|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Sept 6, 2020 15:49:07 GMT
Mosquito update.
This last holiday was the first time in my adult life that I’ve had zero bites. Not a one.
Even Me Julie, who is usually relatively bite-free got a few.
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Oct 20, 2021 13:46:31 GMT
Another update. Two holidays this year, a week in August and a week in October. No bites in August. Two bites in October, but both on the first night. We arrived late and just wanted to get down for food and a beer before bed, so I didn't have time to put any DEET on. Funnily enough, both bites were where I got them on the first night in 2019 - just above the webbing between the thumb and index finger on my left hand. By the way, for the last 3 visits I've been using this DEET: www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/insect-repellents-allergies/sainsburys-extra-strength-insect-repellent-125ml-7628488-p-4450% DEET, 1% PMD, only £4 for a 125ml can. Boots equivalent is £6.74. Jungle Formula is £5.49 (all 50% DEET 125ml).
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Feb 18, 2022 10:31:46 GMT
A quick update.
Sainsbury's DEET 50% 125ml is still only £4 a can, whilst Boots' is £8.99.
Amazon have Jungle Formula 125ml 50% DEET at £5 each.
I've just noticed that Amazon have an offer with Jungle Formula 125ml 3 cans for £9.99, but some of the reviews don't inspire confidence, with items arriving damaged, close to or past the Use By date, and even claims they're counterfeit.
Sainsbury's still looks the best deal.
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Jun 21, 2022 9:26:35 GMT
An update on Avon Skin So Soft.
Unfortunately, Avon have reformulated this, replacing the picaridin with citronella.
Whilst the latter does have at least some repellent qualities, it's not as effective as picaridin or DEET, and needs reapplying far more regularly.
An application of the new formula will require topping up every 90 minutes, so you've no chance of putting some on just before going to the pool or out for a meal and it remaining effective all day or night.
This is a great shame, especially as there will now be literally tens of thousands of people using a mosquito repellent which is no longer safe.
|
|
|
Post by dennisn on Jun 21, 2022 10:14:11 GMT
Yesterday I drove 180 miles (each way) to make a collection from a military base out in the hot countryside of Cambridgeshire. As usual, they weren't keen on letting me in, so a man brought the two boxes to me outside the gatehouse. As I waited, I became enveloped in a cloud of tiny black, very itchy, flying insects. I flapped and waved at them all to no avail. When the man got there, he didn't have any, so I asked what's it about, all these bugs - and there were zillions of them, all over me. He said it's your hi-viz jacket. And they were all over me. And they all got into my van with me. Maybe it will be wise not to wear one in Skiathos. In fact I never do wear one there, so perhaps that's why I don't get bitten?
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Jun 21, 2022 10:34:00 GMT
Yesterday I drove 180 miles (each way) to make a collection from a military base out in the hot countryside of Cambridgeshire. As usual, they weren't keen on letting me in, so a man brought the two boxes to me outside the gatehouse. As I waited, I became enveloped in a cloud of tiny black, very itchy, flying insects. I flapped and waved at them all to no avail. When the man got there, he didn't have any, so I asked what's it about, all these bugs - and there were zillions of them, all over me. He said it's your hi-viz jacket. And they were all over me. And they all got into my van with me. Maybe it will be wise not to wear one in Skiathos. In fact I never do wear one there, so perhaps that's why I don't get bitten?
Very true, and colour attraction is it's well documented. -reveals-which-colors-mosquitoes-are-attracted-1677258#:~:text=Researchers%20at%20the%20University%20of" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.newsweek.com/-reveals-which-colors-mosquitoes-are-attracted-1677258#:~:text=Researchers%20at%20the%20University%20of,deter%20different%20species%20of%20mosquitoes. Note, it's the smell first, then the colour. Of course, whilst anything red might attract them and green doesn't that's not the same as green repelling them. If they can only see about 20ft, then at that distance, if you're wearing green clothes, then you'll be a mass of (non-attractive) green (the clothes), and a little blob of skin colour on top (your head/face). If they're closer, the skin-coloured blob becomes bigger and clearer. If you go into an area that's wet & green (where they live) a few are going to fly well within 20ft of you sooner or later anyway. I wouldn't fancy wearing a full set of military khaki clothes for a night out in Greece, let alone on the beach or by the pool.
|
|
|
Post by kevb on Jun 28, 2022 12:18:22 GMT
Wilko own brand 'tropical strength' is 50% DEET and is £3 for 100ml
|
|
|
Post by katet on Jun 28, 2022 12:57:34 GMT
Might see if I can get some online (nearest Wilko to me is a proper faff to get to!). Thanks Kev
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Jun 28, 2022 20:26:21 GMT
Wilko own brand 'tropical strength' is 50% DEET and is £3 for 100ml Great info.
