I am a mosquito magnet. Worst case happened unknowingly. I was sitting with Dave and some friends in the backyard at the house of one of their parents–legs coated with my then favorite lotion, Nivea. Let’s just say the scent was the sweetest thing mosquitoes in that suburb of Seattle had ever smelled. I woke up with 36 bites on my feet, ankles and legs. Honestly did not feel a single sting or pinch or blood draw as they happened. But for the following two weeks I was only comfortable in the shower with water running on the raised lumps. Thankfully West Nile escaped me. I share this bad memory to request assistance for a planned barbecue on our grass. What works for you to keep backyard get-togethers bug-free?
Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 49
This post was written by Tara on July 17, 2012
I woke up with a tick stuck to my neck.
Freak me out.
I still think the Skin-So-Soft from Avon works greatly.
I also use the torches and those seem to be helping wonderfully.
I wonder if those are included in the burn ban????
I can only imagine how miserable you are with that many bites! Wow
You could try spraying “Yard-Guard”. I have not used it myself but it’s supposed to keep the bugs at bay for a certain amount of time. Or individually, use a vanilla based substance. The girls on a softball team my niece played on used a lotion of Victoria Secret that had vanilla in it. Not sure if it worked to detour all bugs or just gnats but the results are two-fold. Soft good smelling skin and no bites.
I too am one of the unlucky ones that all the mosquitos in the area will swarm as soon as I step outside. I use Off Skintastic (unscented) on myself and Yard Guard is a blessing at gathering! And as crazy as it sounds vanilla helps repel those annoying knats. I use it when I garden and it keeps me from swatting the knat swarms that are around my face and ears. Put a little on your hands then gently wipe over your hair and face. Doesn’t bother your hair and makeup because it’s such a small amount. The little knats and no-seeums will leave you alone. And it is not an unpleasant smell. Don’t wear perfume for outside events either. Good luck.
Tara, I have heard that “pure” vanilla is a good at deterring bugs. Also wipe your body with a Bounce dryer sheet. I did this and tucked the sheet into my collar and it kept the bugs away. Good luck!
If you’re mainly using a confined area like a patio, set up some fans to keep the air moving. And have fun!3ww5
OOPS! Sorry to include the captcha code in my comment!
We used a yard guard spray from Raid. You hook it onto the hose and spray the whole area. We have had 2 BBQs and had some bug spray from Avon at the ready, but it really wasn’t needed. Only one person put on the spray for both of the get togethers. I would recommend it highly. It lasts a while, but we sprayed the yard the morning of the BBQ both times. I am one of those lucky people that misquitos seem to dislike. I almost never get bit. I used it because my husband and daughter are like you…a magnet and for the others coming over. I have used citronella before and I guess it helps, but a few of our guest were allergic so we looked for a new way.
Maybe I am crazy but I believe it is someones pheromones that attract mosquitos. My father, sister & I are targets for the pests in the summer but my mother never gets chomped on. For a while I believed it was the Hispanic blood in me & my family members that they love but I was proven wrong when I married my Puerto Rican husband. He never gets bitten by them. I use Yard Guard or the citronella candles. They both seem to help.
For prevention I like vanilla.
For itchy bites use Caladryl. My daughter swells up fast when bit and this relieves them immediately.
Avon Skin-so -soft works best. But sraying the yeard with yard gueard does also Ihave heard. I guess tis what you prefer and how to keep guests comfortable. A few cintronella buckets may be okay unless the burn ban overrules that. Good luck and have a blast.