help! sand flies are making my holiday unplesant.

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 14:21
ThreadID: 107296 Views:3345 Replies:19 FollowUps:16
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I have aerogard tropical strength but it is not working.What do people use in north qld.I am being eaten alive.Thanks all
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Reply By: Bludge - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 14:40

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 14:40
100ml Eucalyptus oil - 15ml Tea Tree oil and about 5ml Lavender oil shaken well and delivered with an atomiser (spray bottle).

Eucalyptus, is a deterrent Tea Tree a natural disinfectant and so is Lavender which smells a little better.

Prevents bites and s good for itches should you get bitten. All items available in most supermarkets or chemist.
AnswerID: 530612

Follow Up By: Member - Rosss - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:03

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:03
Just make sure you get 100% tea tree oil, not the watered down crap.
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Reply By: Flighty ( WA ) - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:06

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:06
S & G
Get hold of the local Avon rep, and get some "skin so soft" bath oil.
small amount in palm and rub in exposed areas.
I have extreme allergy to these thing's and that is the only stuff I have ever found to have any affect on the little "Bs"
Cheers
Flighty

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Follow Up By: Big Woody - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 07:33

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 07:33
I agree 100% with Flighty's recommendation.

We live in a sandfly area and have mangroves only 200m from our house.

Avon Skin So Soft Bath oil is without a doubt the best non toxic option for combatting the little buggers. Our daughter is allergic to sandflies and reacts horribly to their "bites" (secretions)
Avon SSS has enabled us to remain in this fantastic place for the last 10 years.

It only takes enough oil to cover a 10 cent piece to be sufficient to cover all of the exposed parts of your body (feet, legs, arms and face)

BW
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Reply By: Member - Sanantone - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:06

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:06
I would suggest you ask the local chemist what they recommend.

But otherwise, try any product with high % of DEET, something like "Bushman's Heavy Duty 80%", best in the mornings & afternoons.

One bloke suggested to me once, that you should drink Gin & Tonic, the tonic has quinine which is beneficial, also I think the Gin gets you drunk & you forget your worries:)
Tony
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Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:42

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:42
DEET works but is unfortunately toxic. Which is a bit of a bastard if the little mongrels are giving you curry.
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Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 18:44

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 18:44
That’s an old wives tail Rosco.
I have used it since Vietnam 47 years ago – it’s was used by the Yankee Army too.
The DEET 80% cream is the heavy duty product – I buy it by the litre off the internet, directly from Bushmans. Last purchase about $100 a litre lasts me about 3 years.
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Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 19:37

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 19:37
Horses for courses old mate.
Have you researched it?
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Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 21:38

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 21:38
The Army uses it and I have seen Australian government entomologists recommending its use.
Bushman produces it legally at 80% - I am sure that government authorities would stop their production if it was dangerous to health.
Another Australian product I use is ItchEze for soothing insect bites – contains Lidocaine, a local anesthetic that has been linked to deaths in a very small number of cases.
Further down the page in this post Bobj shows the rate of seizure from DEET in America is 1 in 100 million.
I saw a study on the internet that showed the death rate from Viagra was 1 in 23,000 – now I’m worried.
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Follow Up By: Nutta - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 21:43

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 21:43
Quote "I am sure that government authorities would stop their production if it was dangerous to health"

You trust the australian government!! LOL.
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Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 22:13

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 22:13
I’m not into conspiracy theories Nutta.
Armies around the world have been using it for over 60 years without compensation issues.
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Follow Up By: Stu & "Bob" - Friday, Apr 18, 2014 at 08:55

Friday, Apr 18, 2014 at 08:55
Just don't get the Bushman product in contact with plastics, especially one you need to look through, as the Bushman's product turns it opaque.


Just a thought.
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Reply By: noelene/peter b - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:32

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 15:32
I'm allergic to sand flies, so am sympathetic.
I find taking Thiamine which is one of the vit. B group works for me. It makes your sweat smell unattractive to the little critters. I take 2 tabs twice a day.
Noels.
AnswerID: 530619

Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:47

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:47
Yep, that's Vitamin B1. The best part about it is that B vitamins are not fat soluble, unlike Vitamin A for example. Hence you can take it in relatively high doses with no adverse side effects. Your bod just exudes the excess, partly through your bladder and partly through your skin, where it's a quite effective repellent.
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Follow Up By: John E - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:20

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:20
hi , we always used , a mixture of : small bottle of baby oil , equal quantity of Metho, and a small bottle of citronella , this did a double duty , , it kept the critters away , and I got the most amazing tan ! cheers lyn
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Reply By: Member-Heather MG NSW - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:10

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:10
I use Bushman's aerosol spray can and find it very effective, but depending on how bad the sand flies are, you night need the strongest tropical type which I think only comes in a squeeze tube. They worked for me last year when we were in the north of WA and in the NT.
Don't get it on your lips or near eyes as it will sting like crazy! In other words read the label for instructions.
regards,
Heather
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Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:23

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:23
Sandfly and Mozzie Stuff.

Link

Great product.
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
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Reply By: 410 - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:25

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:25
Hi Stuart
We had this problem when we headed off last year and we use equal parts ; Dettol, metho, baby oil. Put in a spray bottle and apply. Keep back from naked flames ? This brew will also keep ants away and kill them.

