Topic: mosquitos suck ....

[smokester]

Are you saying you've never been bitten before?

He said he'd never encountered a midge, not even Ure.

[mishca09]

ohcheap1, ive never gotten a mosquito bite on the bottom of my foot but i can just  imagine the frustration and irritation you feel.

[ohcheap1]

This is the only Midge - Ure I can find

    


And when its on the bottom of your foot NOTHING helps. Back scratcher, hair brush, forks, etc. Please help me........

[laama]

Sometimes it's good to live here in North Europe.

Our mosquitos are small and usually not very agressive.

I noticed once that mosquitos doesn't like all humans,I know couple persons whom mosquitos almost fear,if they sit down straight in the mosquito pack,mosquitos almost escapes and they don't use insecticides.

[xtopave]

That's true, mosquitoes find certain people more "yummy" than others.

Maybe someone can find something useful here:

Mosquito Attractants

Use this list of items and activities that attract mosquitoes as a list of things to avoid or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you.

    * Dark Clothing

      Many mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.

    * Carbon Dioxide

      You give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.

    * Lactic Acid

      You release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).

    * Floral or Fruity Fragrances

      In addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

    * Skin Temperature

      The exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.

    * Moisture

      Mosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also allows mosquitoes to reproduce.

Natural Repellents

It's very easy to make your own natural mosquito repellent. These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils.

    * Citronella Oil
    * Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
    * Cinnamon Oil
    * Castor Oil
    * Rosemary Oil
    * Lemongrass Oil
    * Cedar Oil
    * Peppermint Oil
    * Clove Oil
    * Geranium Oil
    * Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic

Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness

    * Many Sunscreens
    * Dilution from Rain, Perspiration, or Swimming
    * Absorption into the Skin
    * Evaporation from Wind or High Temperatures

When I was pregnant I found that lavender oil was more effective than citronella. But it might work differently for others.

[dweez]

I heard one time that mosquitoes can smell potassium in your blood for up to a mile away.  I.E., don't eat bananas in the summer time.

[xtopave]

... don't eat bananas in the summer time.

Which is exactly what's recommended to do in summer to avoid potassium lose due to excessive sweating. 

[chekovsulu]

Unfortunately I've been bit, I got blisters and stuff from it and the bites on my face started started leaking (stupid pillow), and I think it scarred

The feet ones are awful, you can't even walk with them.

[indie180]

A midgie. (not my arm)

[smokester]

I heard one time that mosquitoes can smell potassium in your blood for up to a mile away.

Good God, I can't even smell it from this distance.

[laama]

That's true, mosquitoes find certain people more "yummy" than others.

Thanks for tip.

[subvinorosa]

I once slathered mosquito repellent all over me, all exposed skin. 

Freaking mosquitoes bit me on the scalp.  All over my scalp. 

Everyone thought it was funny.

[Methiah]

Apparently they like cheesy feet. There's an article in the newscientist about it from a few years back... honestly!

[smokester]

Apparently they like cheesy feet. There's an article in the newscientist about it from a few years back... honestly!

Maybe that is what they can smell from a mile away. Wouldn't be much of a feat in my case.

[smokester]

My last 2 times in the Caribbean I've kinda won the battle against mozzies.  Maybe because I have less rum in my blood as I did when I visited the island in the early 90s, or maybe I've gone off?

Either way it was the sandflies that caused the biggest problem, especially for my missus.  Her sandfly bites flowered to red blotches that measured about 8" across. They didn't bother her too much, but they looked horrendous.

This thread hasn't seen any action for nearly 5 years.  That reminds me: how's the love life, dweez?