca.

I'm sure there are other dangerous things that Canada regulates that you can easily get in the US too

**mattb123** · 06-01-2015, 12:27 PM

Mosquitoes and ticks love me and when they are bad here they are terrible! DEET has been my only effective solution. I think I tried some Permethrin stuff a while back but it didn't work for me. Maybe I should give it another shot. I hate how nasty DEET seems but mosquito-born illness is a real and present threat here now so I cover up and use the chemicals.

Last edited by mattb123; 06-01-2015 at 01:49 PM.

vonBaloney · 06-01-2015, 01:02 PM

Picaridin is also effective on biting flies that ignore DEET. Works on ticks also I believe...

TedW · 06-01-2015, 01:35 PM - **1 Like**

Lots of good points here. I hate mosquitoes and backpack so I have systematically tested a lot of ideas. Studies show Deet to be very effective. Long term studies show no harm when used properly. Proper use is a 30% Deet solution. Higher percentage is just nasty and brings no additional benefits. Best Deet was a Sawyer product that put the Deet into tiny protein molecules. The Deet evaporates at a steady and slow rate and minimizes the amount on your skin. Not sure they still make it. 3M Ultra uses the same process but is much more expensive and I believe a higher concentration of Deet.

The Sawyer clothing treatment is great. Make sure you apply properly and completely.

Some people really do attract Mosquitos more than others. I was one of those.

Avoid Dark clothing is you can as that is an added attraction. The primary way they find you is body heat (infrared) and by following the trail of CO2 you give off. So is you are working hard and breathing hard you are going to be a neon light to them.

Of course dawn and dusk are worse but at the right time of year it doesn't matter what time of day.

I carry a head net that goes over my hat just because at times I can't stand them hovering near my face looking for an are I didn't get Deet on.

Lastly, my dad worked as a logger most of his life and said they did nothing more than rub a thin layer of diesal fuel on their hard hats and they had no mosquito problems. So if you get really desperate... Lol

condor27596 · 06-01-2015, 02:21 PM

Avon skin so soft. Due to fda regulations they can't call it a bug repellant. This was known about even when I was in the army in the 80s. I never tried it I had a thing if 100 percent deet which worked.

There is some stuff on Amazon for babies that works well. I forget the name. It is citronella based.

You can order concentrated permethrin cheap from doyourownpestcontrol dot com.
We had a lice scare in December

reeftool · 06-01-2015, 04:26 PM - **1 Like**

Ben's. It's 100% Deet. It works! Just don't take a bath in the stuff.
Permethrin is regulated in the US also except in low strength shampoos and ointments to kill lice. Stronger solutions require a prescription. I don't know how well it works as a mosquito repellent but it's the active ingredient in most flea and tick shampoos you buy for your pets.

**Ex Finn.** · 06-01-2015, 06:46 PM

Avon skin-so-soft has worked for me also, just had to re-apply often. Remainds me to look up a current agent to buy more, hope they still make the good stuff.

**csa** · 06-01-2015, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

Avon skin-so-soft has worked for me also, just had to re-apply often. Remainds me to look up a current agent to buy more, hope they still make the good stuff.

Actually, Avon has had a bug repellent on the market for some time now.

https://www.avon.com/category/bath-body/insect-repellents?s=AV_MSN_Product&c...CID=470_884549

Referring to Skin-So-Soft, there's many things it's been used for!

100+ uses for Avon Skin So Soft - Alternate uses for Skin So Soft

Kozlok · 06-01-2015, 08:51 PM

I like a big fat cigar. Mosquitoes and biting flies will usually leave you alone if you are in a cloud of smoke.

Auzzie-Phoenix · 06-01-2015, 10:36 PM

A 4000v bugzapper.

pete-tarmigan · 06-02-2015, 06:53 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

I'm sure there are other dangerous things that Canada regulates that you can easily get in the US too

Next time I order a Saturday Night Special over the internet, I'll order some Sawyer repellent so I can save on shipping.

LFLee · 06-02-2015, 07:07 AM

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

I live about 10 miles from Assateague Island, MD and frequent this place for my wildlife photography.
If you haven't ever been, it's a great place to put on your camping list!

been to Assateague Island couple times camping... and mosquitoes there is insane. LOL

been searching for repellent as well, but none seem to work effectively for me.
I tried Permethrin, but it has a very strong chemical smell (like those pesticide smell) that my wife can't stand it - she think this chemical will kill us before the mosquitoes does...

tried several "natural ingredient" ones, but don't have good luck with them as well.

DeliaRana · 06-02-2015, 07:47 AM

There are many essential oils that repel mosquitoes. I have made a balm and added the essential oils to it and it has worked very well.

Delia

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06-01-2015, 11:57 AM	#16
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,525	In the Cook Islands they use Vick's to treat the mosquito bites, not as a repellent. Some people use Tiger Balm as a repellent but the directions say it is for the treating insect bites. The smell of the red stuff will keep most living creatures away. Mostly camphor, menthol and perhaps cedar oil anyway.

