So far, other than threatening to eat my child alive, they don’t bother me. I conducted an experiment in which I let a mosquito remain where he had the nerve to land…on my hand. I watched him (and felt him) jab his needle like sucker into the tough flesh of the back of my hand. That was the last meal he had. Why did I watch him feed on me you say? Well because in Alabama, I am not their preferred flavor. They actually NEVER choose to feed on me. I can be in a swarm of the blood suckers and they’ll flutter all around me never take a bite. Sometimes they even land and decide to fly away without biting. Now, he bit me three days ago and the bite hasn’t caused me to swell or itch. I haven’t got any other bites that I know of and I haven’t worn any repellent at all.
I’m told we just missed the big swarm of the suckers, so my “Mosquito Rumors” segment will have to continue when further research can be conducted. For now, I’ve deduced that there might be something to all the Alaskan mosquito hype. Hopefully, I will find further data that will support my theory that I’m not their type. We’ll see.
Man - poor 'Chargie' - My Granny always used the original Skin So Soft on me when I was little (and she swore by it ALWAYS). I recently looked it up to purchase online because our own bug repellent had ran down the side of the can and basically 'eaten' a permanent groove of the can into a table. That did not make me feel any better about spraying the family down, especially since I have never been fond of it anyway. I have decided I am going to at least give Avon's Skin So Soft (Original Formula) a shot on the Georgia mosqitos - I don't know anything about AK mosquitos...
ReplyDeleteOh and how about a picture of one of those Alaska mosquitos?
ReplyDeleteI second the Skin So Soft thing...you can also get these patches called "Don't Bug Me" patches that you can just stick somewhere on her body & they repel critters. My kids & I use them & they work pretty darn good. You can order them online & have them shipped, & they're super cheap.
ReplyDeleteFound this online for what it's worth: The most common (and most effective) natural insect repellents are various essential oils. Clove oil and citronella (rose geranium) are the most effective against mosquitoes, but be careful with clove oil and use it sparingly. It can be a skin irritant. Other fairly effective essential oils include lemon grass, eucalyptus, castor oil, peppermint, tea tree oil, lavender, and cedar. You can buy cedar oil in spray-on bottles at your local pet store.
ReplyDeleteRepelling Mosquitoes Naturally
It's important to remember when using essential oils that you shouldn't use them internally! They need to be used externally on your skin and garments. Be sure to test any oils on a small patch of skin before applying widely to your body to avoid allergic reactions or skin irritations. You can make your own insect repellent sprays by combining rubbing alcohol (or witch hazel, vodka, or olive oil) with one of the listed essential oils (about 10-to-1, alcohol-to-oil ratio). Shake well before each use. To make a lotion, use two ounces of distilled water, two ounces of olive oil, and about 120 drops essential oil. Put the water into a deep mixing bowl, and using a wire whip, begin beating quickly while slowly drizzling in the olive oil. After oil is mixed into the distilled water, stir in the essential oil of your choice (citronella is probably the most effective for insect repellent use). You can also add a few drops of your choice of insect-repelling essential oils to your shampoo or liquid soap to help counteract the perfumes in these products. Keep in mind that clothing rubbing on your skin, natural evaporation, your skin's natural ability to absorb anything applied to it, sweat or rain washing off the repellent, and a windy environment reduces the effectiveness of all insect repellents. Some folks claim that garlic is an effective insect repellent, but I think it works best for repelling friends (and maybe a vampire or two.
Ahhh, the poor little thing. I remember being eaten alive by those suckers growing up, while my brothers remained untouched. I can't imagine Alaskan mosquitoes! (Actually, I had no idea Alaskan mosquitoes were so large and threatening...it makes me afarid just thinking about it...I actually gulped, fearing that you would post photos of the evil things, hahahahaha.)
ReplyDeleteHey Phyllis..where do you get that original version? We use this... http://shop.avon.com/shop/search.aspx?SI=53874d94-6a43-45cd-8f32-93c6282bad1d&Action=14&AXD=http%3a%2f%2fshop.avon.com%2fshop%2fproduct.aspx%3fpf_id%3d33645~33645.201013~SKIN+SO+SOFT+Bug+Guard+Plus+IR3535%C2%AE+EXPEDITION%E2%84%A2+SPF+30+Pump+Spray~14.00 Is that what you are referring to? Gosh it ate through the can???
ReplyDeleteReally now the mosquitoes have pretty much cleared so I don't know if i can get a photo. Remember, everything I post is a couple days behind real time because I write it before I can get a connection.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of the patches. I will have to try that. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks mom. You are the internet information queen.
ReplyDeleteYeah, maybe I can scare you with a photo next season, Katie. Really the ones we saw weren't so big but just thicker than what we are used to.
ReplyDeleteHayley,your gonna think this is crazy,so did i..but my mama uses dryer sheets..she pins them on her shirt..rubs her arms & legs with them also..i thought what?? so i tried it cause them varmits eat me alive also..and i use them daily when i am mowing or sitting in the yard..:)) Lisa Harden Earles
ReplyDeleteoh and the skin so soft by avon like they said, it works really well also..Lisa
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa. I will try that! I have some of those in a baggy for Charley's static electricity hair issues. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very useful website that lets you know how toxic (or not) most hygienic or beauty products are. This link takes you to the insect repellents. You can click on each product link for more specific info.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?category=insect/pest%20repellant&&showmore=products&atatime=100
Thank you sister. AND you are the queen of that sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteI would like to exchange links with your site holdingtheworldinapapercup.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteIs this possible?