Soap

[Stroller123]

I'm a mosquito magnet.
I start to believe that my friends invite me out during summer only because all mosquitoes will come to me and they won't be bitten.
I'm also the favorite meal of all other blood sucking insects.
Only DEET keeps them at bay completely, but I hate it since it has melted the plastic of one of my Swiss Army Knife, so now I use only plant based repellents which are not as good as DEET, but they make me less palatable.
I never encountered bed bugs (otherwise I would've been bitten) and this forum has been a wealth of information.
I will treat all my gear with a Permethrin based repellent, but since I will use essential oil based repellents on my skin, mainly against mosquitoes, I was considering using special soaps as well.
I saw that there are natural soaps (mostly bars, but some in liquid form too) made with extract of insect repelling plants, such as Neem and Citronella. I was wondering if someone has first hand experience with them, can they really help in repelling mosquitoes or other blood sucking insects such as bed bugs?
There are very few options on my side of the pond, but if they are as good as they claim to be I can eventually get a good one from the US.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I've never had mosquitos pester me on the Camino Frances.
On the Portuguese route, they were as big as buzzards but only bugged me at night.

If DEET doesn't bother you, I'd use it at night., and if you treat your gear as well, you should be fine.

 

[Deleted member 83944]

I am mosquito fodder too, but never seem to have any problems in Spain, at any time of year. I did get bitten by a horsefly last time, but they are not common.

 

[Stroller123]

For the Spanish route I was more concerned about bed bugs since I'll mostly stay in albergues. France and especially Italy will be a problem for mosquitoes also because I'll try to stay in campings as much as possible, I don't know about Switzerland. But it also depends on the season I guess.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Former member 49149]

I'm a mosquito magnet.
I start to believe that my friends invite me out during summer only because all mosquitoes will come to me and they won't be bitten.
I'm also the favorite meal of all other blood sucking insects.
Only DEET keeps them at bay completely, but I hate it since it has melted the plastic of one of my Swiss Army Knife, so now I use only plant based repellents which are not as good as DEET, but they make me less palatable.
I never encountered bed bugs (otherwise I would've been bitten) and this forum has been a wealth of information.
I will treat all my gear with a Permethrin based repellent, but since I will use essential oil based repellents on my skin, mainly against mosquitoes, I was considering using special soaps as well.
I saw that there are natural soaps (mostly bars, but some in liquid form too) made with extract of insect repelling plants, such as Neem and Citronella. I was wondering if someone has first hand experience with them, can they really help in repelling mosquitoes or other blood sucking insects such as bed bugs?
There are very few options on my side of the pond, but if they are as good as they claim to be I can eventually get a good one from the US.

Citronella: I splatter it on the back door to try to deter beasties from coming in for a visit. The smell is not pleasant. I would think twice about using a deterrent that could interfere with good relations in an albergue.

 

[Stroller123]

I agree Neem and Citronella have a strong and unpleasant smell, especially Neem. I tend to avoid using them indoor, that's why I was thinking about soaps. They might have a less pungent fragrance and they will be diluted during the shower as well. Who knows, I guess I'll need to give them a try then.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I've never had mosquitos pester me on the Camino Frances.
On the Portuguese route, they were as big as buzzards but only bugged me at night.

If DEET doesn't bother you, I'd use it at night., and if you treat your gear as well, you should be fine.

Hi Annie, I am planning to walk the Portuguese route in April. What month did you walk and when you say you were bitten at night, do you mean when exploring the towns in the evening or do mosquitos "sneak" in the lodgings?

 

[tomnorth]

I live in Minnesota where we facetiously call the mosquito our state bird. I am also a mosquito magnet. I had no trouble on the Camino Frances. Also, if you are into natural products, I’m not sure why you’d want to treat all your gear with such a nasty product as permethrin. It doesn’t repel bed bugs, and only kills them if you spray it directly on them.