Regards
Rich
AnswerID: 530627

Reply By: Member - Rosco from way back - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:49

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:49
If you're in FNQ, try to get hold of some coconuts and throw them in your camp fire. Works a treat at keeping the biteys away and doesn't smell too bad either.
AnswerID: 530629

Reply By: buildermidwife - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:51

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:51
We use 50% detol 50% baby oil . Cheap , no bites . Down side you smell like a hospital ward . Cheers .
AnswerID: 530631

Reply By: Turbo 1 - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:57

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 17:57
So there you go, nine replies and all different, good luck and give me a mozzie any day over those things.
AnswerID: 530632

Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 18:49

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 18:49
Mossies are responsible for more deaths than any other living thing on this planet.
Give me a dose of good chemicals anyday.
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Follow Up By: Bobjl - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:00

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:00
Wikipedia contains some interesting information. There are risks with many products. Consider the Pros and Cons carefully.Obviously it is better that we avoid being bitten by the sand flies and mossies, but aI have found it beneficial to have anti histamines on hand to minimise the discomfort if bitten and suffering.
I have attached the relevant bit from Wikipedia.
Bob

Effects on health
As a precaution, manufacturers advise that DEET products should not be used under clothing or on damaged skin, and that preparations be washed off after they are no longer needed or between applications.[16] DEET can act as an irritant;[4] in rare cases, it may cause severe epidermal reactions.[16]

In the DEET Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported 14 to 46 cases of potential DEET-associated seizures, including 4 deaths. The EPA states: "... it does appear that some cases are likely related to DEET toxicity," but observed that with 30% of the US population using DEET, the likely seizure rate is only about one per 100 million users.[17]

The Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University states that "Everglades National Park employees having extensive DEET exposure were more likely to have insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function than were lesser exposed co-workers".[18]

When used as directed, products containing between 10% to 30% DEET have been found by the American Academy of Pediatrics to be safe to use on children, as well as adults, but recommends that DEET not be used on infants less than two months old.[16]

Citing human health reasons, Health Canada barred the sale of insect repellents for human use that contained more than 30% DEET in a 2002 re-evaluation. The agency recommended that DEET-based products be used on children between the ages of 2 and 12 only if the concentration of DEET is 10% or less and that repellents be applied no more than 3 times a day, children under 2 should not receive more than 1 application of repellent in a day and DEET-based products of any concentration should not be used on infants under 6 months.[19][20]

DEET has been found to inhibit the activity of a central nervous system enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, in both insects and mammals.[21] This enzyme is involved in the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus playing a role in the function of the neurons which control muscles. Because of this property, many insecticides are used to block acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an excessive accumulation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, causing neuromuscular paralysis and death by asphyxiation.[22] DEET is commonly used in combination with insecticides and has the capacity to strengthen the toxicity of carbamates,[23] a class of insecticides known to block acetylcholinesterase. These findings bring evidence that, besides having known toxic effects on the olfactory system, DEET also acts on the brain of insects, and that its toxicity is strengthened in combination with other insecticides.
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Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 16:42

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 16:42
One of the great things about the internet is Wikipedia .. any and all can add " facts" without fear or favour.
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Reply By: equinox - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:09

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:09
Best defense is to take someone with you, who attracts sand flies more than you do :-)

Looking for adventure.
In whatever comes our way.



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Follow Up By: AlanTH - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 09:13

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 09:13
That's why I take the Cook... they love her and she gets a terrible reaction. :-)
AlanH.
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Reply By: Villatranquilla - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:53

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 20:53
we tried the 'heavy duty' bushmans last year at Pardoo. It did a reasonable job but it felt so thick, sticky and awful on my legs I showered before bed. It also 'ate' my nail polish on toenails and left a dull mark on the vynal flooring where I dropped a bit.
I found the best treatment for bites was pinoclean wipes - better than all the lotions and potions I purchased from the pharmacy
AnswerID: 530651

Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 21:16

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2014 at 21:16
Shotgun and shoot the buggars!!

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Reply By: Kerry W (WA) - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 00:56

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 00:56
Dettol and Baby oil - safe for kids - works - and is easy to get hold of. Try it and see for yourself.
Kerry W (Qld)
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Reply By: Member - Stuart and Gunny - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 01:30

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 01:30
i would like to thank everybody for there advice.I will be going to Coles in Mackay and buying all of the products suggested and see what works on me.The little buggers have got to the stage they are making my life a misery.Again you everybody and i will put a post up when i see what works for me.
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 10:15

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 10:15
Stuart,

Spent over 20 years on Diamantina, where sand flies were thick after floods.

Equal parts Dettol, baby oil and metho. Any metho left over, you mix with lemon cordial and water.........works the same as gin and tonic mentioned above :-)

Bob

Seen it all, Done it all.
Can't remember most of it.

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Follow Up By: Stu & "Bob" - Friday, Apr 18, 2014 at 08:59

Friday, Apr 18, 2014 at 08:59
Don't forget the Sal-Vital for effervescence (bubbles)
:-))
.
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Reply By: Member - KBAD - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 10:41

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 10:41
Try Pied De Pepper from Lush (foot lotion) friendly than most and works really well.
AnswerID: 530673

Reply By: Tjukayirla Roadhouse - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 12:49

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 12:49
G'day Stuart and Gunny, don't muck around, go out and get some bushman spray. It's expensive, but it stops sandflies 100%.
I've lived and worked and traveled NQ, and the Top end alot and have tried all the other home remedies. Bushman is the stand out.

Cheers
Al
AnswerID: 530677

Reply By: snow - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 20:17

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2014 at 20:17
Cow dung and mangrove mud.
AnswerID: 530709

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