Any suggestions?? Has anyone used any that are very effective in wooded areas and long wearing?

Thanks!

Hi Nicolle

Catnip is very effective in repelling mossies and also Citronella

We use the Swy Flotter ( not a typo ) by Kiss My Face, and we never really have any problems. We also eat A LOT of garlic, I know that helps with fleas and it seems to work with mosquitos too.

i've also heard Bounce (the fabric softener sheets) works. if you're out camping they suggest you tie one to your belt loop. looks silly but supposedly keeps the buggies away

but.. Bounce probably is not all that cruelty free

I'm pretty sure Bouce is made by Proctor and Gamble. Maybe another brand would work?

Cruelty-free, oxygen-releasing, and sooooo natural!

Buy a citronella plant. They're inexpensive, as far as plants go, and though they're not especially beautiful, they smell wonderful! When you're outdoors, just rub a few leaves on exposed areas (careful around the eyes, of course).

Naturally, you'll want to do a "patch test" first--some people can be sensitive to the natural oils in the plants. Rub a leaf on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours.

If you're going hiking, backpacking, camping, etc..., just take several leaves in a zippered baggie and toss it in your cooler.

I heard that a few tablespoons of brewers yeast works if you eat it before you head out. I tried it when we went camping last summer and there were TONS of mosquitoes, but I came home with only ONE bite! So, I'd have to say it worked. Vinegar and garlic I also have heard helps. Heck, have a nice salad with all of the above on it and you should be good to go, plus full of tasty, healthy food! :D

Sandalwood oil works GREAT! I've used it on long backpacking trips on the humid east coast. Just rub a bit in various spots - almost like you would with perfume, and a few dabs around your hair line or hat, if you're wearing one.

"So, I'd have to say it worked."

I wouldn't want to say it worked unless I had about 4 dozen people walking in the woods who had all had the same diet for the last month, except 2 dozen of them had garlic and 2 dozen didn't. Then I want careful observation minute by minute of the 2 groups.

Further, it would be best to somehow make sure that no-one knows which individuals got the garlic in them, and which didn't -- neither the people or the bite-counting observers.