Mosquitos..is there a solution?

[Deck]

Please Help! I'm spending a couple of months in a tropical climate, and I am being bitten by 'mozzies' every day now (and especially the nights!). I do not have access to a mosquito net, nor air conditioning so windows are open. o far, I have tried roll-on mosquito repellent, together with at night electronic devices, one with a tablet, one with liquid repellent. Plus also tried the coiled burning repellents that give off a pugent smoke. Nothing has worked!! I do have allergies so my bites are very big lumps, very red, and VERY itchy. It is beginning to ruin my stay. Can anyone help me...? Or am I doomed to be a blood bank for the little B@5T@rds...?

[sddsddean]

Try taking vitamin B tablets (the vit B complex ones with all the various B vitamins in). Take 1 or 2 a day. There is no proof this works, but my practice nurse put me on to it and I was OK on holiday in Central America and I normally get bitten to death. It won't do you any harm not to try.

[coggles]

If you are on your honeymoon this might not be the best answer, but it works pretty well - eat lots of garlic!!! You can also but a garlic oil to put near where you are to stop the little rascals getting at you! Also, don't know if you are wearing any perfumes or scents, but they tend to like to munch on you more when you smell good.......

[Cetti]

Are you near any of the giant Aloe Vera plants? These saved my sanity when I was attacked by mossies and jumping spiders! You will need a strong knife to cut one, but the jelly sap will remove redness and itchiness almost instantly.

I know this doesn't help but I'm scratching in sympathy!

[Rabelais]

In studies DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) is the most effective and best insect repellent on the market. It is available in a variety of concentrations and works well on mosquitos. As to which concentration is best, a product containing 23.8% DEET provides approximately 5 hours of protection. But higher concs are availible, the army used to use concentrations up to 75% but I wouldn't sdvise going beyond a 50% solution.

[dave_in_cw]

I am currently in South Africa (Joburg) where mozies can become irritating at times. I have tried "Raid" power mats and they work a charm. Obviously if you leave the windows too far open, the active ingredient in the air (of your room) would dissipate. If you can, try get some Tabard roll on - I have found that works too - but not nearly as well as the mats at night.

[Deck]

Dave - can you describe these RAID powermats? What do they look like? How do they function? Thanks..

[dave_in_cw]

Sorry - been away. They are rectangular little mats that feel as if they're made of cardboard. About 6 cm across and 3 cm high, 5mm thick. They slot into these little heating devices that you plug into the power point. I think they're also made by Bayer and / or Baygon. The heating device I have is made by Coopers SA.