All Natural Bug Repellant: Mosquitos

[Lynn CC]

Anyone use an all natural one that works? I've tried Avons (I can't remember what it's called, I think it was skin-so-soft) but it didn't work. We are on the golf course a lot at dusk and sometimes if it's damp DS and I get eaten alive. DH never gets a bite??
I can't stand spraying chemicals on me, it just doesn't feel right, plus they are greesy and make DS break out if he puts it on his face. We use Off and Cutter, but I'd rather be using something else. Any ideas that work?

 

[ducklite]

The best prevention is to wear light colored long sleeved shirts and pants and socks and avoid being out at dusk.

I've heard that some essential oils repel mosquitoes, maybe do a search? Don't ever put the essential oils directly on your skin, apply them to clothing (may stain so be careful) or to cotton pads and tuck into pockets.

Anne

 

[barkley]

it takes a week or so to start working, but if you start taking a vitamin b complex daily, mosquitos will stear clear of you. something to do with a scent (undetectable to humans) that it emits that they hate. i used to get munched to death by them but once i started this i've had no problems.

 

[Lynn CC]

We usually wear shorts, and short sleeves and golf sandals so we are not really dressed like we should be. I think we would roast in pants and long sleeves in the summer, especially with all that walking.

I'll try the vitamin B, but DS won't he won't take anything, for fear that he would be allergic, he's has allergic reactions to just about everything since he was young. He's 19 now and we almost lost him last summer, really, from an allergic reaction. It took him months to recover, so he is paranoid than most people to try anything new!!

 

[ducklite]

We usually wear shorts, and short sleeves and golf sandals so we are not really dressed like we should be. I think we would roast in pants and long sleeves in the summer, especially with all that walking.

I'll try the vitamin B, but DS won't he won't take anything, for fear that he would be allergic, he's has allergic reactions to just about everything since he was young. He's 19 now and we almost lost him last summer, really, from an allergic reaction. It took him months to recover, so he is paranoid than most people to try anything new!!

If you wear light colored loose fitting clothing in a lightweight cotton or linen it will actually be cooler as it will keep the sun off you.

Anne

 

[snowwite]

Anyone use an all natural one that works? I've tried Avons (I can't remember what it's called, I think it was skin-so-soft) but it didn't work. We are on the golf course a lot at dusk and sometimes if it's damp DS and I get eaten alive. DH never gets a bite??
I can't stand spraying chemicals on me, it just doesn't feel right, plus they are greesy and make DS break out if he puts it on his face. We use Off and Cutter, but I'd rather be using something else. Any ideas that work?

My DS has sooo many allergies that we cannot use traditional Off or other similar brands and I swear the bugs like Skin so soft. We have had pretty god luck with Natrapel. We get it at local natural food grocer (Wild Harvest) but I have seen it in drug store too and my mom got some at Walmart where she lives.

 

[PeterPanette]

Tea Tree Oil (available at WalMart and just about any drugstore or herb store) is an excellent repellent. It is 100% safe to put directly on skin, as well. You'll just smell a little bit "campho-phinique-y", but not nearly as strong as that.

If you can't bear the smell of tea tree oil, essential oil of Lavender is also a good repellent, and the smell is heavenly. Lavender e.o. is also completely safe (for most folks) for direct skin contact.

Have also heard that ingesting garlic, either in whole food form, or capsules, works great.

 

[Jpgirl]

Unfortunately I've not heard of any natural products that work here. I hate using chemicals but am forced to here in Houston. I did find some OFF in a pump spray that was less sticky than the spray but still had the same chemical content. The mosquitoes here are vicious especially the Asian Tiger Mosquitoe. They rove around in "gangs" and if you out for a walk or a run-they will chase you. One time I had to sprint for about a 1/4 of mile before I lost them. And their bites hurt worse than a bee sting. I swear the misquitoes this year almost seem to be immune to the OFF and also to the city sprayings. Seems to me they're spraying more than once a week and the little buggers are multiplying. I'll tell what is fun. I have a little whiskey barrel fountain with goldfish in it. At night the fish hang around the light and catch the mosquitoes as they try to lay their eggs (or larvae?) in the water. Mosquitoes and their eggs are making my fish quite fat. Good luck with finding something

 

[grlpwrd]

I was watching a segment on the news that stated mosquitoes are attracted to our skin odors and carbon dioxide from our breath. The reporter advised to stay where it is breezy as much as you can.

I also read there was a study that found Avon's Skin So Soft worked for 10 minutes, but they have a new product now with an ingredient that has been used in Europe for years that is said to be much more effective. I'm sure you can Google that info.

There's also Bite Blocker for Kids which was found to work for about an hour and it's made with some soybean oil. Off made with botanicals is said to be effective, too, and its made with plants.

I use Natrapel and I always spray it on our clothes, too. If I am out in the yard working or something I use bug repellent clothing made with mesh, like a jacket and pants or a hat. Sometimes I will use just my pants and shirt and spray my arms.

GL!

 

[golfgal]

There is a bug spray out there that doesn't have DEET and works ok, Cutter Advanced. It has NO smell at all so that is a big plus. It goes on very light. You just need to reapply it a little more often then other kinds.

Ducklite--your clothing suggestions just are not practical for golfing, especially when it is hot. I don't care what anyone says, you will NOT be cooler in long sleeves and pants no matter what the fabric is when you are playing golf.