Question: Best Mosquito repellent?

[jarredbehrendt]

Alright, after being eaten alive yet again last night I have decided to ask for some input on mosquito repellent. I would prefer not to get cancer while avoiding west nile so the 100% Deet products are really not my cup of tea (I have yet to try one that actually works for me anyway).

Do you have any suggestions on what would work?

I have heard these Thermacell things work really well and I know that there are some similar products on the market, any input?

[Harold]

I have one of the Thermacel units, and haven't found it as successful as some have claimed. Even the one day the wind didn't blow in NE!

Your post reminded me of a "concoction" given to me by NGPC "Humorist" Greg Wagner, a number of years ago. So, I checked the cabinet for the "concoction". Yep, the spray bottle was there, the Eucalyptus Oil and the Skin-So-Soft. But the "formula" I had on the spray bottle label had faded.

So, I sent an e-mail request to Mr. Wagner for the formula to the "concoction". If I receive a response, and am granted permission, I will post it here.

We used the "concoction" on the extremely aggressive 'skeeters during our fishing/float trip to "Uninhabited Territories" in South Central Alaska. Although it required multiple applications the "concoction" was much more "user friendly" than the 100% Deet we had as a back-up!

As I recall from the "old" NGPC Forum, Mr. Wagner used the "concoction" to successfully combat the ariel attack from the Minnesota Wing of the Skeeter Squadron!

Harold F.

[obert]

I have really good luck with keeping all the pests away with a SSS mixture and vanilla. Usually take 3/4 of SSS and mix it with 1/4 vanilla in the spray bottle. Works for me and you don't get that awful bug spray smell.

[CanoeGuru]

Permethrin. Spray it on your clothes, let it dry, then put them on. It kills, not just repels, ticks, mosquitoes, etc. You can also buy Buzz Off clothing, which is pre-treated, and the treatment lasts through 25 washings. I swear by the stuff, and I spend a lot of time outdoors in mosquito and tick-infested areas.

[jarredbehrendt]

What about protecting your arms, hands and head if you are using permathrin? Or does that stuff repel them good enough to cover that?

[CanoeGuru]

It works well to repel from nearby areas on your person, too. I've worn a permethrin-treated vest over a regular t-shirt and didn't have a problem. A mosquito landed on my arm a time or two, but didn't bite. I also have a permethrin-treated long sleeve t-shirt, short sleeve t-shirt, and bandana. The bandana can be worn on your head or tied around a cuff or wrist, too.

[Harold]

This is late because I was away from the 'puter since Friday. THANK YOU, Mr. Wagner, for the quick response:

Hi Harold,

Sure you can post this homemade insect repellent recipe on the www.nefga.org website or pass it along to anyone who wants it. Here it is:

2 Cups White Vinegar
1 Cup Avon Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil
1 Cup Of Water
1 Tablespoon of Eucalyptus Oil

Put in a spray bottle, shake, then apply.

Have a good one, Harold! Take care.

Greg Wagner

BTW, Permethrin is the product used in the spray for your yard and trees, at least in Ortho's "Mosquito B Gone".

I sprayed the front yard and my tree this evening. It's supposed to last up to four weeks.

I hope the SMELL doesn't!

I'll be keeping a spray bottle of Mr. Wagners formula in the boat!

Harold F.

[H2only]

this may sound odd, but Avon-Skin so Soft lotion works great. My buddies and I were out at the lake once rubbing this stuff all over each other and ......nevermind, it really does work.

[Alex T.]

Alex

[weekendwarrior]

I bought ThermaCELL on the recommendation of a friend. I am used to getting
hammered by mosquitoes, so I was skeptical when I took it on a bowhunt in
South Carolina. I turned it on, gave it a few minutes and I was bug free. It
sure does beat slapping on smelly and sticky sprays.

[GenericAngler]

Originally Posted by H2only

this may sound odd, but Avon-Skin so Soft lotion works great. My buddies and I were out at the lake once rubbing this stuff all over each other and ......nevermind, it really does work.

I am glad you used your better judgement to refrain from telling the rest of that tale.

But kudos for winning the "made be laugh so hard, my soda pop was coming out my nose" award of the day.

[gn83tm]

We bought a ThermaCell for night fishing in the boat last year in Minnesota and I was pretty inpressed. The bugs would swarm around the stern light but you could sit back there and not get bit. I've seen something smaller but similar recently that you could clip onto your belt. Don't know where it was at or if it works but that would be a neat thing also.

[Alex T.]

I've seen something smaller but similar recently that you could clip onto your belt

I think Off is running commercials for those things. I'm guessing it's a spin off of the Thermacell.

Alex

[smokeybear z]

If the bugs are just "moderatly" bad, rub a dryer sheet on your arms, neck, head, and clothes. Then keep it hanging out of your back pocket and reapply occasionally.

Doesn't work too well for the REAL agressive ones, but it helps.

[tmn515]

Originally Posted by smokeybear z

If the bugs are just "moderatly" bad, rub a dryer sheet on your arms, neck, head, and clothes. Then keep it hanging out of your back pocket and reapply occasionally.

Doesn't work too well for the REAL agressive ones, but it helps.

Ive been doing this all summer and have only got bit a couple times! It works!

Troy

[jblake]

consumer reports rate Off deep woods as the best. They do a "bite test" and I forget how many it got but it was a less than all the others.

[jarredbehrendt]

Alright some feedback after hitting Flattops:
Permathrin works well on the clothing its on, but any exposed skin is still game for mosquitos.

Deet products are completely worthless- might as well wear gravy.

The lemon Eucalyptus spray that is made by Repel works ok with constant application (if you are sweating).

I ****ing hate mosquitos!

My forarms look like I have scabies and itch like crazy!

I may have to give the skin so soft stuff a try with the permathrin next time.

[CanoeGuru]

Thanks for the report!

[Pacman]

Alright, this works great for my bride for many years. However, not for me. My chemistry must be wrong. I also know other folks who this works for.

Simple, take a vitamin B12 pill daily. If it works for you that is cool, if not back to the drawing board. For me thermacell is the best answer.

[jarredbehrendt]

I read somewhere that the mosquitos affinity for certain people relates to their ability to process cholesterol (amount of an enzyme), those who can process it well get eaten alive while those who do not process it well have heart attacks.

So basically its either you die of a heart attack/ stroke or you die of West Nile or another disease transported by mosquitos.

I personally process cholesterol very well (I have low LDL's and High HDL's). I get eaten alive while Renee (has very high cholesterol) doesnt usually get bitten at all.

Now its just a race to the finish.