OFF Bontanicals Mosquito repellent

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-05-2011, 08:02 PM

FYI , DO NOT SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON OFF BOTANICALS bug repellent. It does not work and I have no less then well over 100 bites on just my legs to prove it! I itch everywhere and I don't know what to do. I'm going to try soaking in an oatmeal bath.

I had no idea I was even being bitten, just woke up that way... This is the only part of camping that I do not enjoy. The husband and kids only have a few bites, I'm the only one who gets eaten like this every time.

**Daisygirl** · 06-05-2011, 08:15 PM

Ouch...or should I say Itch! You have my sympathy!

I find nothing works better than Avon Skin-So-Soft. Everyone else is getting chewed up and my family is the only one not swatting. It has to be the regular fragrance to work.

My youngest is very sensitive to chemicals so we can't use any of the commercial bug sprays. I've heard, but have not tried, that lavender essential oil deters the little biters as well.

**Libby** · 06-05-2011, 08:22 PM

Ann what about laying facecloths/paper towels soaked lightly with white vinegar on your legs for a bit to help take the edge off? *hugs*

If I'm at someone's house on their patio or out in the city when its humid - I use citronella spray which doesn't work as well but it seems to work enough so when something with wings does land on me, Im able to notice and I swat. I hate to admit, bounce dryer sheets worked wonders when I tried that trick. Tucked em into my waistbands or stashed in pockets after rubbing my arms/legs with em. I also tucked them under my bra straps when wearing tshirts. Otherwise if camping etc - I use OFF with 30% deet. The few times/yr I do use it, is sooo worth it vs the bites which end up horrible for me.

BTW: with the sprays - I usually put it on my clothes or around my chair where Im sitting, not my skin.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-05-2011, 08:24 PM

I try not use anything but natural sprays because I don't like the idea of DEET all over my family for days in a row. Plus it smells so bad. I did find one natural product called Terran and it worked well but it's pricey and I have to order it.

I know wearing clothing from head to toe will help but it was too hot and these buggers were out in the middle of the day!

**ladytoysdream** · 06-05-2011, 08:38 PM

Insects love me too.
Have twice in the past cost me a trip to the ER.

I use a product called CALAGEL put out by TEC LABS.
It helps stop the itch. It is a clear thick gel in a bottle.
Best stuff I have ever used that does work for me.
It is a first aid antiseptic, skin protectant, and topical analgesic.

**Debbie-cat** · 06-05-2011, 08:44 PM

Poor you!! I don't use bug spray at all. I use the dryer sheets. They always work well for me.

**pollypurebred39** · 06-05-2011, 09:14 PM

I've never used dryer sheets, but like Daisy I use the skin so soft in original scent and I never get bit. It's all we use.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-05-2011, 09:17 PM

I have a bottle of OFF Botanicals Mosquito Repellent lotion and I haven't had one single mosquito bite all year. We've been ripe with the little suckers this year and every time I wear the repellent, I don't get bit at all.

It must be my good luck.

**Libby** · 06-05-2011, 09:18 PM

Avon Skin-So-Soft What type do you use? Lotion? Oil spray? Do they make an actual bug repellent in that line?

**pollypurebred39** · 06-05-2011, 10:04 PM

Libby,

They have a repellent line, I do not use because it has nasty chemicals in it. We just use the body wash, or bathe with the bath oil. If we shower with the gel we use the lotion, if we bathe with the oil then no lotion. We carry a bottle of the spray oil with us and give a squirt and rub it in if the bugs seem to be interested in us. It never fails to work. The original scent. We refill the oil bottle with bath oil to save money.

AVON - Products

**Libby** · 06-05-2011, 10:27 PM

Was contemplating the oil spray and testing it out this season. The only problem Im encountering here is I have to find an Avon rep. IIRC, there were lil Avon carts in the malls down there. Will def keep the oil spray in mind though!

**pollypurebred39** · 06-05-2011, 10:34 PM

The spray oil is great. If you spray just a small bit in your palm and rub your palms together and run your fingers through your wet hair it not only conditions but keeps the bugs away. It really is a great product.

**craftypam** · 06-05-2011, 10:35 PM

This is for after the fact. You can put this on bites and it takes the itch totally away. I just googled it and put the amazon post on here; you can probably buy it at your local store. I haven't bought it in a long time, but I remember it working GREAT!!!!!

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Tender-After-Bite-Itch-Eraser/dp/B001G7QRC6"]Amazon.com: Tender After Bite The Itch Eraser, (Pack of 4): Health & Personal Care@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Uyni3G2HL.@@AMEPARAM@@41Uyni3G2HL[/ame]

**zakity** · 06-06-2011, 01:21 AM

If you take garlic pills and a vitamin B complex, the bugs aren't supposed to like you. I haven't tried it yet. I do take B's all the time and I do eat a lot of garlic.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-06-2011, 07:26 AM

ZKity- I've heard about the garlic but I eat so much of it I figured I had that covered. Guess not..

I think I may require multiple layers of defense.
I have never heard of the dryer sheets thing, will give that a try for sure.

Last night was awful, I couldn't sleep at all I was itching so bad.
Will have to take a trip to the pharmacy today.