 

[domigee]

I'm a mosquito magnet.
I start to believe that my friends invite me out during summer only because all mosquitoes will come to me and they won't be bitten.
I'm also the favorite meal of all other blood sucking insects.
Only DEET keeps them at bay completely, but I hate it since it has melted the plastic of one of my Swiss Army Knife, so now I use only plant based repellents which are not as good as DEET, but they make me less palatable.
I never encountered bed bugs (otherwise I would've been bitten) and this forum has been a wealth of information.
I will treat all my gear with a Permethrin based repellent, but since I will use essential oil based repellents on my skin, mainly against mosquitoes, I was considering using special soaps as well.
I saw that there are natural soaps (mostly bars, but some in liquid form too) made with extract of insect repelling plants, such as Neem and Citronella. I was wondering if someone has first hand experience with them, can they really help in repelling mosquitoes or other blood sucking insects such as bed bugs?
There are very few options on my side of the pond, but if they are as good as they claim to be I can eventually get a good one from the US.

I have used this spray very successfully in mosquito-ridden areas (not on the Camino francés) https://www.arkopharma.com/en-GB/mosquito-repellent-body-spray
It is available in pharmacies in France or through the internet...

 

[Stroller123]

I live in Minnesota where we facetiously call the mosquito our state bird. I am also a mosquito magnet. I had no trouble on the Camino Frances. Also, if you are into natural products, I’m not sure why you’d want to treat all your gear with such a nasty product as permethrin. It doesn’t repel bed bugs, and only kills them if you spray it directly on them.

The North of Italy where I live is plagued by mosquitoes and each year there are more and more cases of Chikungunya, West Nile and Dengue Fever transmitted by them. Plus, I have bad reactions when bitten by Tiger Mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). The fact that I prefer natural products on my skin is because DEET ruins my synthetic clothes (at a % that is effective in repelling bugs) and because it leaves a nasty oily feeling and smells (on my skin). So I rather use plant-based repellents which I can apply and reapply without too many concerns.
I will get into contact with Permethrin for an extended period of time only through my sleeping liner and when is already dried and aired for days, so I hope it won't do much damage to me.
Regarding bed bugs I found many discordant views on what repels them, I'm just trying to be a less inviting meal for all blood sucking bugs overall and I hope that every little helps.

 

[Stroller123]

I have used this spray very successfully in mosquito-ridden areas (not on the Camino francés) https://www.arkopharma.com/en-GB/mosquito-repellent-body-spray
It is available in pharmacies in France or through the internet...

Thanks, I'll have a look if I can find it around

 

[domigee]

For the Spanish route I was more concerned about bed bugs since I'll mostly stay in albergues. France and especially Italy will be a problem for mosquitoes also because I'll try to stay in campings as much as possible, I don't know about Switzerland. But it also depends on the season I guess.
Thanks for the reply.

I used that spray in France (camping near rivers!) and Italy (in the rice fields)! Are you walking the Via Francigena?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hi Annie, I am planning to walk the Portuguese route in April. What month did you walk and when you say you were bitten at night, do you mean when exploring the towns in the evening or do mosquitos "sneak" in the lodgings?

I walked in the late spring. The mosquitos were in the albergues at night.

 

[domigee]

I walked in the late spring. The mosquitos were in the albergues at night.

I often buy one of those plastic fly swatters ( ?) in a Chinese bazaar. Light, cheap and... do the job

 

[Anniesantiago]

I often buy one of those plastic fly swatters ( ?) in a Chinese bazaar. Light, cheap and... do the job View attachment 46923

Well, those are great if the windows are closed, or the screens don't have holes.

In my VAN, the ceiling is literally less than a foot from my face.
I often kill mosquitos by shining my flashlight on the ceiling above me then squishing the little devils when they come to the light. However, in a large albergue, with windows open, this could take a lifetime.

 

[domigee]

Well, those are great if the windows are closed, or the screens don't have holes.

In my VAN, the ceiling is literally less than a foot from my face.
I often kill mosquitos by shining my flashlight on the ceiling above me then squishing the little devils when they come to the light. However, in a large albergue, with windows open, this could take a lifetime.

