Your feedback on anti-mosquito products in France and tips

Many readers have written in with practical tips to keep mosquitoes at bay - or at least stop bites itching - after our last article. Below is a selection of the suggestions.

Vicks, DEET, Olbas oil and Tiger Balm

“I use Vicks Vapour Rub. It soothes bites, stops itching and offers some protection, though it needs reapplying every couple of hours. It is cheap and avoids harsher chemicals.” - S.T.

“I wear long cotton or linen sleeves in the evening, and always use a DEET spray. I also wear an ultrasonic ‘mosquito watch’ - inexpensive and surprisingly effective. Geraniums help too. For bites, antihistamines and arnica both reduce reaction, but my aunt’s method is best: dab the area with hot tap water (not boiling) using cotton wool. Hold it until the sting eases. Repeat if needed.” - C.S.

“Olbas Oil works. I apply it directly to the bite and it stops the itching.” - J.K.

“White Tiger Balm and Vicks Vapour Rub both repel mosquitoes. I think it’s the eucalyptus oil.” - J.B.

Vitamins, vegetable oil, washing-up liquid and Skin So Soft

“I take Vitamin PP (nicotinamide), two or three a day starting two weeks before exposure. It changes the skin somehow – mosquitoes seem to dislike it.” - A.B.

“A few drops of vegetable oil in rainwater butts will block mosquito larvae from breathing. Very effective.” - M.S.

“Put a small amount of washing-up liquid in your water butts. It breaks the surface tension and the larvae drown.” - S.W.

“I use Avon Skin So Soft – it is not a repellent but still works for me. It smells good and is non-greasy.” - M.I.

Ground coffee,Coal tar soap, children’s wipes and Tiny Repel

“I buy cheap ground coffee, place it in empty tuna tins, and let it smoulder on the terrace. It repels mosquitoes and smells nice too.” - P.S.

“Coal tar soap or Ayurvedic soap may help. Also, mosquitoes seem to go for people with blood group O – I am one of them. For bites, I now use a product called Starbalm. It is a heat rub spray. I apply it after being bitten and the itching and swelling go away quickly.” - M.V.

“I use children’s wipes mixed with lavender oil. I wipe them over exposed skin before going out – it seems to work and smells pleasant.” - D.S.

“I use a portable mosquito light called Tiny Repel, which runs on batteries. I was sceptical, but it works.” - M.K.

Smidge, nets, fans, spiders and bats

“Smidge is excellent – works well, even in Scotland. Now I use it here in France.” - M.C.

“I have mosquito netting on the bedroom windows, attached with velcro. It allows ventilation at night and keeps them out. We take it down in winter.” - Y.O.

“I use fans indoors to keep mosquitoes at bay – they cannot fly in a breeze.” - D.H.

“We are spider- and bat-friendly at home. Since installing a bat box, we rarely see mosquitoes. Just 10 minutes away at a friend’s place without bats, I get bitten constantly.” - S.K.

Bite Away, Apaisyl, cetirizine and Essential oils 

“Bite Away is brilliant. If I get bitten, I apply the device and the itching stops almost immediately.” - R.M-S.

“I use Apaisyl gel 0.75% – it is the only thing that helps when I react badly to bites.” - J.M.

“I take two cetirizine tablets per day during the summer. I still get bitten but no longer suffer the swelling and sores.” - J.L.

“Essential oils work well – especially eucalyptus citriodora, which is more effective than citronella. I mix it with aloe vera gel or a neutral oil to make a homemade spray.” - P.G.

Thermacells, bracelet, BTI and hot spoons

“Thermacell devices are excellent for terraces – they cover around 20–25m². I also use sprays for soft furnishings that last a week.” - C.F.

“I take Vitamin B1 daily and wear a repellent bracelet. I still get the odd bite, but they are no longer severe.” - K.B.

“BTI is good for water you cannot empty. I also make sure my automatic watering system is turned off in mosquito season.” - C.G. 

“The hot spoon method works. Heat the back of a teaspoon under hot tap water and press it onto the bite. It disperses the toxins. Do not use boiling water or you’ll burn yourself.” - J.S.

Other ideas…

“The best approach is layered: netting, fans, oil-based repellents, and avoiding standing water. But nothing is perfect – I still get bitten.” - S.N.