Bug Spray?

[kermit]

So with the matchhead thing, if you fart, can you burst into flames? Sorry my vulgar self just had to go there.

[Andrea]

So with the matchhead thing, if you fart, can you burst into flames? Sorry my vulgar self just had to go there.

Only if you're got something rough to strike it on...

[ginny]

Hi, I am also a horse person, so here goes my random fly spray recipe: Larry's Fly Spray (safe for humans and dogs - supposedly it's natural) mixed with skin-so-soft and diluted with water (each component at a bout 1:5). There is also a brand called Eqyss that is all natural and has a marigold fly spray: http://www.smartpakequine.com/SearchResults.aspx?page=GRID&free_text|1213798706936=fly%20spray%20marigold&attribute_value_string|Store_ID=Equine - I didn't really like how it worked on my horse, but lots of people swear by it. I just use the Larry's and skin so soft on me, the horse, the burro and the dog. - of course I don't put it on my forehead as it would then sweat into my eyes and I would fall off my bike. How is your steel steed treating you?

[OakLeaf]

Only if you're got something rough to strike it on...

so be careful if you're having chafing from the chamois!

[Fujichants]

I find that NOTHING worked when I used to ride my horse in the woods. I would spray bug spray all over my body AND over my riding pants and would still get bit. Just accepted it would happen. Then of course...I never tried the match head thing.

[Jolt]

I have had pretty good success with Repel Lemon Eucalyptus spray--it's plant-based and doesn't contain any DEET. I read an article in Backpacker magazine that rated bug repellents and this one was pretty high on the list for effectiveness; that's where I found out about it and decided to try it. It is pretty pungent-smelling though not a bad smell (think wicked strong citronella) so that might be an issue for you since you said you didn't want something too smelly.

[malkin]

If I ate matches and then had a hot flash, wouldn't I combust?

[sundial]

Avon Skin so Soft

Sometimes it works. My husband is a mosquito magnet and he found that Bullfrog Mosquito Coast without DEET works like a charm for him. Also, Sawyer's spray is good.

Buzz Off offers clothing and accessories that is supposed to repel mosquitos and other annoying insects.

[smurfalicious]

So with the matchhead thing, if you fart, can you burst into flames? Sorry my vulgar self just had to go there.

Hmmm, I suppose this could become a serious issue if you had the Sheldon Brown Real Man saddle http://sheldonbrown.com/real-man.html

Okay then, so I suppose next step is going to be trying to track down all these things. Thanks, BTW ladies. The laughing makes it itch less, I think.

[cyclinnewbie]

My daughter is, like you, very allergic to skeeter bites...they get all purple and huge and itchy. I happened to get a bug spray for my puppy when she was too small to put flea and tick stuff on her, that works for people too. It's called Dirty and Hairy Repel bug spray. It's all natural, smells pretty good too. I have asthma, and I can use it without an issue. Also, it doesn't cause any rashes, which is always a plus!

BTW, one thing I've found with my daughter, when she gets a few bites, I give her a Claritin and it prevents them from getting enormous and itchy. You might want to think about trying that.

[SlowButSteady]

I don't wear anything while cycling because I don't slow down enough for bugs to hit.

But for most other things--things from picnics to camping to fishing to outdoor concerts--I use a Thermacell.

It's a butane-fueled warming plate upon which you put a small synthetic pad of some type of insecticide (a synthetic pyrethrin, I think).

The butane cartridge lasts about 8 hours; the insecticide pad about 4. You can buy them at WalMart, camping & sporting goods stores. I also bought a little holster for mine.

There is nothing on your skin and almost no detectible odor. It repels mosquitoes and midges/no-see-ums for about 300 or so square feet. I generally place mine upwind of me.

I spend lots and lots of time sitting outdoors in a stationary position for hours. I would go nekkid in the deepest jungles with it; it's that good.

The rub when traveling is getting the replacement butane cylinders. I go to some remote areas where there is no store and you can't (legally) travel by commericial air with little tankies of butane, though I've gotten away with it before. I suppose you could mail some ahead of yourself.

Uh, and no farting around it

[motochick]

OK, so if Flagstaff catches on fire this weekend and the cause was determined to be natural combustion, you can just blame me!

You guys totally make me laugh, and it might be a good idea NOT to play "blue flame" while under the consumption of match heads.

Brenda

[lph]

I don't wear anything while cycling because I don't slow down enough for bugs to hit.
(...)
I would go nekkid in the deepest jungles with it; it's that good.

You're on a roll here, aren't you.

btw, what's with the weird brand names in the US?? "Skin so Soft"? "Dirty and Hairy"??

This thread has turned really funny. I am going to try matches this summer and see if the mosquitos veer off and bite my hubby instead.

[Mr. Bloom]

For the bites, I highly recommend Liquid Benadryl. Applied soon after a bite, you won't have another problem with itch except with the most virulent bite.

[roadie gal]

I use 3M's Ultrathon repellent. I, too, am a bug magnet and this is the only thing that works. It stinks, but I'd rather stink than be bitten.

It's 34% Deet. It's a different formulation of the Deet so the lower concentration works as well as the 100% Deet used to. It also lasts for a long time.