I'm a mosquito's wet-dream too. But I bought this stuff on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N59OFU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I've had really good results with it without stinking like deet and feeling like I'm poisoning myself. I went to some fireworks and put it on and didn't get one bite and wasn't freaking out about bugs flying around me.
I was just reading a magazine article that claimed that oil of lemon eucalyptus is the only botanical option shown to work per the EPA. (They also say not to confuse that with lemon-eucalyptus essential oil which is NOT the same thing) They recommend this repel version to try. It is supposed to repel mosquitos and ticks for up to 6 hours.
I agree with the ‘fuck mosquitos’ sentiment wholeheartedly. But, as I said, this would be a very dangerous solution.
I’ve actually had luck with this spray (hope the link works on mobile):
REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_o6W.Cb9SV3MJA
Ymmv, of course, but it might be worth a try. Strong smell but it keeps me bite-free (and those little fuckers usually looove me).
I am a mosquito magnet, they will even bite me through clothing, and I hate wearing typical bug spray. I discovered Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus products (careful not to confuse with lemon eucalyptus oil) are very effective (tested by Consumer Reports), and I don't hate wearing them. The one I use is called Repel Bug Spray, it smells nice, sinks into the skin, and doesn't leave me smelly or sticky and dying to take a shower like the other stuff.
Any spray repellant is going to have the same issue with missed spots, so I'll often layer different techniques: Wear long sleeves/long pants, and socks for physical coverage, use spray repellant on top of clothes, and then ALSO use something for the environment like citronella candles/torches, multiple mosquito repellant wrist bands (one on each wrist and ankle) and/or the Off! Clip on product. It seems like a bit much, but otherwise I'll be covered in bug bites all summer long! Good luck!
Sorry! Not lemon grass, it's Lemon Eucalyptus that we use. I went searching to find the product page and realized my error.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_5tyCBbGBPCQYN
Apparently the manufacturer suggest you don't use it as a substitute for DEET in areas with high disease concern. Consumer Reports apparently said this works better than DEET. So I guess your mileage may vary depending on who you ask.
Life is about risk management. Continue to do research and make as informed a decision as you can and be prepared to accept any potential outcome.
Are you able to enter the county you are traveling to without the vaccination? I believe some countries require it for entry.
Caffinatedscientist was on the ball. I believe the one I bought is https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Ygd7AbSTTBK8G
I can't attest to how well it works though as I didn't use it much last year. I think I will this year though as I'm sure I'll go out in the garden more this year.
I use this stuff. Really like it, seems to last a very long time, that in combination with the clothing treatment above usually means I don't have to use DEET at all. Might want to try it out!
For sure, I play music and this stuff works really well for me. A little DEET on my hand instantly roughs up the finish of the neck of my instruments, who knows wtf else it's doing.
$70? Woah. They are like $25 here in the states. Bought one last year and used it on our back patio when we would sit out there in the evenings. I'm a mosquito magnet and the Thermacell seemed to do the job.
However, I'm not sure how well it would work if you were moving around or if it were breezy outside.
I use this stuff now for mosquitoes... https://www.amazon.com/Repel-Eucalyptus-Natural-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU
I'm late to the party, but I can not believe that no one here has suggested lemon eucalyptus oil based mosquito repellents.
They work better than DEET (for me at least).
They smell nice, and are all natural.
http://www.amazon.com/Repel-Eucalyptus-Natural-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU
Depending on what you're trying to repel Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is somewhat effective - like this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Based-Eucalyptus-Insect-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU
It needs to be "lemon eucalyptus", not lemon oil and eucalyptus oil. There are links to studies in this article: https://www.health.com/home/oil-of-lemon-eucalyptus-extract-natural-mosquito-repellent
Honestly though we don't really spray our baby. We spray our yard with wondercide (cedar oil) and have a huge frog and bat population. If you want very natural you could try putting up bat houses in your yard if you have the space.
This worked well for me when in Hawaii. It seemed like a more natural product.
This REPEL stuff works pretty well for me, just make sure to cover every exposed part of your body. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N59OFU
https://www.amazon.com/Repel-94109-HG-94109-Eucalyptus-Natural/dp/B004N59OFU but only after your dryed off.
