Seat Belt

[Thomas]

I found another positive use for a seat belt.
With the seat belt fasten tight the black flies can't carry one away.
For some strange reason there extra hungry and I'm about half quart low on blood.

Does anybody know of a good insect spray beside diesel fumes or mixing chainsaw fuel tad stronger with oil.

I pretty sure its not that I'm so sweet (but my girl friend think so) its the strange weather here in the northeast.

 

[BobT]

The only active ingredient in most bug repellant products is essential oil of citronella. This is what is in all those lanterns and natural flame lighting products, which burn kerosene, liquid paraffin, citronella and lamp oil.

Citronella Oil is a completely natural product. The active ingredient is Anise-aldehyde. Citronella Oil is also used in cosmetics, detergents and soaps.

This is a safe, non-toxic substance which I recommend over the unknown and potentially highly dangerous side effects of commercial chemical sprays.

Essential oil of cirtonella is available at most health food stores, for around $2.50 an ounce.

You can make your own formula using 10% oil of citronella, and 90% "inert" oil (like oilve oil).

You can apply this to your arms, neck, etc before going out.

Or, you can make up a kind of "bug band" by buying a packet of those tennis wrist pads, which only cost a few dollars. Drop the mixture on ten or twelve times around the bands and place one on each wrist. This way, the scent will create a protective zoen around you, and should cut down on the attack rate of bugs.

Citonella oil should NEVER be applied undiluted directly to the skin, but always mixed with a diluting oil.

Hope this helps.

Bob T.


A Indiana Boy

 

[W5FL]

DEET seems to be the active ingredient that works for most insects. Sold in BackWoods version which is pretty strong and effective.

 

[BobT]

DEET (diethyl toluamide) works as an insect repellant. However, it is a toxic chemical used in over 97% of all insecticides. Studies have shown that there are many risks associated with its use.

Melting of plastics
Skin irritations
Forms of seizures
Death in some cases

The oldest claim in the insect-repelling industry is that DEET, used in moderation, will work effectively on mosquitoes and other annoying biting bugs.

DEET IS the most common base in sprays. When reading the directions on spray cans, you should note that the manufacturer still suggests that the spray not come in contact with human skin, eyes, nose or mouth. (Harmful if swallowed. If rash persists, consult with your doctor.)

Sprays must be reapplied every hour for best results. If you perspire, or become wet, sprays are not effective at all.

See my other post for alternative using oil of citronella.

BobT.

A Indiana Boy

 

[jyoutz]

You all might think this is funny, but I work in the woods and this is tried and true. The best bug repellent I have found for mosquitos and no-see-em gnats is Avon Skin-so-Soft Lotion or spray (unscented). I don't know why this stuff works, but bugs will stay away (and you won't have any dry skin either). I was told about this by a logger and since have heard of many people who use this stuff. I don't know if its the best solution, but it sure works better than Off, Cutter, or any other commercial bug spray that I have tried. You'll just have to locate an Avon lady to get some.

 

[MChalkley]

Consumer Reports said this is just a myth and the stuff is worthless as a bug repellent. Which, considering the general consensus on the value of their advice, brings up the question: Since I don't know any Avon ladies, do you know if there's a way to order it via the web?

Mark

 

[gordon]

That is another time that I disagree with the allmighty Consumer Reports. Skin So Soft works great and I'm not afraid to put it on the kids. Sorry Mark no idea about the web and Avon. If its anything like Amsoil you should be able to find a dealer on the web. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
I didn't renew my Consumer Reports this past year seems like they are going to left field.
Gordon

 

[Bird]

Mark, I recall reading once, several years ago, that the Army was experimenting with Skin-so-Soft to see if it really worked as well as other bug repellants, but I don't recall ever seeing anything about their final decision. However, my wife is absolutely convinced it works great, and since her best friend (neighbor right behind us) sells Avon . . ../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I've only tried it once and wasn't bothered by mosquitoes that time, but don't know whether I'd have been bothered that day if I hadn't used anything.

Bird

 

[jyoutz]

Mark, I readily testify that this stuff works. A few years back, the no-see-ems were so bad that I was swollen from head to toe, which is bad if you must work in the woods. I tried Cutter, Off, military issue bug spray, even resorted to buying and smoking a cigar (didn't effect the bugs, but made me turn green). Nothing worked well until I tried the skin-so-soft. Not a 100% repellant, but far better than anything else I tried. Also works on mosquitos. My wife buys the spray for me in pint-size bottles and we all use it when mosquitos are bad. What I like best is that the unscented works as well as the other types. By the way, I have no connection whatsoever to the company.

 

[W5FL]

Re: Insect Repellant

I'm convinced. I'll take some (Skin so Soft). Is this the stuff that Avon sells that has some repellant in it that is recommended for children also?