Good point! I guess I was lucky being on my own most nights so could shut window and start swatting Didn’t need to often, fortunately.

 

[Stroller123]

I used that spray in France (camping near rivers!) and Italy (in the rice fields)! Are you walking the Via Francigena?

Part of it, on the way to Santiago I'll go from Vercelli to Montgenevre and on the way back I'll do Le Puy - Geneva route, then Lauseanne and down to Vercelli, then Novara and back home.

 

[domigee]

Part of it, on the way to Santiago I'll go from Vercelli to Montgenevre and on the way back I'll do Le Puy - Geneva route, then Lauseanne and down to Vercelli, then Novara and back home.

Oh how wonderful

 

[tomnorth]

The North of Italy where I live is plagued by mosquitoes and each year there are more and more cases of Chikungunya, West Nile and Dengue Fever transmitted by them. Plus, I have bad reactions when bitten by Tiger Mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). The fact that I prefer natural products on my skin is because DEET ruins my synthetic clothes (at a % that is effective in repelling bugs) and because it leaves a nasty oily feeling and smells (on my skin). So I rather use plant-based repellents which I can apply and reapply without too many concerns.
I will get into contact with Permethrin for an extended period of time only through my sleeping liner and when is already dried and aired for days, so I hope it won't do much damage to me.
Regarding bed bugs I found many discordant views on what repels them, I'm just trying to be a less inviting meal for all blood sucking bugs overall and I hope that every little helps.

The link below provides excellent resources on bed bugs from someone who researches them for a living. What they’ve found is that the sprays only work if you spray them directly on the bugs. Sprays have limited residual effect. Given the number of people who never encountered bed bugs on the Camino (including me), it is highly likely that those who did use permethrin and didn’t have bed bug problems simply never encountered them.

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/bb-millerbasics.pdf

 

[Iriebabel]

Got bitten by a couple giant bats. I think were flies Or mosquitos. I had allergic reaction but didnt see any bed bugs . Walked in April/may

 

[domigee]

Got bitten by a couple giant bats. I think were flies Or mosquitos. I had allergic reaction but didnt see any bed bugs . Walked in April/may

Bats!?

 

[Iriebabel]

Bats!?

Hahah. I wasn’t sure they were big like in a 1960 Japanese B movie

 

[domigee]

Hahah. I wasn’t sure they were big like in a 1960 Japanese B movie

Ok....

 

[loumura]

I walked in the late spring. The mosquitos were in the albergues at night.

It seems to me that March in Portugal is cold enough not to be a problem with mosquitos? When you say "late spring", what are you referring to? Thank you!

 

[Stroller123]

The link below provides excellent resources on bed bugs from someone who researches them for a living. What they’ve found is that the sprays only work if you spray them directly on the bugs. Sprays have limited residual effect. Given the number of people who never encountered bed bugs on the Camino (including me), it is highly likely that those who did use permethrin and didn’t have bed bug problems simply never encountered them.

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/bb-millerbasics.pdf

That was very informative, thanks for sharing it.

 

[Stroller123]

Got bitten by a couple giant bats. I think were flies Or mosquitos. I had allergic reaction but didnt see any bed bugs . Walked in April/may

The big ones are easier to catch

 

[Anniesantiago]

It seems to me that March in Portugal is cold enough not to be a problem with mosquitos? When you say "late spring", what are you referring to? Thank you!

It's been too many years. I'll ask Joe today. I honestly don't remember, I've walked so many Caminos and I have been to Portugal many times. I have family in the Azores.

 

[Iriebabel]

It's been too many years. I'll ask Joe today. I honestly don't remember, I've walked so many Caminos and I have been to Portugal many times. I have family in the Azores.

Muito Prazer. Love love the Azores lived and worked on Teceira 2 years. Traveled to mainland several times, Faial, Pico (climbed Mount Pico), Graciosa , Sao Miguel and Sao Jorge. Amazing place with beautiful people and beautiful culture.
I dont remember mosquitos being a problem on the mainland or Azores but this was back in the early 90’s

 

[Iriebabel]

The big ones are easier to catch

They were fast ...the giant buggers

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It's been too many years. I'll ask Joe today. I honestly don't remember, I've walked so many Caminos and I have been to Portugal many times. I have family in the Azores.