For bug sprays I use this plant-based REPEL spray that's only 5 bucks on Amazon. It has worked really well for me in the past. It's made with Eucalyptus oil, which repels mosquitos and other bugs really well without leaving your skin feeling greasy or sticky. I am not sure if it's pet friendly however, but I would assume so since it's made from organic materials instead of chemicals. I'll also leave a link below to a website that sells a really good UV-Hat to give you an idea to what to look for when you go shopping for one, and I'll leave an extra link to the sunscreen I use. I hope you find these helpful!
REPEL Mosquito and Small Bug Repellant Link
UV-Protecting Sun Hat Link
Banana Boat Sunscreen idea Link
not quite correct, and I might add, this can be very dangerous if someone gets confused, between a couple of things...
the best natural oil for repelling mosquitos is indeed eucalyptus oil, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Based-Eucalyptus-Insect-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU
OTOH, geraniol based repellents are highly INeffective at repelling biting insects
there is also a super effective chrysanthemum based repellent called "permethrin", but it should only be used on clothing, and never, ever, ever directly on skin:
https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP657-Permethrin-Repellent/dp/B001ANQVYU
I use this brand.
I make my own deodorant. This recipe is not an antiperspirant, but that is better for your body anyway!! I love it and it’s the best deodorant I have ever had.
DIY Deodorant Recipe I Use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Htnp8P9Eg
Everyone is different so not every deodorant works on everyone. If one doesn’t work, try another, or adjust the ingredients in it (like baking soda).
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I use non-deet bug spray that uses eucalyptus and lemon it isn't zero waste but there is a way to make some. The one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Based-Eucalyptus-Insect-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29LO68FCNQYPR&keywords=non+deet+bug+spray&qid=1558318283&s=gateway&sprefix=non+deet+bug%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-3
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DIY bug spray:
Oil of Eucalyptus Lemon: https://www.zerowastewisdom.com/single-post/2018/06/03/Zero-Waste-Bug-Spray-DIY
Tea Tree oil: http://www.greenify-me.com/2018/08/zero-waste-bug-spray.html
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DIY sunscreen is a little more difficult, and you will have to use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, I'll link some resources. I haven't tried any of these.
https://ecogoddess.com/zero-waste-homemade-sunscreen-recipe/
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https://treadingmyownpath.com/2016/05/19/plastic-free-zero-waste-natural-sun-cream/
Same thing happens with waders for fishing. Get a thermacell and some natural bug spray like this:
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent Pump, 1 unit, 4-oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lBK8AbH1RNT1S
Aside from netting, there are a few basics that have worked for me:
Eucalyptus Spray: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N59OFU Repellant Patches (put on top of your bed spread / headboard): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZ4CD3D Bug Zapper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071FFCVQS/
You can also try making a home made mosquito trap.
My favorite mosquito repellent is this Lemon Eucalyptus stuff.
I have been wondering what bees would think of it, anyone have any insight into it?
I have this stuff:
Repel's Lemon Eucalyptus. It's the only CDC recommended natural based (it's a synthetic, but based on plant compounds) repellant.
It works for me. I lived at a place with a front porch for a couple years. Drank many a beer on that porch, and without bugspray, I'd get a few mosquito bites in no time. The lemon eucalyptus stuff works, it's not DEET, and it smells kind of nice too.
This resource has lots of info on other plant based repellents:
http://www.malariajournal.com/content/pdf/1475-2875-10-s1-s11.pdf
I like Repel with lemon eucalyptus (https://www.amazon.com/Repel-Eucalyptus-Natural-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU), but I don't know what is available in Asia.
This is just as effective as DEET, but far less toxic:
https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Based-Eucalyptus-Insect-Repellent-4-Ounce/dp/B004N59OFU
for anyone reading this, keep in mind:
you should ALWAYS bathe and change clothes ASAP after using DEET
DEET should not be left on the skin for prolonged periods of time because it can cutaneously absorb
and you should not re-wear clothing sprayed with DEET unnecessarily
you should not have DEET on your person or clothing in unventilated spaces, particularly indoors (you should not breathe the fumes offgassing)
(look at the directions of any DEET based bug spray)
DEET, while effective at what it's purpose is, is a very, very nasty and highly neurotoxic chemical (it's literally a pesticide)