Anything that bites !

[SandraK]

Apologies if this has been mentioned before but as mossies, sand flies et al seem to think I am a banquet thought those similarly afflicted would like to know. Whitfields ointment, about 5TT and brilliant. Yes, I do use all preventative sprays etc. but if you still get bitten this is the stuff.

[Hugh S]

Hi Sandra,

OK. I'll bite.

Is it for prevention or relief? Sold in Tobago? Where?

On a related note, I'm hauling down a Mosquito Zapper this summer. Anyone have experience with a similar contraption?

http://www.mosquito-zapper.com/galaxie_ ... pv-440.htm

Thanks, Hugh

[David Watkins]

Hi Sandra squared,the best preventative (for ladies)is citronella oil mixed about 1/100,for men plenty of Johnny Walker's White ....applied internally
David

[Hugh S]

I was able to answer one of my questions all by myself. It is for relief.

What is Whitfields Ointment (Benzoic Acid Salicylic Acid Topical)?

Benzoic acid helps prevent infection caused by bacteria. Salicylic acid helps the body shed rough or dead skin cells.

Benzoic acid and salicylic acid treats skin irritation and inflammation caused by burns, insect bites, fungal infections, and eczema.

[SandraK]

David
And I was being serious !!!!
Hugh
Don't care what's in it, it works ! Great relief and clears the bites v. quickly. Find it in any pharmacy, you will have to ask, not on prominent display. No idea about the mossie zapper, sounds too good to be true but sure you feel the same !If I was covered in a net 24/7 would still look like a throw back to the days of the plague so anything that helps works for me.

[Paul Tallet]

I can bite too ... and the best way of preventing that is a bunch of 5's or a hard word delivered with grammatical venom.

But it's sandflies that are the problem ... they are much more cunning and lethal than me.

You can put what you like on and stink to high heaven but the best way is to stay off the beach in the late afternoon and evening or just sit in the sea and deal with it ... you will be bitten, it's just whether you are allergic to them or not.

Mosquitoes are not a problem on the beaches.

Regards

[Andy K]

Folks,

i definately prefer not get bitten by bugs at all. We have to remember that one or two of those guys may
carry dengue fever etc. There is where Whitfields ointment can't help.
When the season comes, i use OFF (orange), it is expensive in Tobago, but it helps significantly. I always carry
a bottle in my van. At home in the night i either use air conditioning (Trinidad), or a fan and GOOD KNIGHT evaporators (Tobago).

The best results i ever got from an insect repellent was from OFF Deep Woods Sportsmen (blue bottle) http://www.offprotects.com/sportsmen.aspx

The mosquitos stopped with screeching tyres and took a wide detour around me

Unfortunately i haven't seen OFF Deep Woods Sportsmen on sale in Tobago (or Trinidad). You will have to bring it from abroad.

Greetings,

Andy

[Hugh S]

100% DEET is the only thing that protects me when working outside. The Bethel mosquitoes are hard core!

http://www.rei.com/product/738782?cm_mm ... erralID=NA

With the Off brand only the pump spray is close to 100%.

Hugh

[SandraK]

To all you male hypochondriacs
Just a suggestion guys ! Was not advocating as a panacea for the worlds ills - just great to clear bites quickly. Now, will you all leave the picket fence and do something useful !!!

[Andy K]

Hugh,

that is exactly the product i was referring to. I don't know your Bethel hardcore mosquitos, but Bago's have some
tough ones, too. They can easly spoil the sundowner.

Sandra,
we had a serious dengue outbreak in 2008 in Trinidad, and you never know if that reaches Tobago and to which extend.
Dengue is not fun at all, i personally can really do without it !

[Hugh S]

Andy,

Bethel as in Bethel, Tobago.

Guys,

See what happens when we try to help out Sandra? Are we going to let her get away with such insults?

Hugh

[David Watkins]

Another cure to ease the itching of sand flies is gin applied externally
David

[HelenaVM]

Which? has just completed a review of a range of mozzie repellents - including plug in devices. For heavily infested areas the Boots own version in a silver pump spray (50% deet ) came out a winner with the Jungle Formula version.

Not sure if this info is on their website for the sake of Non-UK or non Which? members who want to read more!

Hx

[Hugh S]

Helena,

Thanks for that. Here's the link to the Which? article:

http://www.which.co.uk/reviews-ns/insec ... /index.jsp

David,

I can't imagine you wasting perfectly good alcohol on the outside of your body?

Hugh

[Andy K]

Hugh,

yes i know where Bethel is, in Tobago
As it is in a hilly area, i am surprised you have such an infestation of hardcore mosquitos.
But s..t happens, i know.

@all, i think allyou have a more serious problem with bugs than we locals, as you don't prepare your bodies
with a constant diet of Rum, Peppersauce and Curry
Gin, i guess, only helps when indigested in larger quantities and only lasts until the hangover kicks in the next morning

[Hugh S]

Andy,

The local mosquitoes definitely prefer my non-local blood. With or without the "preservatives". I do my best to condition myself with lots of rum and peppersauce in the "off season".

The mosquitoes are not such a problem everywhere in Bethel. When I visit Egypt I don't get bothered as much. Down where we are they are very annoying. It seems to vary street by street. I'm hoping to improve our area with the zapper I'm bringing. It's supposed to clear an acre or more. I'll post results of my experiment.

Hugh

Counting down to June 19!

[Oracle]

In my experience it is best to cream your skin after bathing (in shower or sea). Insects like dry skin that has no form of grease or cream on it... Baby oil is highly recommended - it sounds crazy but is true!

Maybe this just works for locals though! Someone let me know!

Oracle

[SandraK]

Oracle
Thank you - question is - do I fry, or do I itch ? Let me think ummm - skin cancer or a dab of the Whitfields. See where I'm going with this.... ?

[Oracle]

Ohhhh!

Didn't even think of that! Sorry, maybe they make baby oil that doesn't cause a burn!

Good luck!

[Gisela Grell]

Hi all,

I really appreciate any kind of repellent what helps against sandflies! I tried Citronella with baby oil -> no effect! I tried Tiger Blam -> no effect! I tried "Don't bite me patches" http://www.dontbitemepatch.com/ -> no effect!
They just love me whatever I try to keep the sandflies away.

Will try the new things from Hugh and Andy next time. Thank you for any kind of help.
Sandra, you just have to find out what is the right one for you.
If they bite you it helps to cool it. I found an ice gel with Lidocain but I can't remember the name. If I find it I will let you know.
Oracle, best whishes to USA