I’m a bite magnet!

I have six on my neck and one at the top of my leg ( how did that get there) at the moment. Oh, forgot one on my toe.
We went to Skye once….never again. I came home looking as if I had chicken pox. I swear the midges were all lined up waiting when I got off the plane at Inverness.
Nothing seems to work.

I was once told that eating garlic helps. They don't like the smell.
If it doesn't work at least you will be safe from vampires!

Mango19

Have been using patches and bracelet bought from Pestects online. No midgie bites for ages. Would recommend them. No nasty smell either.

I got these to use when my daughter got married in Corfu, must admit I was a bit sceptical, because I'm a magnet for them and react really badly to the bites. However, they worked really well. I only got two bites the whole time we were there - and that was on the one morning I forgot to wear one. My husband, who never usually gets bitten, got loads of bites.

Have been using patches and bracelet bought from Pestects online. No midgie bites for ages. Would recommend them. No nasty smell either.

I'm going to try Avon Skin so soft. I used Boots Insect Repellant spray and Soltan suncream with built in repellant for my recent holiday to the Italian Lakes. I got bitten twice and they cleared up after I took antihistamines and used hydrocortisone cream.

However, I'm now on anti biotics for what looks like an infected bite which I must have got on the day we flew home and didn't clear up with home treatment.

Listerine works for me. Its difficult to apply because its a liquid but I decant some into a spray bottle then smooth it on my skin gently and it seems to work for me.
I don't know if other mouth washes are similar.
I was told not to use perfumed cosmetics - remember things like hair conditioner, deodorant, sun-screen and washing powder/conditioner all contain perfume.
If I am bitten, Anthistan soothes almost instantly (but is also perfumed.)

I was told that biting insects love scented skin. Following that I always use unscented deodorant, do not use perfume, hair spray scented soap when it's biting time.

In my early 20s I went to Loch Carron in Scotland to spend my summer holidays building a footpath in the woods for the Woodland Trust. I was bitten all over by the rotten little midges. When I arrived home my mother was horrified.
Since then I have never been bitten, well I have, but have not reacted at all. I always wondered whether the massive attack I suffered in Scotland gave me immunity to insect bites but I'll never know.
My husband suffers terribly. He bought some carbolic soap and washes with it before gardening. It seems his mother used to swear by it when they were on the farm. It does help.

The same question was posed a few years ago and, like others who are an insect magnet, I read with keen interest. I have tried the ideas mentioned so far and they have not helped me. Anyway, someone mentioned Peaceful Sleep, a South African product but available here in the UK. Since trying it, I now use nothing else. It works. The downside is it is expensive. But no unpleasant smell.

Another one here who recommends Avon Skin So Soft .

Used Nivea with citronella & wasn’t bitten this year on holiday.

Having the fan on in the bedroom seems to have stopped me being bitten, they never touch MrJ.

Thanks all. That’s interesting Sago, I’ll give vitamin B a go, I hadn’t heard of that.

Skin So Soft used to work for me, but this year I’ve found I’m still getting bitten, I got a new bottle, of the oil version, I don’t know if they have changed the formula?

Does the plug in work when the window is open GrannyGravy13, as I’ll try one of those too if I can get hold of one, I’m really fed up with the little monsters.

Incognito is a deet-free repellant, which I use. I’ve also used Avon Skin So Soft Original. Both seem to work - when I remember to use them! I’m currently covered in bites because I forgot to use them when I was doing late evening gardening!🤦‍♀️ I never learn! 🙄

I have one Grandson who is likw this his GP said he is just reactive where none of his siblings are he gets so annoyed when hes the only one who gets huge itchy swollen red bite marks.

I am taking VitaminB for the first time and this is the first summer I have not been bitten……yet!

Some medical articles say it’s a myth and others say it’s fact.

I use Avon original skin so soft oil. I do think it helps me as it seems the mozzies dislike the taste . Even though I was out the other evening I did have it on my body a mozzie was buzzing around my ear but didn't land . I feel for you all as I really suffer if I don't cover myself . Does anyone know why we are bitten more ?

I have never used them myself but Avon - Skin so Soft Original Dry Oil and Neils Yard - Citronella Spray both have good reviews.

I have lit citronella candles outside on a table when eating and they seem to be effective.

Oh and I react really badly when I do get bitten 😡

Oh I sympathise, I have an ultra Violet thing outside my bedroom door, a Boots plug-in anti mosquito thing beside my bed.

I spray myself head to toe around 6pm and again at bedtime with Jungle Formula

On holiday I always ask what the locals use and rush to the nearest Phrmacy to buy it.

I am now experimenting with different fragrances, I have ditched anything floral as apparently mozzie’s like them and gone over to more citrus notes.

I await someone to come up with answers 🙏🏻

A retired nurse told me we all get bitten just that some of us have a reaction. I never knew that. I just assumed I never get bitten! Hope someone comes along for you Casdon with a suggestion for relief.

I too am the same! DH says I have sweet blood 🤣🤣

Caddon, I am the same. I only have to be outside for a few minutes and something invisible will sting me and I'll find out during the night when I start to itch.

I will watch this thread with interest