Mosquitoes

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Howard

Guest
I understand that the mosquitoes can be pretty bad in Alaska during the summer. We're going north on the Island Princess on June 26. My wife can have problems with mosquito bites and was told that taking Brewer's yeast can actually keep mosquitoes away. Has anyone else heard this? If so, does anyone know the dosage of the yeast pills to take? Thanks.

Howard
 
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HAngel

Guest
Hello - I was just reading the thread about the Eagle Float - the person mentioned that the mosquitoes were numerous and aggressive. He also mentioned that his wife was using Avon Skin So Soft and she was not bothered. I have heard other people say that about that particular Avon Product before...so it must be true. I forgot to look and see what time of the year they were in Haines, Alaska but check out that thread for yourself!
 
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dogladyjw

Guest
I just heard from a friend of mine that Bounce drier sheets hung on your belt will make mosquitoes detour around you. Never tried it but what the heck!
 
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BSeabob

Guest
Living in the land of Mosquitos...I can tell you that both of those things (ideas) work to a degree. If you are concerned get a repellant ith "deet" in it.
 
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David H

Guest
Depending on where you go, yes the mosquitoes can be quite bad. In the towns you will have no problems. If you do need to use deet make sure that it is 100% deet, Off only contains 10-15% deet. I warn you though the 100% stuff can be very nasty.

If you do not want to use chemicals you may want to consider a headnet or some other type of protective clothing. If you go to the links page of this website look under the links for apparel. You will find a company here called AK Anorak, they can also be found at www.akanorak.com . They sell anorak style jackets with built in mosquito netting. The jacket is great for when you are on deck since it serves as your rain gear and wind protection. When the hood and netting are stored they are very nice looking jackets. I have one of the teflon coated jackets and I love it. I am in Maryland and I wear mine everytime it rains. Have a great time!
 
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l7thtee

Guest
A cardiologist friend of mine suggested I refer to a recent issue (if not current) of the New England Journal of Medicine and an article about Avon's SSS. Have not done that, but, I have been exploring what is available in the various strengths of DEET. Bon Voyage!!
 
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Brunolvr

Guest
You say to try Avon Skin So Soft to refel mosquitos - there are a lot of "Skin So Soft" products, ranging from an assortment of lotions in different scents, creams, oils, sunblock, etc. What Avon Skin So Soft product works best? Thanks!
 
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ScottieB64

Guest
I believe Avon Skin So Soft is what the US Armed Forces use to combat mosquitos. If it is good enough for Uncle Sam, it is good enough for me.
 
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anxious2cruise

Guest
According the New England Journal of Medicine here are their results of a study for repellants. The product is listed, then the expected range of coverage in minutes and then the grade they gave each product. Everyone has thier favorite product for protection, and if something works for you great, but here is what they came up with in their research.


OFF! Deep Woods
200 - 360
A

OFF! Skintastic
90 - 170
C

OFF! Skintastic for Kids
45 - 120
D

Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus (Avon)
10 - 60
E

Buzz Away
5 - 30
E

Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard (Avon)
1 - 30
E

Skin-So-Soft Bath Oil (Avon)
1 - 30
E

Skin-So-Soft Moisturising Suncare (Avon)
1 - 15
F

Gone Original Wristband
0.17 - 1.33
G

Repello Wristband
0.17 - 0.63
H

Gone Plus Repelling Wristband
0.17 - 0.48
H
 
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Dandylyon

Guest
Consumer Reports has also done a study on insect repellents. According to them, the Avon product came in at the bottom of the list.

The military does NOT use Avon, so far as I know. Instead, they use a product from 3M. It is available to us regular folks under the name 3M Ultrathon. Consumer Reports rated it at the top of the ratings. They say it has better staying power than others because the DEET is microencapsulated for continuous release. I bought it on the 'net, although I think that some sporting goods stores are starting to carry it.

When my daughter goes to Minnesota for summer camp, I always send Ultrathon with her, as she has severe reactions to mosquito bites. It is very effective for her, and we will be bringing it on our Alaska cruise this summer.

Naturally, it's just my 2 cents.
 
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ScottieB64

Guest
When I said that the US Armed Forces used Avon I am just going by what was said on the Discovery Channel on one of their Marine specials. I have never been the in the Marines so I don't know first hand, just by what they said. I say use whatever works for you personally.
 
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boatnik

Guest
DEET really is the way to go to repel mosquitoes, especially when traveling in areas where malaria is a problem. However, I HATE DEET because it slowly DISSOLVES my nail polish, so I think I'll go for Skinsosoft this time.
 
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