Mozzies on Elba

[Khandro]

I last went to the Isle of Elba the first week in October 2009 and got badly bitten by mosquitos in the nights. I'm now planning to return last week in May next, (such a great place!). Anyone know if I can expect a similar reception at that time of year ? Thank you.

[KARL]

Without knowing Elba itself, I would say it is highly likely mosquitos will have hatched in large numbers by late May. To avoid being bitten in your bedroom, use spray insecticide and give a good burst into all upper and lower corners of the room as well as around doorway and window(s) and under the bed and any other furniture that is on legs. Keep the door and window(s) shut from the late afternoon until daylight is there. For going out wear clothing that is loose and covers as much as possible, use a good insect repellant around wrists, up exposed parts of arms (inside and outside, a stripe each way), around the neck on your cheeks and behind the ears - also around ankles, even onto socks if worn. Try to avoid being in unlit areas or even being outdoors between dusk and dawn.

[boxtops]

We take a plug in thing with us every time we go abroad now, with the little refill pads that last overnight. Avon skin so soft oil spray is a good mozzie repellent and the plain one doesn't smell too bad for men and women to use.

[spudqueen]

Just take Avon Skin So Soft dry oil body spray. It's lovely on your skin anyway, and since I started using I've gone down from having over 30 mozzie bites on my body at once to just having one or two a year.

[boxtops]

^ what I said too

[Khandro]

Thanks for that. I ask so early because I'm wondering if I should invest in a mosquito net. This Avon Skin So Soft sounds like it's worth a try - I presume it's not made for that purpose but repelling mosquitos is a just bonus?

[KARL]

Avon's product was, I believe, found to have these qualities after it was in production and on sale, this was not a design aim. The method I described is one I successfully used over decades of living in malarial areas - I, my family and visitors never took any anti-malarial medication and not only did we never get malaria but we were not bitten (I cannot recall any of us ever having been anywhere, certainly not at home although perhaps on visits elsewhere but just the odd bite). We never used mosquito nets.