fluffyorganic1 wrote: » Would really appreciate any input on this as have tried googling it but just finding joke sites about midgets <short people> and nothing about insect bites.
Alun wrote: » That would be because they're called midges and not midgets :rolleyes:
Alun wrote: » No problem .. I'd never heard them called 'midgets' until I arrived in Ireland, and thought it was people having a joke, but soon realized they actually meant it Anyway, as an ardent hillwalker I'm plagued by the things regularly. What I do is use citronella oil and dab it (literally only a few drops!) on the brim of my sun hat and on the shoulder straps of my rucksack. That creates a nice lemony scent as I walk along and seems to keep them at bay. When you stop it's less effective, but still helps a bit. Don't put it neat on your skin BTW, it's very strong and might burn or cause an allergic reaction.
ManFromAtlantis wrote: » ya i know they're short but i dont think bite.
Alun wrote: » DEET is an ingredient in many insect repellants. See the list of contents for how much is in there. Apparently (according to someone I know who swears by it and travels to countries where they have much worse than just midge(t)s) Boots own brand is pretty good and contains 50% DEET. Some 'extreme' products contain up to 95% of the stuff. Lidl had some recently that contains 30% DEET, they may have some left at your local Lidl, mine (in Greystones) does. Don't know what the deal is regarding young kids using it unfortunately.
Pet wrote: » Irish midges have nothing on their Scottish relatives. Bloodthirsty monsters, they are. Last year, when I was at a retreat in the Highlands, they offered us some neem capsules to take, which did appear to work quite well, although they take a day or two. And they taste absolutely horrible - small price to pay, though!
DrIndy wrote: » i go fishing a lot so get plagues by them - one thing i noticed is they will fly past the area of DEET and find the smallest patch you missed and sting you there. I spray the stuff on me like deodrant (chest and legs - even when wearing loads of layers) because they will get you EVERYWHERE.
CJhaughey wrote: » The best stuff for Mozzies and Midges is from Avon and is called Skin so soft. Laugh all you want but this stuff is famous for its repellent properties. Deet is effective if applied all over but is pretty nasty stuff, ever see what it does to plastic? The skin so soft has a high concentration of citronella oil and some other greasy stuff that insects don't like.
fluffyorganic1 wrote: » Just a quick question if any can help shed some light on midget bites.... Spent the long weekend camping in Roundstone, there were loads of midgets about the place on the Saturday night. My 7 year was eaten alive by them (counted about 100 bites especially about this head) whereas his brothers and sisters only had about 5-10 on them..... Why do they make mince meat out of one person whilst hardly affecting others? I've heard all sorts about this from other people *they go for people with sweet blood *they are attracted to people with some deficiency (vitamin?) Not looking for advice on how to treat the bites, have been to the chemist and have gotten anthisan and cortopin to put on them but would love to know why he is bitten so extensively in comparison to his siblings? I got bitten much worse as well and to be honest I don't want to subject the young lad to this torture again over the summer as we were thinking of trying to camp out a few times especially if we get the summer we are promised.... Also, would ye know of anything to do to reduce his risk of them biting i.e. products? Would really appreciate any input on this as have tried googling it but just finding joke sites about midgets <short people> and nothing about insect bites Thanks guys....
Cul a cnoic wrote: » Talking to a neighbour last week and the midges were mad, I was busy ducking and diving during the conversation but the lumps were appearing everywhere. He then told me about the Avon as he has been using it for years so I ordered 3 bottles on Ebay and today they were delivered. So now I am ready to tackle outside again. My answer to why I suffer so much, "they prefer the Purebred Stock". Below is an extract of the ad for the Avon Skin So Soft on Ebay. This product has been mentioned in the Daily Telegraph Newspaper.......extracts below. (Copyrights negotiated)Burning citronella will help to deter midges, but those in the know, including the Royal Marines guarding the Nuclear Base at Faslane on Scotland's West Coast, call on an unexpected source for all their midge needs: - AVON!The Cosmetic company's Skin So Soft range does more than guarantee velvety-soft upper arms after a bath: its also a powerful midge repellent. The Soft & Fresh Dry Oil Body Spray provides an oily protective layer so effective that the soldiers buy it in bulk."Obviously we don't market our product as a midge-repellent, but its reputation has spread by word of mouth," says Lydia Durkan of Avon. "We know that film crews use it alot when they are up in Scotland and Mel Gibson used it when he was making Braveheart here. We're very pleased that its proving so popular".The perfect accompaniment to your skincare regime. Its perfect for use at home & in the garden and to deter midges when on holiday, fishing, hunting, evening strolls etc. It has many uses......i have even heard of people using it to deter midges from pets & horses!
IvyTheTerrible wrote: » ... I have read that vitamin B1 and /or garlic capsuls taken daily can repel them, maybe this would work for midgets too?
locum-motion wrote: » There was a huge craze for Vit B1 tabs a few years ago, for this reason. It's complete tosh, I'm afraid. Vit B1 has no effect whatsoever on biting rates.
