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Loading ...Can someone suggest a effective insect repellent?
I am soon to be travelling through Africa and am looking into insect repellents, i have previously become ill from using Deet repellents. i heard about taking vitamin B however after researching it on the internet i have found that there is no evidence that it works. Any other suggestions?
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First thing that came to mind was DEET but that’s a no go. You can try "Skin So Soft" from Avon products. I know it sounds weird but it does work extremely well, though not as well as DEET. I’ve never been to Africa but my daughter used it in Yellowstone in June (Mosquito heaven) and I used DEET and we were about the same though she needed to put it on more often. Se also was able to spray her clothes with it which was also effective.
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Apparenlty taking garlic pills in double dose puts the mozzies off. Or buy citronella – they hate the smell.
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Avon sells a skin so soft product that has a kind of pine smell that is a bug ward off.
It is not for bugs, but works pretty well.
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The Centers For Disease Control say picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the best alternatives. I’m sure you did the same searches I just did, but in case you didn’t run across this page, here’s the list of the CDC recommended Deet alternatives:
http://www.co.boulder.co.us/health/hpe/wnv/prevention/alternatives.htm
Everyone I know swears by Avon’s Skin-So-Soft, but it doesn’t do much for me. I’d test it at home before braving those deadly African bugs.
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DEET allergies are quite common and there are tons of DEET-free products out there. Most contain either Peppermint Oil and Geraniol (geranium oil), an herbal repellent tested by the University of Florida as an effective, NATURAL alternative to DEET or Lemon eucalyptus and citronella. Cedar and mint/basil are also commonly mentioned as mosquito deterants.
Bug Band, Inc is a company that manufactures a lot of non-toxic, DEET free ones. Most sporting stories carry equal amonts of both.
Try California Baby, the original Buggspray, Beat It!, Bugz Off, Lewey’s Bug Off, Gentle Naturals (good on baby’s sensitive skin but needs to be frequently), Burt’s Bees and Cactus Juice are all a lot of name brands that especially do DEET-free. You could also consider Garlic Barrier.
ChiggAway works as well but it might contain DEET–I’m not sure. Cutter also makes several with low DEET content–7% and 5%. I know the OFF Deep Woods has more DEET than many other brands so people often have a reaction to OFF and don’t other brands like Cutter. Finally Insect Repellent is another one that I am unsure if contains DEET or not.
Hope this list helps. Avoid bananas. Insects are especially drawn to bananas
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I have used Skin So Soft from Avon for years. It really works. Also I have found that putting a Fabric Softener Sheet in your pocket helps. Sounds crazy but it works…. Good Luck
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