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AIBU?

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Original poster

Mosquitoes!!!! What did you find help

30 replies

hellohellooo · 08/09/2025 07:27

Hello all

Aibu to say I have never found anything decent

What helped?

We are off to a euro.camp trip in Italy in two weeks and I don't know what to try next

Many thanks

OP posts:
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TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 08/09/2025 13:21

Super strength jungle or deet based products are the only thing that really work for me and oral antihistamines for bites if it happens as I have a horrible reaction to bites

Worth noting that there are lots of tiger mozzies in Italy and they bite all day including by the pool so you need to be vigilant. I learned that the hard way when it was too late. You probably need to then shower before swimming and reapply everything again afterwards.

RampantIvy · 08/09/2025 13:18

It doesn't work, and there is no scientific evidence to say that it does. If it works for you then you aren't that attractive to mosquitoes.

Littlemisscapable · 08/09/2025 13:15

50% DEET and putting it on before it gets dark. Covering up in the evening... Early morning is also a risky time even though it may be bright outside. French pharmacies have great creams for bites (I'm sure Italian pharmacies have similar) nothing else but DEET works reliably and you don't know if they haven't worked until its too late.

Mamamia35 · 08/09/2025 13:15

Avon Skin So Soft.

unsync · 08/09/2025 13:13

Get a buerer bite zapper, the more accurate version of the hot spoon. If the place you're going to has tiger mosquitoes, they are active 24 hrs a day, so you need to be quite proactive with your deterrents.

middlesqueezed · 08/09/2025 13:12

I’m not normally a massive believer in natural remedies just for the sake of it, but Alfresco really works for us and smells nice too www.alfrescoshop.com
I’d still consider Deet where there’s a chance of catching nasty mosquito-bourne diseases though. I also recommend carrying oral anti-histamine and a really good after-bite cream from your pharmacist just in case

StiffAsAVicar · 08/09/2025 13:03

I was being bitten to death in the caribbean (40 plus bites on body). Bought Jungle Spray with deet and had 0 bites from the moment I applied it.

Calliopespa · 08/09/2025 13:01

Deet isn't the healthiest stuff if you get it on your hands/ breathe it in, so the roll on version is great as its "hands free" and you can top it up even if you have nowhere to wash hands. Its also quite precise in terms of application.

WhyDoesItAlways · 08/09/2025 12:58

We have one of these. It's excellent and takes the itch right out. Ive rarely had to use it more than once on a bite. I assume it's similar to the hot spoon method.

amzn.eu/d/cu9VmAE

Curlygirl06 · 08/09/2025 12:49

BadAmbassador · 08/09/2025 07:53

Once you have the bite - holding a hot teaspoon on it for as long as you can stand it - really works!

Hot, not one you've put in boiling water then waved about a bit to cool it! Mind you, me hopping about and swearing like a docker after I'd done the boiling water thing certainly took my mind off of the bite! Hot water, hot, not boiling water straight out of the kettle, you're welcome.

RampantIvy · 08/09/2025 12:40

Research shows you should use a repellent containing one (or more) of the four active ingredients that are scientifically proven to repel mosquitos: DEET, IR3535, icaridin or PMD. In the Which? report that I lifted this from all the repellants not containing any of these performed badly.

Whether it's repellent patches, B vitamins or even being told to eat yeast extract or garlic to keep bugs away, there are plenty of myths about what can protect you from mosquitos and other biting bugs, as well as unusual product solutions for those who don't like applying repellent on their skin.
But many of these don't actually work. The following don't have strong evidence for their effectiveness: herbal extract bracelets, sonic mosquito repellants, Avon Skin So Soft and citronella.

They may work for some people, but these are people who aren't that attractive to mosquitoes. Hence my earlier comment that if you really are an all you can eat walking buffet to biting insects (like DH) then avoid all the woo suggestions because they just won't work.

Original poster
hellohellooo · 08/09/2025 12:33

My god they are bloody pests aren't they !!!

OP posts:
Maddy70 · 08/09/2025 11:59

Deet products are e the only thing

Welshwabbit · 08/09/2025 11:43

I react really badly to mosquito bites. This year someone advised me to take an oral antihistamine throughout the summer. Game changer! Still get bitten but reduced the reaction and very significantly less itchy. Highly recommend.

ImWearingPantaloons · 08/09/2025 11:42

Anti histamines daily to prevent a massive reaction, then I just let the buggers bite me

Original poster
hellohellooo · 08/09/2025 11:38

These are just fab

OP posts:
cloudjumper · 08/09/2025 11:20

We wear the citronella bracelets on every extremity. And copiously use Autan (not sure if that’s available in the UK, though)

Original poster
hellohellooo · 08/09/2025 11:17

So so helpful !!!!

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 08/09/2025 10:07

Jungle Formula.
You need to put it on before the sun goes down.

inmyera · 08/09/2025 10:05

My dad swears by arnica, randomly! We bought some of the repellent bracelets for our recent holiday and the only day I got bitten was sthe day I forgot to put one on.

NowYouSee · 08/09/2025 10:05

I am extremely attractive to mosquitos and react badly. Two pronged approach

  • minimising bites - religious application of deet, covering up in loose clothing
  • Minimising reactions - take antihistamines throughout, have creams etc on standby. The anti histamines make a good difference
Original poster
hellohellooo · 08/09/2025 10:03

Thank you so so much

OP posts:
BadAmbassador · 08/09/2025 07:53

Once you have the bite - holding a hot teaspoon on it for as long as you can stand it - really works!

RosesAndHellebores · 08/09/2025 07:46

Oral anti-histamine
Deet spray and wipes
Rigorous over bedroom window and light
Citronella candles on outside table

If they do get me the oral ant-histamine stops anything nasty. I react badly.

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