So... These mosquitos... Do they bite through clothes?

Haylo · Jul 14th, 2008, 03:57

Okay, really dumb question I know, but in India do I just have to worry about mosquito bites on exposed areas (which will probably be face, hands & ankles), or are they agressive enough to have a go at me through clothing? Given that I seem to be a gourmet feast to the little *uckers, they'll get at me somehow.

Does it make any difference how heavy your clothing is? Reason for asking is that due to the heat I'll be looking for some very light cotton clothing when I arrive, as there's nothing that is both long sleeved and lightweight in the English shops but I don't want to go "too light" if it means I'll get bitten.

If necessary, I'll get a permethrin treated burqa!

Btw, if you saw *uckers as anything other than "suckers", it's just your nasty mind.

Sama · Jul 14th, 2008, 04:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haylo

or are they agressive enough to have a go at me through clothing?

yes, they absolutely bite through salwars and other thin material. my derriere was proof of this.

federica · Jul 14th, 2008, 04:09

My experience is: they do... unfortunately. But not as much as they do in Europe, maybe heat makes them lazy?

More in danger are your exposed parts like feet. They simply love the area around the ankles. As long as you are not wearing socks and maybe churidar pants (the ones tight on the ankles) they'll find a way to suck your legs.

After I realized that a certain number of bites are unavoidable for me I could control them with Odomos (everything else seemed to attract them even more) on feet and lower part of the legs.

Haylo · Jul 14th, 2008, 04:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sama

yes, they absolutely bite through salwars and other thin material. my derriere was proof of this.

Thanks for the warning, I'm glad I checked. The instructions on my "Jungle Formula" (50% DEET) say to apply it to exposed areas, which didn't sound right to me.

I shall take a bath in DEET every day before venturing forth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by federica

They simply love the area around the ankles. As long as you are not wearing socks and maybe churidar pants (the ones tight on the ankles) they'll find a way to suck your legs.

Know exactly what you mean, when in swampy areas of countryside in England I wear close fitting gaiters and never get bitten, but that is simply not possible in the heat. Besides it would look pretty stupid in the city!

Quote:

I could control them with Odomos (everything else seemed to attract them even more) on feet and lower part of the legs.

How do others get on with Odomos (Diethyl Benzamide)?

I have heard conflicting reports but for a longer trip I do like the idea of something I can buy cheaply in India. For my upcoming week in India I am planning to use DEET (Diethyl Toluamide).

Haylo · Jul 14th, 2008, 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sama

my derriere

It has just occured to me, squishing those derriere-loving mosquitos is the perfect excuse for taking it easy in the heat.

"Why are you sitting down?"
"Mosquito control strategy, Sir!"

PeakXV · Jul 14th, 2008, 05:20

I always thought odomos smelled a bit like diesel exhaust.

I use OFF! or Deep Woods OFF! usually at or around 25% DEET. It seems to be enough deterent for the little buggers. Don't usually put it directly on the skin but socks, pant, sleeve cuffs when/where appropriate - yes. A little along the bed spread before sleep especially if your hotel/room is damp and/or with porous screens/door spaces can be a wise tactic.

camelgirl · Jul 14th, 2008, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sama

my derriere was proof of this.

Are you sure that didn't happen in the loo? It's the only time that part

gets a good chance for the loo mosies to have some fun

You are not supposed to use Deet under your clothes. I actually never have a problem with bites with covered arms, legs, etc., as long as it's not very sheer cotton. It is also recommended (in assorted guides) to wear light colors, it's supposed to not attract mosies as much. I can't tell you if that works as I have never done an actual scientific study on myself!

wonderwomanusa · Jul 14th, 2008, 07:40

When I'm smearing on the DEET, I hit the exposed areas and then go up about an inch or two under the edges of my clothing .. that seems to work very well; I think I only got one or two bites on arms or legs on my last trip.

On the other hand, those mossies in the loo are really aggressive, especially late at night!

edwardseco · Jul 14th, 2008, 08:37

Usually men's clothing is sufficient. You can buy permethrin coated clothing from Orvis, etc. In one locale that I was to lecture at in India I heard of legendary mosquitoes an inch across. I wore double shirts and pants as a precaution. It wasn't enough! I closed early and invited everyone to a nearby bar, drinks on me..

camelgirl · Jul 14th, 2008, 08:44

Yipes! That's terrifying Edwardseco! Where was this place so I'll be sure to avoid it!

I forgot about the permetherin. It's easy to buy a bottle of the stuff and spray it on your clothes before you leave. Just follow directions on bottle. Presumably they avoid landing on you & don't bite but actually, they just head right for the skin I think. I sprayed a couple of tops & pants but can't say that it helped or not. Again, didn't have a "control" subject!

