What works to kill/prevent no see-ems/mosquito bites?

Deet

Avon brand Skin So Soft lotion. The locals here in Alaska swear by it as the best thing to keep no-see-ums away. It might be a different variety down there but it's worth a try.

The breeze.

The breeze.

haha, and BBQ sauce, I hear 🙂

Seriously, when they get bad, I put on socks and that takes care of 90% of the problem.

Try taking the over the counter zyrtec once a day. Your body will be less reactive to the bites and they won't swell and itch as much. Some people swear by high doses of vitamin b, but I think the vitamin smell starts to come out of your pores. Finally, deet. Use the off in the green can with the 25% deet, not the stuff in the orange can.

If there is a mosquito within a mile they are sure to find me and the above has definitely helped me.

Lots of people suggest Deet. My only concern is the dogs. They love to lick our legs. Won't Deet be a problem?

Good afternoon,

Deet is toxic to dogs and cats and can result in neurological problems. Please check with the veterinarian regarding products containing Deet.

Swan

Just got back from Reef Beach and we were just about eaten alive! I can't remember a time when tiny bugs were so bad.

I fumigate with Raid Deep Reach Fogger every 4 weeks.

3 foggers. One in the living room/kitchen area and one in each bedroom.

Hardly ever a bug in my 2-bedroom apartment.

Socks are a great suggestion. From what I have read about them, no see-ums like to bite around our feet and ankles because the skin is thinner there.

I've heard that mosquoties, etc. are attracted to foot odor.

I have also heard that mosquitoes are attracted to foot odor but do not like bad breath, cursing, or whiny people. Funny little buggers.

Socks are a great suggestion. From what I have read about them, no see-ums like to bite around our feet and ankles because the skin is thinner there.

i haven't worn socks in over 2 years. don't think i even have any anymore...

don't scratch your bug bites and they disappear much faster, after a couple years you won't even realize ur getting bit.

Finally, deet. Use the off in the green can with the 25% deet, not the stuff in the orange can.

My spouse is very sensitive to bites, and has used OFF in the orange can daily for years.

Try taking the over the counter zyrtec once a day. Your body will be less reactive to the bites and they won't swell and itch as much.

My fear with this approach would be that should you be unfortunate enough to contact dengue, you might assume for far too long that it's "just the flu" because you haven't noticed being bitten by any mosquitoes.

Otherwise healthy people, including those who have sought medical help and followed the treatment protocol for dengue -- to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids -- have died from dengue hemorrhagic fever on St. Thomas and St. John (because there are no platelets available locally). Whatever the other health concerns about DEET, they are not dying from using DEET products. I am no fan of DEET myself, but I am also not a fan of premature death.

fdr - I had not thought of that. As for me, I take Zyrtec for my allergies anyway, so I was pleased when I was told that this was an added side effect.

I think a lot of people who get dengue don't know they have been bitten. I didn't, plus the treatment is the same as for the flu, right? I went to the doctor because I though I had gotten athletes foot (the itching started on the bottom of my feet). I don't recall any special treatment or medicine. She prescribed pain pills. Dengue hurts worst than the flu.

I've heard that mosquoties, etc. are attracted to foot odor.

My feet don't smell 😛

Lately I've been pouring a bit of cheap Gin or Vodka on a paper towel and wipe the exposed areas. Works great in reducing mosquito and no-see-um bites. The odor goes away quickly (as far as I, and others can tell). Plus it's cheaper and not greasy (compared to bug sprays).

Okay, now I'm preparing for the jokes to follow... 🙂

Anything with alcohol seems to deter mosquitoes. We couldn't find any DEET products while visiting Colombia last year, so we loaded Listerine mouthwash (orange flavor, incidentally) into a spray bottle, and that worked, although we had to re-apply every hour or two.

So at least the skeeters will have a buzz and fresh breath if they do bite you.8-)

You can use insecticides and foggers (for outdoor use). If you live close to a pond or water body, try larvicides. That will reduce their numbers. I also found this article on how to get rid of no see ums to be very helpful on the subject.

All the best.

My 90 YO neighbor uses a mixture of 3 stale 12. Oz beers, 3 cups Epsom salts and a bottle of Listerene mouthwash mixed well poured into a spray bottle. It works!

My 90 YO neighbor uses a mixture of 3 stale 12. Oz beers, 3 cups Epsom salts and a bottle of Listerene mouthwash mixed well poured into a spray bottle. It works!

Sounds like it would keep the neighbors away too:D