Question about Bug Spray.

[Belfort]

Hi guys.

I've got a CP job coming up in Central America soon and I'd like to know if anyone has got an idea what is the most efficient mosquito/bug spray that you know. Has the military guys know of any good info that you could share it in here?

Thanks.

Belfort

[rupert]

Vinegar is pretty good, I have also found Avon Skin So Soft to be very good without a nasty smell.
Of the commercial products, Jungle Formula is about the best, anything with DEET in good measure, including the Life Systems stuff is good. The downside of DEETbased products is the stinging sensation if you get it in your eyes (don't put any on your forehead, it drops down in sweat) and will rot through plastic; I had a bottle of Jungle Formula leak inside a North Face kit bag, and it melted its way through leaving a hole about 6in wide - end of duffle!

[oblivious]

i know it didnt matter what i used in Iraq the little buggers where and i say oblivious tio what i used lol

[littlewoman]

Avon Skin so Soft Woodland fragrance, is definitely effective from everything to Cumbrian midges to mosquitoes in Laos. Thursday plantation "Walkabout insect Repellent" is equally effective. That contains T-Tree and Citronella. the advantage of these 2 over DEET is that they're not toxic so no problems if you get them on your hands and then eat food, and safer to put around your face.
I found the Walkabout stuff better to use when its hot because the Avon stuff is a moisturiser and so isn't too good in a hot environment.
Also you can dab a few bits of Tiger Balm behind your ears and on ankles and wrists. It will keep just about everything away. You can also put it on any bites you do get and it will stop the itching.
I would recommend taking T-tree oil anywhere remote as its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It will kill any micro-organisms you put it on (just don't put it on any more intimate areas or around the eyes).

[HarryP]

If I were you mate, i would take a couple of products, DEET based and the fore-mentioned alternatives.
It seems that some people are more prone to the little buggers (ginners) so the strong DEET lotions may be the only option. However if you are not overly susceptible you maybe able to get away with the more comfortable alternatives.
I personally find the deet based ones turn me into a big sweaty, sticky mess, but iam prone, so it is my only option.
Hope this helps and good luck on your travels.

Harry(not quite ginger but in some lights....!!!!) P

[remote medic]

DEET comes in various strengths ...is very effective but as mentioned melts plastics etc. Permethrin spray is good to put on your clothing and can be recoated every 6 weeks. The best advice - long sleeves / long trousers dawn and dusk - ie don't get bitten in the 1st instance

BZ

[Belfort]

Good review guys.

I've just returned from Boots and they have their own brand and Jungle Formula. I couldn't find "Avon Skin" that Littlewoman mentioned above though. I don't want to have any unusual smell on me, so vinegar is perhaps out of question..

[sinx9]

Hey belfort

When i was in malaysia the locals gave us a can of what looked like bug spray told us to spray our boots with it we did and had no more problems from leaches. What im sayin is ask the locals what thay use thay know best. Deet is good but dont forget to check with the locals.

Stay safe
scotty

[psdtraining]

Go with whatever the locals use.... you can't go wrong.... also top up on Marmite!!! potassium levels, if I remember correctly, Vit B etc etc....

[andy905]

i tend to find the best bug repellent is the military issue spray which has a very high DEET content which i believe is over 50%. never had any bites when out on ops when wearing this stuff. only problem is finding it. best bet is an online military supplier.