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Better Bug Spray
Better Bug Spray
I know all about DEET levels and to stay away from the sunscreen/repellent dual-capacity products, but is there a particular bug spray that you have found to be more effective in STJ's climate?
All other things being equal, is there a good spray that smells tropical? Somehow the pine-fresh scent of Deep Woods OFF doesn't seem appropriate...
All other things being equal, is there a good spray that smells tropical? Somehow the pine-fresh scent of Deep Woods OFF doesn't seem appropriate...
The skeeters LOVE me. I can get eaten alive if I'm not careful. The only thing that works for me is Ben's bug spray.
The nice smelling stuff just doesn't work as well IMHO.
I try to use the 30-100% DEET as minimally as possible (a little goes a long way).
I wish there was something better smelling out there that was just as effective but after 13 years of trying everything (including stuff bought locally on island), Bens is the only thing that works 100% of the time for me.
The nice smelling stuff just doesn't work as well IMHO.
I try to use the 30-100% DEET as minimally as possible (a little goes a long way).
I wish there was something better smelling out there that was just as effective but after 13 years of trying everything (including stuff bought locally on island), Bens is the only thing that works 100% of the time for me.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Gromit recommended the Ben's to us before we departed for St. John. She is dead on! It comes in either convenient wipes or a spray (we had both). While we were there, we would get swarmed but not bitten. We were on island during the peak of the mosquito infestation. We broughts our at our local REI.
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!
NancyB
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mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
So glad the Ben's worked for you guys. I ONLY recommend stuff that I know works.
I also know that some people are a little gun shy when it comes to DEET products. However, I am only on island for less than a month (total) in any given year (generally 7 - 10 days at a time) and it's not like I am wearing the stuff year round.
I try to use as little as possible and keep from getting bitten.
For me these bites can be really bad, I swell up at the site (even without scratching) and the areas become really inflamed, swollen and hot to the touch. Plus mosquito borne illness is really no joke either.
So for me the DEET is just the lesser of two evils.
I also know that some people are a little gun shy when it comes to DEET products. However, I am only on island for less than a month (total) in any given year (generally 7 - 10 days at a time) and it's not like I am wearing the stuff year round.
I try to use as little as possible and keep from getting bitten.
For me these bites can be really bad, I swell up at the site (even without scratching) and the areas become really inflamed, swollen and hot to the touch. Plus mosquito borne illness is really no joke either.
So for me the DEET is just the lesser of two evils.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
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Ondine
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: Somewhere between the Northeast & Caribbean
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The mosquitos love me, too, so I'm always in search of what will work and not feel awful on my skin. I haven't tried Bens, I will definitely keep that one in mind as so many postive reviews.
I have discovered a natural alternative: Buzz Away
Usually only found in health food stores, its 5% citronella, and then 95% essential oils (cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, purified water, ethanol (for the towelettes no doubt) and castor oil. I find it very pleasant to have on and it has worked well in even truly mosquito infested areas. I'm living island life now and it still works; I even found a local store that stocks this. The website on the back of the package says www.quantumhealth.com.
hope this helps a little.
I have discovered a natural alternative: Buzz Away
Usually only found in health food stores, its 5% citronella, and then 95% essential oils (cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, purified water, ethanol (for the towelettes no doubt) and castor oil. I find it very pleasant to have on and it has worked well in even truly mosquito infested areas. I'm living island life now and it still works; I even found a local store that stocks this. The website on the back of the package says www.quantumhealth.com.
hope this helps a little.
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Ondine
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:51 pm
- Location: Somewhere between the Northeast & Caribbean
Gromit - that's a bummer, I've been quite succesful with it, granted I do reapply quite a bit, but its great for my skin with the natural oils.
Always such a challenge with the bugs, I'll likely become more expert about the subject now living in this tropical climate -- I'll be sure to share any other tried and true local remedies.
Always such a challenge with the bugs, I'll likely become more expert about the subject now living in this tropical climate -- I'll be sure to share any other tried and true local remedies.
does it work with noseeums?
Does Ben's only work for mosquitos or will it keep the noseeums away too? I have a three year old and I don't want her to be a bug magnet....
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Lovesj-- Bens works on everything...
From the Campmoor site:
100% DEET for longest lasting proven protection. Repels black flies, mosquitos, no-see-ums, sandflies, chiggers, fleas, and stable flies. Protects against Lyme ticks. Up to 10 hours of protection. Clear, odorless formula. 1.25oz. Pump Spray
There are currently no specifications available.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82161
And another site:
Ben's Tick & Insect Repellent
Why is Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent the most effective insect repellent you can buy? Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent brand lotion and pump spray repellents contain DEET, the most effective tick and insect repelling ingredient ever developed. Why does Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent use water instead of alcohol as most other DEET insect repellents do? Water has replaced alcohol in Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent. Because water does not evaporate as quickly as alcohol, and does not open the pores, the need to frequently reapply the repellent is reduced. Thus, Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent will be an appropriate choice for protecting children as well as adults and it leaves more insect repellent on the skin so that it fights against biting insects longer.
