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Beachgirl
Nomad
Posts: 206
Registered: 1-1-2008
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Come on you guys...bugs bite women more because we are just plain sweeter! Russ, that monster alien spider looks as if he is on linoleum...so, ummmm,
he was INSIDE your house? Yuck!
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
Member Is Offline
Mood: mellow
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Beachgirl
Come on you guys...bugs bite women more because we are just plain sweeter! |
Couldn't prove it by me. 
But, I've also considered that the reason some folks seem to get more of the mosquitos attention, may be the fact that their immune system reacts
differently and the welts, blisters and itching are in reality just an allergic reaction.
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Bugman
Nomad
Posts: 143
Registered: 9-20-2006
Location: Escondido
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Hi Folks,
There is a reason my user name is Bugman and I don't drive a VW! I normally lurk on this board but since I am an entomologist this one brought
me out of the shadows. The bug originally posted here by Russ is a vinegaroon. They are actually pretty harmless and about the only thing they may
do when handled is emit a vinegar smelling liquid. That's how they got the name.
The original topic was vitamin B for bug repellent. Sorry to say but there is no solid proof that it works. For now, the best repellents out
there and the only ones with a CDC endorsement are DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon/Eucalyptus and a new one called IR3535. Repellants go by many names
but look for those active ingredients. You can check the CDC website for more detailed info at www.cdc.gov.
The active ingredient DEET is still considered to be the most effective. The amount of DEET in the product will indicate how long it will last.
If there is at least 30% DEET in the product it should protect you for several hours. You can go as high as 100% but you really only gain an extra
hour or two by going that high. Since DEET acts like a solvent around plastics be careful when using the higher concentrations as it will dissolve
things like plastic buttons and watchbands.
One final note to save you some $$ is that electronic bug or rodent repellers are a waste of money and don't work. The bug zappers are a total
waste of money as well since they attract mostly harmless bugs and mosquitoes are only very weakly attracted to light. Of course, if you really like
the sound of bugs sizzling in the moonlight then be my guest! 
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65408
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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THANK YOU Bugman! 
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bugman
Since DEET acts like a solvent around plastics be careful when using the higher concentrations as it will dissolve things like plastic buttons and
watchbands.
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Are those more potent concoctions safe to rub into your skin? One would have to wonder.
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Beachgirl
Nomad
Posts: 206
Registered: 1-1-2008
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Hey, Newbie Bugman....you have a fountain of info you could share on Nomads with us, so get your posts on more often, ok? Great info, so thanks!
Very happy to find out Russ was not being confronted by a fierce beastie. A little vinegar never hurt anyone...
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Beachgirl
Come on you guys...bugs bite women more because we are just plain sweeter! Russ, that monster alien spider looks as if he is on linoleum...so, ummmm,
he was INSIDE your house? Yuck! |
That ugly vinegar beast was right behind my computer as I browsed the Nomad Posts.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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Bugman
Nomad
Posts: 143
Registered: 9-20-2006
Location: Escondido
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DEET has been around for a very long time and according to the CDC there should be no ill effects when used according to directions. There have been
some claims of bad reactions in some folks but those were never substantiated or linked to misuse (like eating the stuff). It is my repellent of
choice when I have to go somewhere with biting insects. I just avoid using the really high concentrations unless I am headed to a mosquito haven. I
was in Canada once and put on some 100% DEET and the stuff started dissolving my plastic watchband. Before I realized it my whole lower arm was
turning black (same color as the band) and I had rubbed it on my white shirt a few times. Just made for a big mess. The mosquitoes left me alone
though!
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danaeb
Senior Nomad
Posts: 991
Registered: 11-13-2006
Location: San Diego; El Centenario
Member Is Offline
Mood: groovy
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DEET also removes finger nail polish.
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake every time you repeat it.
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