scotland in september.....what insect repelant for my hg comp

**samurai69** · 1st August 16, 12:49 PM

I dont normally get bitten by insects, but recently at my training times there have bern swarms of midges and i have been bitten to bits.

In september i am competing at a games in scotland, a time and place notorious for midges and I'm wondering what the best insect repelant you have used that would suit my purpose

**Tarheel** · 1st August 16, 02:48 PM

I recommend spraying your hose, inner side of kilt and under-shorts (worn while competing) with an insect spray that has a DEET content of 30% or better. The chemical will last longer on the clothing than on your skin and provide better protection. I expect other members that compete will chime in soon.

I have also used the oil of pressed garlic on my skin (except tender/private areas) and that has worked for me. People do ask about the smell however.

**tundramanq** · 1st August 16, 03:59 PM

Avon's Skin-so-Soft? http://www.scotsman.com/news/avon-s-...ines-1-1403152

**Profane James** · 1st August 16, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

Avon's Skin-so-Soft? http://www.scotsman.com/news/avon-s-...ines-1-1403152

We have this product since forever to combat mosquitoes down here. Certainly worth a try!

**imrichmond** · 2nd August 16, 02:46 PM

Avon "Skin So Soft" definitely works against midges. I was introduced to it a couple of years ago while piping in Scotland. It is now a permanent fixture in my pipe case.

**samurai69** · 3rd August 16, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by tundramanq

Avon's Skin-so-Soft? http://www.scotsman.com/news/avon-s-...ines-1-1403152

Marines based in scotland using it, sounds like its worth trying

**cessna152towser** · 3rd August 16, 12:14 PM

We sold Avon Skin so Soft as a midge repellant at our local heritage railway but the new stock no longer works as it seems Avon have changed the formula (or the midges have developed immunity?)

**Marine2141** · 3rd August 16, 03:25 PM

We used Skin-So-Soft while at Parris Island for boot camp..I swear it was a dinner bell for the "sand fleas" (biting midges).

**tundramanq** · 5th August 16, 08:17 AM

Sounds like we are back to smelling and feeling DEET on our skin.
Still concerned about oil based products getting sprayed on expensive and not really cleanable fabrics like wool.
The smell would cause me to have a designated outdoors "beater" kilt to treat. Nae want to sniff DEET on Burns Night.

**imrichmond** · 6th August 16, 01:49 PM

Something else that works well, at least against mosquitoes, is to put a Bounce brand fabric softener dryer sheet in your pocket. I do this when walking in the woods near my home and it really seems to work for me. Without it I'll often come home with several itchy bites after a 45-minute walk. I haven't tried it against midgies, though.