Deet.....recommendations please!

[divegirl]

Hi, I'm off to Borneo in a few weeks and would be interested to know what Deet based products anyone would recommend. Do the bands that you wear on your wrists work? Any websites that you have used also welcome.
Many thanks

Lisa x

[Hawkwalk]

I have used Jungle Formular and that works well for me. Never used the bands so can't comment.

[JK2]

Hi Dive Girl - so it's come round at last!! Are you getting excited? I envy you, wish I was going back again. I hope you have a fabulous time - I'm sure you will.

I've only used Jungle Formula spray when in Borneo but didn't actually have any problem with mozzies on either of my trips there. I never had to take malaria tablets either.

Watch out for the giant flying black beetles that come out when the lights are on in an outdoor bar or restaurant at night! If they end up on their back they can't turn over so we used to see loads of dead ones in the morning when we went to breakfast!! They don't bother you, they just land on the floor or table but they are a bit like giant cockroaches!!!

[matt_london1]

I always use Expedition 100 from Field and Trek (or maybe its Trek and field - can't remember!). Good quality stuff.

[divegirl]

Thank you all for your answers.

Hi JK2, well, nearly there....it's about 7 weeks now and I think the reality has finally hit that we're really going!!! And I do believe it's all your fault....lol. Ellis [daughter] and I have made a pact not to be silly sceaming girls when faced with any of the local 'wildlife'....the plan....deal with it....then scream like girls!!!! It's OK for her she's only 10...so it'll be me dealing with any unwanted guests! We're going to the doctors on Tuesday for our jabs and malaria advice....I'll be going armed with all the info I've found on NOT needing malaria tabs, the jabs alone will cost enough and I'm prone to getting side-effects from any medication that I take and could do without feeling like cr*p for the holiday. I've being using this site for my medical info......

http://www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm

....and they [among others] put Borneo at a low risk for Malaria.
I keep trying to remind myself that it's only a holiday and not to panic so much, but it's the furthest I've ever travelled and I must admit it feels like we're going on a massive adventure! There will probably be more questions in the coming weeks....so I'm glad you're about to answer them....like I said....this is all your bluudy fault ;o]

Lisa x

[pink-kittens]

Ooo you lucky thing!

you could try a preventative as well. One of the B vitamins (can't think which one) will apparently make you taste and smell foul to mosquitos. Ask at your local chemist

HTH

[heathfield]

'Skin-so-Soft' Bath Oil from Avon is recognised as a highly effective repellent for mossies and other insects. And, unlike products containing Deet, it won't melt your sunglasses!! And it smells nice, too.
I've used it in the Caribbean and the Far East, and for such area of the world I wouldn't leave home without it.

[divegirl]

Hi Heathfield....I'd heard that before...and so have the full range!!! As well as Mozzie bands, and a Deet spray......Bring on the Mozzies....lol

Lisa x

[JK2]

Don't panic Lisa- you'll love it. The people are very gentle and friendly there and it really is a beautiful place. Hope you've got a good digital camera for all the photos. I took about 150 on my first visit!! Try to visit a water village whilst you are there - they are built on stilts out over the water with narrow passageways between the houses and are fascinating and the villagers are lovely - the children usually learn English at school so they'll try it out on you and Ellis.

Jean x

[billbo]

Hi,

I have spent many years working in t he middle east, far east, west africa and south america. Where biting bugs are real meat eaters.

After a year in Algeria in 1976, I came home on leave, bitten to blazes. An elderley neighbour who had been Senior Captain in the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps, served in Nth. Africa through WW2, told me what they had done for 'nasties'.

Mug of warm water, 2/3 teaspoons of Dettol, bathe, with cotton wool areas which will be exposed.

Ever since then I, and people I have passed this onto, have never had any problem.

Diluted accordingly there is no smell from the 'body wash'

Just hope whether you try it or not you have a great time and stay insect free.