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Being Eaten Alive!

g.kingg.king Posts: 46
in Problem solving
As much as I enjoy watering the garden in an evening, I keep getting bitten by bugs.
Any advice on how to prevent being bitten and also, what's best to sooth those itchy bites?
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Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited July 2021
    Asss is good against mozzies.

    The best things with bites is tea tree and then cover immediately in a plaster so there is zero scratching and so zero inflammation.
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    An Aloe vera is always a useful house plant.  Pick a leaf and slit it - the "sap" rubbed on the affected stings/bites does help relieve the itching and pain :)
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Aloe Vera stops itching so long as you haven't scratched
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • g.kingg.king Posts: 46
    Some good suggestions for treating the bites - thanks.

    How about preventing the bites in the first place? My wife swears by Tea Tree spray, but the little buggers always seem to get you somewhere.
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Avon Skin So Soft works for me.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    The only insect repellents that work for me are the ones with DEET :(. Long trousers and long sleeves help.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    I agree about DEET.  It stinks, but the max strength Jungle Formula (50%DEET) is the only thing which keeps me reasonably bite-free.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    I seem to get bitten most in the hour or two before nightfall so I try and stay inside then.
    East Lancs
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Reduce the mozzies near your house if you can.
    Asss doesn't work against horseflies and the bigger bastards.
  • HeartinthedirtHeartinthedirt Posts: 300
    edited July 2021
    Aloe Vera sap is good, but make sure you drain your cut leaf off before you use it - that first sap can be a bit of a laxative, and pregnant women should definitely avoid. Cut the leaf and allow the yellow substance to ooze out, avoid touching it too much, maybe wear gloves to prevent skin irritation. I usually put the leaf into a pint glass and let the yellow sap drain off for about 10-15 minutes, then give it a rinse before you cut the leaf open to use the sap on bites. Also great on sun-burn, keep the cut leaf in a bag in the fridge for really soothing gel.
    It's knowing what to do with things that counts - Robert Frost
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