Cardamom · Jul 14th, 2008, 11:21

Just reading this thread is making me itch! I tend to be the person who is always bitten, so my friend crowd around me and the mosquitos avoid them and bite me instead!!

So...Haylo, you want a travel partner

-C

edwardseco · Jul 14th, 2008, 12:40

Quote:

So...Haylo, you want a travel partner

Ho, ho, babies tend to function well in this regard also..

Quote:

Yipes! That's terrifying

What is terrifying is the explanation. A big sewer runs along a college and its a dispute between city and college as to who should cover it! They are very healthy well fed blighters..

Haylo · Jul 14th, 2008, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by camelgirl

Are you sure that didn't happen in the loo?

I had sent Sama a PM describing my rather nasty backwoods experience of that very thing! No, I won't go into details here.

edwardseco · Jul 14th, 2008, 14:27

Now that scares me! Hitting 'em where it hurts. Wonder how much movement is possible..

federica · Jul 14th, 2008, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haylo

How do others get on with Odomos (Diethyl Benzamide)?

I have heard conflicting reports but for a longer trip I do like the idea of something I can buy cheaply in India. For my upcoming week in India I am planning to use DEET (Diethyl Toluamide).

The DEET stuff I brought along, recommended by Swiss institutes, didn't work at all except as an excellent nail polish remover. I guess it would attack even synthetic clothes.

If I use too much Odomos, I get allergic reactions, so I use it carefully.

It's always this difficult question: How much chemical stuff compared to how many mossie bites can my body bear?

Jul 14th, 2008, 03:57	#1
Haylo Neophyte Join Date: May 2008 Location: Delhi / Worcestershire, England Posts: 1,673	So... These mosquitos... Do they bite through clothes? Okay, really dumb question I know, but in India do I just have to worry about mosquito bites on exposed areas (which will probably be face, hands & ankles), or are they agressive enough to have a go at me through clothing? Given that I seem to be a gourmet feast to the little uckers, they'll get at me somehow. Does it make any difference how heavy your clothing is? Reason for asking is that due to the heat I'll be looking for some very light cotton clothing when I arrive, as there's nothing that is both long sleeved and* lightweight in the English shops but I don't want to go "too light" if it means I'll get bitten. If necessary, I'll get a permethrin treated burqa! Btw, if you saw *uckers as anything other than "suckers", it's just your nasty mind.

Jul 14th, 2008, 05:20	#6
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,333	I always thought odomos smelled a bit like diesel exhaust. I use OFF! or Deep Woods OFF! usually at or around 25% DEET. It seems to be enough deterent for the little buggers. Don't usually put it directly on the skin but socks, pant, sleeve cuffs when/where appropriate - yes. A little along the bed spread before sleep especially if your hotel/room is damp and/or with porous screens/door spaces can be a wise tactic. __________________ We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Jul 14th, 2008, 07:40	#8
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Dhaka Posts: 3,567	When I'm smearing on the DEET, I hit the exposed areas and then go up about an inch or two under the edges of my clothing .. that seems to work very well; I think I only got one or two bites on arms or legs on my last trip. On the other hand, those mossies in the loo are really aggressive, especially late at night! __________________ The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

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Jul 14th, 2008, 04:09	#3
federica Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Bavaria Posts: 1,084	My experience is: they do... unfortunately. But not as much as they do in Europe, maybe heat makes them lazy? More in danger are your exposed parts like feet. They simply love the area around the ankles. As long as you are not wearing socks and maybe churidar pants (the ones tight on the ankles) they'll find a way to suck your legs. After I realized that a certain number of bites are unavoidable for me I could control them with Odomos (everything else seemed to attract them even more) on feet and lower part of the legs.

Jul 14th, 2008, 08:37	#9
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,142	Usually men's clothing is sufficient. You can buy permethrin coated clothing from Orvis, etc. In one locale that I was to lecture at in India I heard of legendary mosquitoes an inch across. I wore double shirts and pants as a precaution. It wasn't enough! I closed early and invited everyone to a nearby bar, drinks on me..

Jul 14th, 2008, 08:44	#10
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 1,082	Yipes! That's terrifying Edwardseco! Where was this place so I'll be sure to avoid it! I forgot about the permetherin. It's easy to buy a bottle of the stuff and spray it on your clothes before you leave. Just follow directions on bottle. Presumably they avoid landing on you & don't bite but actually, they just head right for the skin I think. I sprayed a couple of tops & pants but can't say that it helped or not. Again, didn't have a "control" subject!

Jul 14th, 2008, 11:21	#11
Cardamom Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 266	Just reading this thread is making me itch! I tend to be the person who is always bitten, so my friend crowd around me and the mosquitos avoid them and bite me instead!! So...Haylo, you want a travel partner -C

Jul 14th, 2008, 14:27	#14
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,142	Now that scares me! Hitting 'em where it hurts. Wonder how much movement is possible..

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