Re: [Paddlewise] bug repellents

From: Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2001 13:35:01 -0400
Nick Reiter wrote:
> 
> Where I live (North-West Scottish Highlands) the deaded Highland midge is
> the scourge of the land.  The only repellent I have ever found to help is,
> ... "skin so soft". 

Skin-so-soft also works on the Caribbean sand fly, which I think may
have emigrated from Scotland with the colonists in the 18th century.

I have a friend who home-brews a repellent. As I recall the
recipe/formula, you start with mineral oil (maybe try s-s-s instead?)
and add sulphur, oil of wintergreen, oil of clove, and some other oil I
can't remember. Smells to high heaven, but he swears by it.

Another trick from the South Georgia marshes is to wipe your skin down
with a Bounce (tm) fabric softener sheet and then stick it half under
your hat, so you look rather Legion Etranger-ish. Works for gnats, but
doesn't do much for mosquitos.
-- 
Steve
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Received on Tue Apr 10 2001 - 10:32:57 PDT

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