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Aug 28, 2022 7:07:17 GMT
Right, I got a couple of bites the day before yesterday, for the first time in ages, though I know exactly why. I’m not massive on going for a swim - pool or sea. I usually either don’t go in, or just wade in for 5 minutes once a day to down. But on Friday the kids persuaded me to come in for a couple of times, half an hour a time. I’m pretty sure this washed the DEET off, resulting in two bites, one on the back of my right calf, and a second a couple of inches below my Adam’s apple. Yesterday, I took my DEET to the beach and re-applied after going in. No bites. Must update the blog.
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Aug 28, 2022 7:15:10 GMT
Wilko own brand 'tropical strength' is 50% DEET and is £3 for 100ml
Quick update. That Wilkins is £3 for 100ml. The Sainsbury's stuff is either £3 for 50ml or £4 got 125ml (that’s £3.30 for 100ml). So the Wilkins is marginally cheaper. One of those situations where I wouldn’t drag myself across town to save £0.20, but then again, if I were nearer a Wilkins I’d be very happy. Better still, the Wilki is currently in their 3 for £7.50 offer, so only £2.50 a pop. Great bargain!
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Sept 2, 2022 8:52:32 GMT
Two quick updates from the holiday, and important ones - I’ll be editing the blog later.
Firstly, as noted in my comments elsewhere, for the first time since starting my new regime in 2019, I had a couple of mosquito bites after sticking to the rules. This coincided with me spending a prolonged amount of time in the sea, and then not reapplying. So I’ll be adding that - reapply after swimming.
Secondly, a quick word on the DEET. I’ve been using the Sainsbury’s stuff for a few years now, and it’s great, it’s cheap, it works. But something happened this holiday which I thought I’d note. A family member borrowed our suitcases for a holiday, just before ours - we got them back a few days before we left. On opening them I found a half-used can of Jungle Formula 50%.
I had a half-used can of the Sainsbury’s which I used up first, then went on to the JF, and ended up not having to start using my 2nd can of Sainsbury’s. I found two things of note with the JF.
Firstly, it didn’t smell as bad, nor get up my nose as much as the Sainsbury’s. It’s usually impossible for me to apply the latter without having a mini sneezing fit towards the end of the application ritual. That simply didn’t happen with the JF.
Secondly, the method of application recommended is to spray the DEET into your hands, then rub in. I tend to spray it on my skin, then rub it around to ensure it gets everywhere. I found the JF left a clearer wet film in my skin, which was easier to rub around. The Saibsbury’s was…’drier’, and once on, it was harder to rub around.
So my comments on effectiveness remain the same. And you may prefer the smell of the Sainsbury’s, or other brand, that’s just personal preference. But I’m minded to switch to Jungle Formula.
One other thing. In the various videos showing how effective DEET is, they almost always rub on a cream/lotion. Given that aerosol manufacturers advise spraying into your hands, that really makes me scratch my head as to why they use an aerosol system at all. I may have a go with a pump action dispenser. But why not just sell bottles of lotion? It’s not as if we’re alien to rubbing on lotion out of a bottle when on holiday.
|
|
|
Post by kevb on Sept 2, 2022 9:28:34 GMT
Despite the gardens in front of apts we havent picked up many at all and Ive hardly used my spray. After last weeks rain Im predicting issues during next 2 weeks though. I might pass a can on to Kate if I see her.
|
|
|
Post by yorkshiremouth on Sept 2, 2022 9:33:20 GMT
The a couple of our party picked up a few.
Lots of stagnant water just behind Koukounaries beach when we arrived after the rain probably didn’t help.
|
|
amy115
Full Member
Posts: 340
Visits to Skiathos: 5
Accommodation Stayed At: Thymis House Hotel
Dream House
Elizabeth Studios
|
Post by amy115 on Sept 2, 2022 10:38:25 GMT
YM, may I safely assume that you apply your suntan lotion prior to applying the mosquito repellant during the day? If that's correct, does the repellant negate the properties of the suntan lotion? I only ever use the repellant at night but find it interesting that some people may apply it during the day.
|
|