Best Mosquito Repellents/lotions/ bug zappers/ machines & tips for keeping wasps away?

[angel24711]

Hey all, need some lovely Mumsnet wisdom. Camping this summer in France by a river with EHU in a safari tent.

What do you guys use to get rid of/repel the bugs. I’m one of those people that they seem to find delicious so I’d love any recommendations of anything you do to help minimise the bugs unlike my partner. I’m taking 2 boys who are 4 & 6 too.

Also does anyone have any wasp tricks they use camping? I’ve learnt to always pour your drinks into a clear glass so you don’t get a nasty surprise with your wine but does anyone know anything else?

Avon Skin so soft.

Take anti histamine tablets every night for a week before you go camping and all the time you are away. I find it helps . I still get bitten a bit but the bites aren't as severe. I also use deet. I am extra tasty to mosquitoes though. I m not sure about your children. I dont suppose they can take anti histamines. The plug in things might help. Personally I found Avon skin so soft to be useless. I know some people swear by it though so maybe it's just me.

A friend has recommended vicks, in elbows and knees.
I have yet to try it myself but will be on holiday later this year.. i too have tasty blood, and react awfully to bites as well which doesnt help!

Avon Skin So Soft - this was a game changer for me! I’m allergic to insect bites which is a pain as mosquitoes are attracted to me so to find something like this that works was amazing.

Eat marmite regularly before you go.

Use a good DEET based repellent, maybe using MosiGuard for the kids’ faces as it is natural but effective.

Long light sleeves and trousers from dusk onwards.

There's a b vitamin (b12?) which does the same job as eating truckloads of marmite. Take it daily a week or two before you go and daily whilst you are there and it does help make you less tasty ime

For a cheap and effective wasp trap, take an empty plastic bottle and carefully cut in half. Invert the top section into the bottom, and duct tape together. Then add a small amount of something sweet- the French syrups that they use instead of squash are ideal. Place on table and voila. www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-wasp-traps.htm

We have found these mosquito coils to be the most effective

I use Jungle juice roll on, the extra strong one.

Citronella candles outside while we have evening glass of wine.

Those rubber bands with repellant, I usually put them on one ankle and one wrist

Electric fly zapper works for wasps as well, firstly shoo'ing them out but will zap if they are persistent.

Incognito