BajaNomad

Fragrance as a no-see-ums repellent

Alm - 12-1-2018 at 08:17 PM

This one. Somebody here suggested it, and I can confirm that it works on no-see-ums. Can't say about mosquitoes, there wasn't any already. Keep in mind that it still smells for couple of hours after you've gone inside, though not as bad as DEET repellents.

John Harper - 12-2-2018 at 07:50 AM

My lower legs got ravaged by those little bastids up in Mammoth last year. I did not know WTF was going on. Then I realized it was these tiny black bugs. I don't recall ever having them bother me in the Sierra before. Mosquitos and the occasional horse fly, sure, but I thought no-see-ums were found in the South.

Only downside of that spray you post is that you better make sure what type of bar you walk into after use. Don't want the wrong sex hitting on you.

I don't find DEET that bad, but I try to keep it off the palms of my hands. That's a huge downside of those DEET wipes. I just use a pump spray and the back of my hand to spread it. Does not seem to need much to repel with DEET.

John

bajabuddha - 12-2-2018 at 08:11 AM

Said it before, say it again. Clear vanilla works like a charm for no-see-ums. Learned it on my first wintering in Baja from a cook at Serenidad. Not for drillers or biting flies.

bowser - 12-2-2018 at 08:22 AM

What's clear vanilla? and where can you buy it?

bajabuddha - 12-2-2018 at 08:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bowser  
What's clear vanilla? and where can you buy it?


Aye, there's the rub (pun intended). It is exactly what it says, it's vanilla extract that's clear rather than dark brown. You have to shop around for it; usually not found in grocery stores; I've found it in curio shops most often. Last I bought was from the little store catty-corner to the Laundromat in Mulege. Cooks the same as dark vanilla, good stuff... and if you leave it in the sun it'll turn dark as well, so store it safely.

John Harper - 12-2-2018 at 08:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bowser  
What's clear vanilla? and where can you buy it?


Ebay. Danncy Clear Vanilla Extract, 12 ounces. $8 delivered.

John

SunDevil - 12-2-2018 at 09:08 AM

Something that I have seen that worked is regular old-style suntan oil. The buggers get stuck in the oil and suffocate.

Probably any kind of oil would work, just don't use motor oil.

There are many different kinds of biting midges in North America. There may not be a way to avoid them that works everywhere.

weebray - 12-2-2018 at 09:28 AM

In the sierra they are called Buffalo gnats and they are bad a$$. Stay out of grass and wear deet. Most years there are few to none but some years - ho boy! This ain't no mosquito. Just look at one magnified.

4x4abc - 12-2-2018 at 11:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  


I don't find DEET that bad, but I try to keep it off the palms of my hands. That's a huge downside of those DEET wipes. I just use a pump spray and the back of my hand to spread it. Does not seem to need much to repel with DEET.

John


cats have used the back of their paws for a long time

motoged - 12-2-2018 at 02:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
..... I just use a pump spray and the back of my hand to spread it. ....

John


cats have used the back of their paws for a long time


Geez....I know some folks wipe their nose like that....:biggrin:


I think cats use the side of their paw rather than back of it...based on decades of cat ownership...

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-facts-about-how-and-why-cats-groom-themselves

[Edited on 12-2-2018 by motoged]

BajaBlanca - 12-2-2018 at 05:34 PM

The weird part is that noseeums stay far away from me, but totally attack Les in the evenings.

bajabuddha - 12-2-2018 at 05:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
The weird part is that noseeums stay far away from me, but totally attack Les in the evenings.


Blanca, try the clear vanilla (if you can find it) on Les. He can put it around his eyes you can't do with deet or most bug sprays, and it'll make him stink purty and taste even sweeter when you peck him on the cheek. Apply liberally.

StuckSucks - 12-3-2018 at 11:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged  
I think cats use the side of their paw rather than back of it...based on decades of cat ownership...

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-facts-about-how-and-why-cats-groom-themselves



mo betta link: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-facts-about-how-and-why-...

Does this mean I should have our cats lick us before going to the Eastern Sierras/Mammoth this summer?

motoged - 12-3-2018 at 12:26 PM

Yep.....:light:

Now, if you don't take your cats and they are home alone while you are away....they might poop on your pillow or come up with some other clever punishment....

Cats are cool....dogs are ok....(flame suit on :coolup: )...as long as someone else owns the dog....

geronimo21 - 12-3-2018 at 12:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by bowser  
What's clear vanilla? and where can you buy it?


Ebay. Danncy Clear Vanilla Extract, 12 ounces. $8 delivered.

John


https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eb...

Two for about 12 bucks...

StuckSucks - 12-3-2018 at 01:15 PM

From Amazon: 2 X Danncy Clear Pure Mexican Vanilla Extract From Mexico 33oz Each 2 Plastic Bottle Lot Sealed