How to prevent mosquitoes biting my face and scalp?!

[Mayhemmumma]

I have dreadful reactions to mosquitoes- needed steroids because my ankle was so swollen last year.

I use the strongest sprays but haven't ever put on my face and now I've been bitten on my face and scalp.

I live rurally near horses/cows and have a little stream in the garden so it's a mozzie paradise.

What can I use that won't sting or make my skin too greasy?

Watching with interest.

I kept getting bites on my face for years now and originally suspected bed bugs.

However never found any sign of them and noticed that there was always standing water (I think it's called that at least,a patch of water that doesn't dry up) on the ground in the room in my building where all the huge rubbish bins are kept. And I wondered whether mosquitoes or some other breeding beastie were constantly growing in there and that's where the bites were coming from.

Do you take any supplements? Vitamin B1 and garlic capsule should discourage them...
There's a spray called Mrs White's that's like a cologne that you might be able to use on your face and head? Wear a hat? What about a midge net?

I do take B vitamins but not garlic - I'll give it a go! Thank you.
I can't wear a net in my garden or walking the dogs I'd feel like a plonker! A hat however is sensible..

Looking up Mrs Whites... thanks

That looks ideal!!!

Sympathy, OP. I’m their favourite meal.
Has anyone tried…dare I say it…eating marmite? That’s my next move.

I take antihistamines all summer and use ultrastrength jungle formula even on my face. I just use the roll on not spray

Citronella disguises your "I'm edible!" scent, so citronella in your hair?

I put dots of it on my hems in summer to keep bugs out of my clothes.

Oh, and I practically live off marmite but it makes no difference with me.

Deet on a hat. Something less toxic on your skin.

Citronella, its in multiple body sprays, lotions, comes in essential oils form, super easy to get hold of and can work in with your normal routine such as a squirt of body spray on the way out the door

Avon's Skin so Soft dry oil spray keeps them away from me and I'm a mozzy magnet.

Its the citronella 😁 i buy that for my animals lol

Soltan protect and repel suncream is great, as is Soltan soothe and moisturise after sun. You get them in Boots

I use the plug in mozzie deterrent it does seem to prevent them coming in the room. I just use the one from Boots.

I have just been reading that mosquitoes are attracted to floral and fruity scents, but repelled by coconut scent/oil.
So I’m going to ditch my regular soap and shampoo and try a coconut based one.
I can’t hang the washing out without being bitten.

I use Smidge on my face when camping, to ward off midges (but it says it works for mozzies too) might be worth a try. It's very effective and it's nice to use - not too smelly or greasy.
I think the active ingredient is picaridin which is supposed to be as effective as deet but safer and more pleasant to use.

I haven't tried it yet but a friend recommended stuffing scented dryer sheets in pockets, neckline, socks etc. Apparently worked when she went to visit a swamp in the tropics. I spray my hat with Deet and use a net when I'm gardening.

Deet is the best insect repellent out there.

If you don't want that, it would have to be a big hat with a veil like the Victorians.

Smidge is my go-to. I work outside and every biting insect on the planet loves me but this stuff keeps everything away, even ants. It's been life changing!

Just looked up Picaridin, pp's recommendation, and found this online. I will defo try it instead of Deet.

Commercial products containing icaridin include Cutter Advanced, Muskol, Repeltec,[29] Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, Off! FamilyCare, Autan, Smidge, PiActive and MOK.O.

Icaridin is as effective as 50%>Deet but Deet lasts longer (and melts plastic).

You have to eat SO MUCH marmite, but it's because it contains B vitamins so a vitamin B1 capsule is easier!

I am apparently delicious- I am always the one that gets bitten all over, especially when camping. This year I have tried tea tree oil in my moisturiser and body lotion and it's seems to be keeping them at bay.

Loads of tips! Thanks!
I've ordered Mrs white and Smidge and those bracelet things too.

Will hat shop this weekend.

I really don't like lemon scent but I think I'll have to get over it.

I tried anti histamine last summer but was told by GP it's not preventative so I didn't stick with it.

My face is so flipping itchy

@Blueuggboots thank you for the Mrs white's recommendation- it's brilliant!! Total game changer for me