06-01-2015, 12:13 PM	#17
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by boriscleto Permethrin for your clothes. Effective against ticks too, which Deet isn't. And odorless. https://sawyer.com/products/permethrin-premium-insect-repellent/ Permethrin seems to be a regulated substance in Canada. Even Sawyer's low-concentration repellent isn't available, except by importing it from the U.S. from a vendor selling through Amazon.ca.

06-01-2015, 12:17 PM	#18
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	Originally posted by pete-tarmigan Permethrin seems to be a regulated substance in Canada. Even Sawyer's low-concentration repellent isn't available, except by importing it from the U.S. from a vendor selling through Amazon.ca. I'm sure there are other dangerous things that Canada regulates that you can easily get in the US too

06-01-2015, 12:27 PM	#19
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Mosquitoes and ticks love me and when they are bad here they are terrible! DEET has been my only effective solution. I think I tried some Permethrin stuff a while back but it didn't work for me. Maybe I should give it another shot. I hate how nasty DEET seems but mosquito-born illness is a real and present threat here now so I cover up and use the chemicals. Last edited by mattb123; 06-01-2015 at 01:49 PM.

06-01-2015, 01:02 PM	#20
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Picaridin is also effective on biting flies that ignore DEET. Works on ticks also I believe...

06-01-2015, 01:35 PM - 1 Like	#21
TedW Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 241	Lots of good points here. I hate mosquitoes and backpack so I have systematically tested a lot of ideas. Studies show Deet to be very effective. Long term studies show no harm when used properly. Proper use is a 30% Deet solution. Higher percentage is just nasty and brings no additional benefits. Best Deet was a Sawyer product that put the Deet into tiny protein molecules. The Deet evaporates at a steady and slow rate and minimizes the amount on your skin. Not sure they still make it. 3M Ultra uses the same process but is much more expensive and I believe a higher concentration of Deet. The Sawyer clothing treatment is great. Make sure you apply properly and completely. Some people really do attract Mosquitos more than others. I was one of those. Avoid Dark clothing is you can as that is an added attraction. The primary way they find you is body heat (infrared) and by following the trail of CO2 you give off. So is you are working hard and breathing hard you are going to be a neon light to them. Of course dawn and dusk are worse but at the right time of year it doesn't matter what time of day. I carry a head net that goes over my hat just because at times I can't stand them hovering near my face looking for an are I didn't get Deet on. Lastly, my dad worked as a logger most of his life and said they did nothing more than rub a thin layer of diesal fuel on their hard hats and they had no mosquito problems. So if you get really desperate... Lol

06-01-2015, 02:21 PM	#22
condor27596 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 870	Avon skin so soft. Due to fda regulations they can't call it a bug repellant. This was known about even when I was in the army in the 80s. I never tried it I had a thing if 100 percent deet which worked. There is some stuff on Amazon for babies that works well. I forget the name. It is citronella based. You can order concentrated permethrin cheap from doyourownpestcontrol dot com. We had a lice scare in December

06-01-2015, 04:26 PM - 1 Like	#23
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	Ben's. It's 100% Deet. It works! Just don't take a bath in the stuff. Permethrin is regulated in the US also except in low strength shampoos and ointments to kill lice. Stronger solutions require a prescription. I don't know how well it works as a mosquito repellent but it's the active ingredient in most flea and tick shampoos you buy for your pets.

06-01-2015, 06:46 PM	#24
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	Avon skin-so-soft has worked for me also, just had to re-apply often. Remainds me to look up a current agent to buy more, hope they still make the good stuff.

06-01-2015, 08:30 PM	#25
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,133	Originally posted by Ex Finn. Avon skin-so-soft has worked for me also, just had to re-apply often. Remainds me to look up a current agent to buy more, hope they still make the good stuff. Actually, Avon has had a bug repellent on the market for some time now. https://www.avon.com/category/bath-body/insect-repellents?s=AV_MSN_Product&c...CID=470_884549 Referring to Skin-So-Soft, there's many things it's been used for! 100+ uses for Avon Skin So Soft - Alternate uses for Skin So Soft

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06-01-2015, 08:51 PM	#26
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I like a big fat cigar. Mosquitoes and biting flies will usually leave you alone if you are in a cloud of smoke.

06-01-2015, 10:36 PM	#27
Auzzie-Phoenix Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,020	A 4000v bugzapper.

06-02-2015, 06:53 AM	#28
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by boriscleto I'm sure there are other dangerous things that Canada regulates that you can easily get in the US too Next time I order a Saturday Night Special over the internet, I'll order some Sawyer repellent so I can save on shipping.

06-02-2015, 07:07 AM	#29
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied I live about 10 miles from Assateague Island, MD and frequent this place for my wildlife photography. If you haven't ever been, it's a great place to put on your camping list! been to Assateague Island couple times camping... and mosquitoes there is insane. LOL been searching for repellent as well, but none seem to work effectively for me. I tried Permethrin, but it has a very strong chemical smell (like those pesticide smell) that my wife can't stand it - she think this chemical will kill us before the mosquitoes does... tried several "natural ingredient" ones, but don't have good luck with them as well.

06-02-2015, 07:47 AM	#30
DeliaRana Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Georgia Photos: Albums Posts: 388	There are many essential oils that repel mosquitoes. I have made a balm and added the essential oils to it and it has worked very well. Delia