I hate BUGS
 

I hate bugs...especially mosquitoes. I was out and about today and ended up with a couple DOZEN bug bites all over my body. What are some good tips (prefer natural) to repel bugs and treat the bites?
Thanks

Not a "natural" product, but I find the Repel products work quite well for me.

I understand your concern for natural remedies, but - - -

Your handle suggests you are in CA. We have West Nile virus popping up all over the state. If you are out in mosquito areas, you realy should consider a commercial product containing a high percentage of DEET. Just check the label. My job takes me outside in animal areas and I don't leave home without it. Nothing natural is as effective and you do not want to fool around with WNV.

JR

I dont remember the brand of what I'm using, but I know it has
citronella in it. It works fine..

Appreciate the suggestion, but I'm not in California. I'm pingponging around Asia right now and will be out here for a bit. I think YTD I've been in California for about 19 days. Suggestions?

I know that a lot of people say it doesn't work, but I find eating garlic works fine. I used to get bitten relentlessly when I worked in Africa and someone suggested garlic, I tried it and have hardly been bitten since.

Not great if you plan on kissing anyone though.

Doug

Works with both vampires and werewolves, and it's 100% natural.

I never go to sleep (especially in a strange city) without a string of garlic cloves around my neck. Haven't been bitten yet! ^

Avon Skin-So-Soft. No joke.

Perhaps its just me, but I've found Avon Skin-So-Soft to be innefective. I know there are people who swear by it, so I'm just relating my own experience.

Any spray, lotion, etc. with DEET probably works best. Citronella is good (but not great). Garlic also works...as does Vitamin B6 (which is also good for preventing hangovers....just in case you'd like to partake of an adult beverage or two while you're out amongst the little critters)!

In studies, Bite Blocker herbal lotion worked about as well as DEET but needed to be reapplied more often. You can find it online and in some health food stores. I've been using it for about a year now.

If you are in Asia - particularly SE Asia - and spending alot of time in areas outside of the cities, go to a pharmacy and ask them for the strongest repellant they have. Dengue fever is not uncommon (even Bangkok gets its cases) and there is always a risk of cerebral malaria. In urban areas I find that the garlic in the food works pretty well for me, but in the rural areas stronger prevention is warranted.