Camping in France and mosquitoes

[chipmonkey]

A few years ago, we went to France in the last 2 weeks in August. We were in a Yelloh Village Static caravan on the Cote d'Azur. The first week was fine. The second week it rained for a couple of days, then cleared up. After that the mosquitoes seemed to come out in droves and we got eaten alive! My Mum was partly to blame. she was cooking one evening, burnt something on the cooker, then tried to get rid of the smoke by flinging all the windows open, practically inviting the creatures in.
I am keen to take the tent to France, possibly the Vendee but are mosquitoes usually that much of a problem?

[shirazplease]

Watching with interest....I've bought some citronella candles and bug spray to take with us, just in case. Hoping not to have to use them though

[chipmonkey]

shiraz, that second week, the citronella candle was useless! Didn't ward them off at all!

[shirazplease]

EEK! I really hope it's not an issue. I react horribly to mossies!

[fridayfreedom]

When camping in France I used to check each pod before going to sleep and squish the little blighters . Keep the pods zipped up and we were usually ok. One of those flippy cheap fly swats does the trick!!

[3rdnparty]

We were in the Vendee last summer and mozzies not that bad, and i'm a bug magnet
I did use one of these most of the time once I'd had a couple of bites - Big decathlon in saumur
www.decathlon.co.uk/no-mosquito-white-wristband-id_8210422.html

not sure where else you can get them....i have found some bands in lidl/poundland/boots (can't remember where ) called anti mosquito bands and am hoping they'll work this year....

[chipmonkey]

Oh, that looks good! How do they work?

[hillbilly]

Also watching with interest. Have not got anything yet.

[millimat]

I'm buying those in bulk if they work.3rd do they work on just mosquitoes or horseflies and things too?

[tim6587]

We have always used the coils but have bought some of these wristbands this year to try out

[Quenelle]

We made the grave error of camping next to a river near Troyes the other week. Got eaten alive by the biggest mosquitos we've ever seen UNTIL we put on the Avon skin so soft and then... not so much as a nibble. I'm never going to France without it now.

We also saw lots of seasoned looking campers with potted Basil plants. They're only about three euros in the salad section in supermarkets so I will invest in one next trip.

[3rdnparty]

they seemed to stop most bitey things but they aren't the largest so were fine around my wrist but didn't fit well round my ankle- so mainly wore looped around my shoe...the one tim6587 look like they may have more give....have to say was not as hot as here at the mo last summer so maynot have been a heavy insect year?
I did also hang one in my sleeping pod for extra protection... may try the lot this year... like the basil idea too....as well as my circle of citronella tea lights