Bites and Stings Away!

Jenny Blogs.....

We had our second team meeting last night and it went really well; I think we were all more relaxed, and I felt that we got lots done and I came away with some excellent action points. One was to blog a list of (in my opinion) the latest and greatest mosquito repellents, which may be of use to us on our adventure!
Here are a few that I have either used in the past, or have on excellent recommendation (and a couple of mystery guest appearances!)

Preventing Bites:

1) A product from ‘Avon’ called Skin So Soft & Fresh (used to be Woodland Fresh) Dry Oil Body Spray. It is regarded to be an effective insect repellent. Although it adsorbs in to the skin well, it has been suggested that the oily film it forms on the skin reduces insects' ability to actually land on you and bite. The spray also contains citronella. Used by the Royal Marines apparently! It costs about £5 for a 150ml bottle according to http://www.bushwear.co.uk/nostyles.php?ProductID=396903

I have seen it on e-bay for less but with P&P there is not much difference in cost.

2) Deet. It’s a lean mean mozzie fighting machine. I use 50% Deet and you can see them bouncing off you. It claims to be effective for 8 hours, although probably not advisable to use for weeks on end. The 100% version has been known to corrode clothing – very strong stuff! It costs about £7 for a spray bottle.

3) Jungle Formula. Also tried and tested from Scottish peaks to Cornish coves, and does the job. Not as strong as the Deet, costing around £8 for a spray bottle. Does not taste nice if you get it on your face!

And our mystery guest for this evening……

4) A wristband containing Deet and citronella, this is said to form a protective ‘halo’ from bites for up to 14 days. I like the sound of it, and would be willing to give them a go, for £6.99 for a pack of 4 at http://www.roamingfox.co.uk/Insect-Repellent-Wrist-Bands-pr-16231.html
In fact this site may prove useful for other travel gadget too!
Bite Aftercare:

1) A ‘Clicker’ device (Claire’s idea). Apparently when used on a mosquito bite, the clicker releases a small pulse of electricity. The low electrical current stops the bite itching and swelling, and it can be used as many times as necessary until it stops that scratch! Currently retailing at about £5.50 per clicker from Amazon.
2) Witch Hazel. This is a natural bite and sting relief that comes packaged as a ‘roll on’ from lifesystems http://www.lifesystems.co.uk/ retailing at about £5.50. I’ve used it after being bitten by the evil Scottish midges and it worked for me. You can use as much as you like, and it has no scent. You can also get it in gel form from boots, £1.99 for a small tube.

3) Tee Tree. I’ve read on the internet that rubbing tee tree oil onto bites has a similar effect to witch hazel

4) Good Old Anthesan Bite and Sting Cream. Can be effective if used straight away, before they get really itchy. It’s a cheaper alternative at £2.99 for a large tube and it certainly helps.

And a few mystery guests from the world of bite relief……
5) Banana Peel. Apparently you rub the inside of the peel on the bite (?!)

6) Nail polish – apply as soon as you are bitten

7) Rub a bar of dry or wet soap onto the bite

Any good? We shall have to wait and see!