Mosquitos

[Brian]

Off to the western isles shortly and I am wondering what the massives latest advice is on mossies. Worst time of year I know.
What actually works, as I tend to get bitten severely and often!
I am taking my mossie hood.

[Fenlander]

Everyone seems to have their own preferred product and belief system... if you believe in your product it will work!

Been going to Scotland for over 30yrs and some years... but not in recent times... they have been terrible.

We take Jungle Formula extra strength, Skin so Soft, after bite cooling spray and head nets.

We have also learned their behaviour and avoid as far as possible... but if you are camping or doing beach BBQs it's hard.

[Brian]

No camping or beach BBQ's. Shan't be doing anything like that.
Just a few boat tripps offshore (surely moosie free?) but will be doing walking around (Lewis and Harris). This is the area I am worried about.
I thought Skin so Soft doesn't work??? as a repellant but is ok for after sun skin cooling. Is that right?
This Jungle Soft? Where can I get it?

[Brian]

Double post.........

[Poly]

Brian, I’ve not spent much time that far out but it’s usually so windy they will be ok! Offshore will be fine.
Skin so soft, if applied thickly works to help stop them biting but doesn’t repel them (basically they struggle to bite through the oily layer).

In terms of repellent (and the cloud of things can be just as annoying as the biting) then smidge is definitely the market leader. You’ll be able to buy it in almost any petrol station.

[Fenlander]

>>>Skin so soft, if applied thickly works to help stop them biting but doesn’t repel them (basically they struggle to bite through the oily layer).


Yep it is no assistance until they actually land when for us it seems to stop them biting as Poly says... or perhaps the struggle to keep a footing on the oil.

We started to use it for Mrs F as she's sensitive to strong chemical sprays and then all the family gained a degree of benefit. It does need re-applying every couple of hours though.

Poly is right re wind as they are supposed to only fly around 2mph... so a brisk walking pace will lose a particular crowd of them... until you run into the next lot waiting ahead.

[jeffstevens763@g]

smidge spray & a net but they dont seem to be around over seawater & when it rains/windy others may know better i just cover right up little sods get to me too

[jwalker]

The buggers'll come get you even out at sea!

Don't buy any concoction. Go to Boots the chemist and buy either Autan or their own brand (similar colour packaging) insect repellant. It comes in bottles, cream stick or pump spray. I prefer the pump spray. Spray it on your palms then apply it to where ever is exposed.

It works and doesn't feel bad or smell bad and it's non-greasy. Result!

[Brian]

Has anyone got any thoughts on "Incognito" spray, or on "Lifesystems" zapper, a sort of electrical thinga me bob that puts a minor current through the vicinity of where you were bitten.

Thanks for all the useful info so far. Off to buy a TRUCKLOAD of stuff tomorrow and see what works.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Brian

Has anyone got any thoughts on "Incognito" spray, or on "Lifesystems" zapper, a sort of electrical thinga me bob that puts a minor current through the vicinity of where you were bitten.

Thanks for all the useful info so far. Off to buy a TRUCKLOAD of stuff tomorrow and see what works.

Used the zapper Brian they work for bites but it's treating not preventing

[two stroke mick]

On the west coast of Ireland we find that burnt engine oil works well. Plus it looks like. Fake tan when you try to wash it off

[charliee]

What you need is Avon skin so soft. The little shits hate it, best to take a fan from a lorry engine and sit in the jet stream

[Xk59D]

Skin so soft has been gubbins for last couple of years, they changed the formula and does next to sod all now imo.

Your best bet is going to the local fishing shop and see what is working this season, they know the score. I think last year it was deet and it was a massive upgrade on the old skin so soft.

[Fenlander]

>>>Skin so soft has been gubbins for last couple of years, they changed the formula

Glad we laid down enough to last a decade or more a few years back.

[Pikey Dave]

Good luck Brian[emoji15]
MIdges swarm in Argyll http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-44389775

[Xk59D]

If you have the old stuff you are set, I gave away my last bottle as I had new stuff on order...DOH.

[Fenlander]

>>>If you have the old stuff you are set...


Only because we stocked up with a ridiculous amount pre first visit to Tayvallich 4yrs ago having suffered a dreadful attack at Crinan Harbour some 20yrs earlier for which we were totally unprepared.

The sight of those bottles lined up on the cottage window ledge kept the little blighters right away and we hardly had to use any. Same the following year... weird.

[Last Tango]

The active ingredient you're looking for is "Deet". It's potent stuff but it's the main ingredient in the repellents that actually work.

We holiday on the West coast a couple of times a year every year and I've NEVER had a midge bite when we were out in the boat. Regularly get off without any bites all week.

They home in on CO2 so don't stand about in the same area to long and don't hang about near the car exhaust, that'll attract them. The walking could make you "midge bait" but if you're not camping their nuisance factor is over rated.

[willk]

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-scotl...warm-in-argyll

[Brian]

Strewth. Willk's little film nearly had me reaching for the phone to cancel the holiay!
But, I am made of stronger stuff. I'll risk it.

As I said, I am off today buying several trailers worth of every solution/cream/spray etc. I can find. I will lather myself up with EVERYTHING and then, close all windows and then not go out at all!
Except that is, on the boat...

But thanks for all your replies-except for the one about burnt engine oil, from two stroke mick-not so sure about that one.