You are one blessed lady, Annie!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Muito Prazer. Love love the Azores lived and worked on Teceira 2 years. Traveled to mainland several times, Faial, Pico (climbed Mount Pico), Graciosa , Sao Miguel and Sao Jorge. Amazing place with beautiful people and beautiful culture.
I dont remember mosquitos being a problem on the mainland or Azores but this was back in the early 90’s

They never bothered me in the Azores, but ate me alive on the Caminho

 

[loumura]

They never bothered me in the Azores, but ate me alive on the Caminho

Should we expect mosquitos on the Camino Portugal as early as March? My husband always gets eaten alive and if so I need to prepare him!!! Hope it’s too cold!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Should we expect mosquitos on the Camino Portugal as early as March? My husband always gets eaten alive and if so I need to prepare him!!! Hope it’s too cold!

No way of knowing but I doubt it in March if it's cold.

 

[Scott Mack]

I make my own soap and body butter that works on repelling mosquitoes and also Is great for preventing blisters. I cannot even use commercial products anymore because they will dry me out.

 

[Former member 49149]

They were fast ...the giant buggers

just found this. you are such a scream! bitten by bats, indeed! prove it! oops, sorry, forgot this is not my favourite thread...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

just found this. you are such a scream! bitten by bats, indeed! prove it! oops, sorry, forgot this is not my favourite thread...

Kirkie, YOU are such a scream! Funny that you noticed the 'bats' as I'm sure she meant 'gnats'! I got a good laugh after you observed the poopah!

 

[Iriebabel]

just found this. you are such a scream! bitten by bats, indeed! prove it! oops, sorry, forgot this is not my favourite thread...

Hahah. I wish I had taken a picture. Mothra came to mind
That’s like the mosquitos here in Florida they are definately not small....they really do look like bats

 

[Iriebabel]

Kirkie, YOU are such a scream! Funny that you noticed the 'bats' as I'm sure she meant 'gnats'! I got a good laugh after you observed the poopah!

Hahahah. Gnats would imply small . Actually I think it may have been a horse fly.
I had a bad allergic reaction in the form of 3 giant itchy red welts same as I do with mosquitos. I use a plant based repellant but forgot to use it that day. I always wear long sleeves and long pants, carry a antibiotic cream and a epi pen for severe allergies.

 

[Former member 49149]

Hahahah. Gnats would imply small . Actually I think it may have been a horse fly.
I had a bad allergic reaction in the form of 3 giant itchy red welts same as I do with mosquitos. I use a plant based repellant but forgot to use it that day. I always wear long sleeves and long pants, carry a antibiotic cream and a epi pen for severe allergies.

I only recently learned that gnats are ... mosquitoes. Never too late, but much more important, the missing partner has been found!

 

[Iriebabel]

I only recently learned that gnats are ... mosquitoes. Never too late, but much more important, the missing partner has been found!

.
Forgot to include this. This stuff really works

 

[Iriebabel]

I only recently learned that gnats are ... mosquitoes. Never too late, but much more important, the missing partner has been found!

Maybe. To kill this ? I had a good laugh with the descriptions

 

[Former member 49149]

Maybe. To kill this ? I had a good laugh with the descriptions View attachment 48820

No wonder!

 

[Iriebabel]

No wonder!

Hahahah. If you see on e of those run for your life !

 

[Former member 49149]

And horseflies are... clegs. They loved me long before mosquitoes discovered me out foreign. I add a link which seems more useful than other links that write:How can you tell if a cleg has bitten you? I don’t need google for that answer!
http://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Horseflies_Clegs_and_Deerflies.htm

 

[chinacat]

Maybe. To kill this ? I had a good laugh with the descriptions View attachment 48820

So funny!
Love it

 

[chinacat]

Hahahah. If you see on e of those run for your life !

Once bitten, it’s all rainbows and unicorns .....