Any recommendations for mosquito repellants?

I read somewhere that when fashion models are doing photo shoots in places where biting insects abound, the use Avon Skin So Soft bath oil, but it must be the "original" fragrance.

You can buy some really good 'tropical strength' spray in Boots or Superdrug. It's really effective and doesn't smell that bad.

Is anyone else concerned about tick bites and Lyme disease? It's something that I've never though/bothered about till recently but I now do a lot of walking in areas where there are deer and long grass.

I have recently read that Vic vapour rub, puts off mosquitoes and midges. I have tried it and indeed did not get bitten, but that might have just been luck.

As regards ticks, I experience my first and only one a couple of weeks ago. I had only walked across mowen grass!
I picked it off, without realising exactly what it was. I'm more vigilant now.

Most people in Scotland will swear by Avon Skin so soft - it's even been used by the military while on manoeuvres and the midgies hate it. I used it in North Borneo and it seemed to work there too,

I've also used Avon Skin so soft (in the tropics) but I really didn't like the smell

When visiting a really mossie infested place I used Jungle Formula , it doesn't smell good but I never got bitten once and I do react badly to bites.
Better safe than sorry for me.

I think the only way to avoid ticks is to cover up when you're in places where they're likely to be. And check yourself and shower when you come in. Their bites are only likely to make you ill if left on for some time.
As for mossies - in Singapore we used to burn mosquito coils at night which worked. Screens over the bedroom windows.
Scottish midgies - ??? no answer.

I remember those mosquito coils TriciaF and of course the mozzie nets!

Just ordered some skin so soft from Avon, got to be worth a try!

According to the travel nurse we saw before a trip to Africa the myth about the Avon product is just that ...a myth. If you are serious about keeping mosquitos at bay you need DEET products (Boots do a range) or the slightly kinder product INCOGNITO works too.

Didn't some of us agree in a recent thread that eating marmite was supposed to help?

Mosquito Milk,best repellent I have ever used

I found that the Avon Skin-so-Soft does work on flies. I always spray my horse and myself with it before riding as the flies are terrible this time of year and the horse ends up headshaking. I expect it would work for mozzies too.

There's nothing exaggerated in what you've heard, beejoo! The mozzies in Corfu are vicious, like you they seem fond of me me so I can understand you wanting to fend them off if you can.
I've used Jungle Formula, and one I think called Lifestyle Expeditions. Also those wristbands that are impregnated with some sort of deterrent and plug in devices for the bedroom are useful, you have to remember to take a European plug adapter though. None of these things smell great but it's better than being bitten. I'm going to Crete next month, does anyone know if it's a similar problem there at that time of the year?

I have tried and failed to buy Boots own natural insect repellent this year (has it been discontinued?) but I have heard that anything containing citronella will be quite effective against mozzies.

However, just to be on the safe side, I would take something with Deet in it too, although I'm very reluctant to use it it could be the only effective thing if the insects are rampant.

I've just had a look online and seen that repellents containing citriodiol are better than citronella although that could be marketing hype.

Lavender and eucalyptus essential oils with thyme and lemongrass is an effective combination but not sure if they sell one like that in the UK.

I am a mosquito magnet and take garlic capsules and no bites. Must be the smelly ones-try Amazon-to work. My bar-b-queing buddy swears drinking beer will ward them off but I don't drink. Be careful, my daughter was bit in India and was too sick to work for 6 weeks.

I'm an Incognito fan too. Especially the moisturiser which I just put on all over after showering in the morning. I feels just like ordinary moisturiser but with a nice lemony smell.
Then I top up on exposed parts with the spray.

Think the OPs holiday will be over and done with now!

Try Avon or some eucalyptus essential oils based products.

Another vote for Mosquito Milk!
You buy it online from Chemist Direct, and roll it on in stripes.