Alcohol creates a strong aroma providing the traditional "insect repellent" smell. The water-based formula isn't as strong smelling and much more pleasant.
Available in your choice of formulas Ben's® 100 Tick & Insect Repellent, and Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent. Ben's® 100 Tick & Insect Repellent contains 95 percent DEET, the highest concentration -- and therefore one of the longest lasting DEET formulas available from any manufacturer. It is recommended for use in areas of heavy insect infestation. Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent contains 30% DEET and is the amount recommended from the CDC for protection from disease carrying insects.
How to use Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent Because Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent is so effective, there is no need to keep reapplying. Use just enough to cover exposed skin and apply to clothing. Do not apply to skin that will be covered by clothing. For the face, apply Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent to your hands and rub on the face. Avoid eyes and mouth. Apply sparingly around ears. Wash hands. Do not apply to the hands and face of young children. For ticks and chiggers, apply to shoe tops, socks and around openings in clothing.
From the Campmoor site:
100% DEET for longest lasting proven protection. Repels black flies, mosquitos, no-see-ums, sandflies, chiggers, fleas, and stable flies. Protects against Lyme ticks. Up to 10 hours of protection. Clear, odorless formula. 1.25oz. Pump Spray
There are currently no specifications available.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___82161
And another site:
Ben's Tick & Insect Repellent
Why is Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent the most effective insect repellent you can buy? Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent brand lotion and pump spray repellents contain DEET, the most effective tick and insect repelling ingredient ever developed. Why does Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent use water instead of alcohol as most other DEET insect repellents do? Water has replaced alcohol in Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent. Because water does not evaporate as quickly as alcohol, and does not open the pores, the need to frequently reapply the repellent is reduced. Thus, Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent will be an appropriate choice for protecting children as well as adults and it leaves more insect repellent on the skin so that it fights against biting insects longer.
Alcohol creates a strong aroma providing the traditional "insect repellent" smell. The water-based formula isn't as strong smelling and much more pleasant.
Available in your choice of formulas Ben's® 100 Tick & Insect Repellent, and Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent. Ben's® 100 Tick & Insect Repellent contains 95 percent DEET, the highest concentration -- and therefore one of the longest lasting DEET formulas available from any manufacturer. It is recommended for use in areas of heavy insect infestation. Ben's® 30 Tick & Insect Repellent contains 30% DEET and is the amount recommended from the CDC for protection from disease carrying insects.
How to use Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent Because Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent is so effective, there is no need to keep reapplying. Use just enough to cover exposed skin and apply to clothing. Do not apply to skin that will be covered by clothing. For the face, apply Ben's® Tick & Insect Repellent to your hands and rub on the face. Avoid eyes and mouth. Apply sparingly around ears. Wash hands. Do not apply to the hands and face of young children. For ticks and chiggers, apply to shoe tops, socks and around openings in clothing.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Thank you
Perfect....thanks for the help.
I get eaten alive every trip by the noseeums. It will be nice to try something new. Those little bugs are the only thing that make me question my yearly visits to my favorite place on earth. Especially when I am taking my little one.
I get eaten alive every trip by the noseeums. It will be nice to try something new. Those little bugs are the only thing that make me question my yearly visits to my favorite place on earth. Especially when I am taking my little one.
Organic Repellant-Worth a Try...
Try lemon grass essential oil, which is easy to find and not very expensive. It contains something very similar to citronella oil, it's a safe and natural insect repellent that's just as effective as the commercial chemical products, especially when it's fresh. In fact lemon grass is more effective than true citronella.
Add a couple of other essential oils for extra effectiveness: we found a combination of lemon grass oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil gives good protection all day.
Mix 1ml each of lemon grass oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil with 100-150ml of water. Use as a spray -- just shake the sprayer first to mix the oil and the water.
Try lemon grass essential oil, which is easy to find and not very expensive. It contains something very similar to citronella oil, it's a safe and natural insect repellent that's just as effective as the commercial chemical products, especially when it's fresh. In fact lemon grass is more effective than true citronella.
Add a couple of other essential oils for extra effectiveness: we found a combination of lemon grass oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil gives good protection all day.
Mix 1ml each of lemon grass oil, citronella oil and eucalyptus oil with 100-150ml of water. Use as a spray -- just shake the sprayer first to mix the oil and the water.
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Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.