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

Nick-H · Jul 14th, 2008, 19:37

DEET is the world's best 'repellent', but that doesn't mean it will work for you. It works by trying to confuse the insect so that it can't find you; it doesn't actually 'repel' it. If the mossie can still find you, or finds you by chance, it bites!

The strength affects how long the effect lasts, not its effectiveness. You don't have to use plastic-melting strengths.

As to allergies and reactions, it is just as likely that one might be allergic to a perfume or other inactive ingredient in a repellent. I often recommend people try out their chose sunblock at home before taking a large quantity away with them!

How much chemical stuff? How much makeup do many of you ladies put on your poor skin? --- and old hobby-horse of mine!

edwardseco · Jul 14th, 2008, 21:29

Have used Odomos for the family with no problems. Its a mild DEET variant..

singsub · Jul 14th, 2008, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardseco

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..

rural orrissa somewhere??? one place is famous for malaria. people are advised to take quinine b4 going there.

federica · Jul 14th, 2008, 21:38

I am not a small girl, maybe that's why they find me by coincidence

.

This plastic melting ability is one of the side affects of DEET, no need of a "special" concentration. Should be considered if you plan to wear plastic flip flops and such things.

No comments on the chemicals my face, at the moment there are no

Sama · Jul 14th, 2008, 21:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by camelgirl

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

yes, very sure.

I'm the type where mosquitos will land on only me if I'm in a crowd of 500 people. they LOVE me, and I am also highly sensitive to insect bites of all types. so I can feel them biting me through my clothes, despite DEET.

I've been gardening quite a bit over the last month and I have a big welt on my thigh where obviously I was bit through DENIM. In a fight between a Midwest mosquito (carrying West Nile Virus no less!) and a Chennai mosquito, my money's on the American!

and I still have scars on my feet and ankles from scratching the bites I got despite repellant....

Nick-H · Jul 14th, 2008, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by singsub

rural orrissa somewhere??? one place is famous for malaria. people are advised to take quinine b4 going there.

Assam, parts of Northern Goa and the Andamans are currently high-risk.

I don't think quinine, as such, has been used for quite some time, as a preventative --- but only necessary to substitute the appropriate.

PeakXV · Jul 14th, 2008, 22:44

I've never worn the light Indian clothes/fabrics but I would imagine that the twill & or density of the material would have a bearing on potential infiltration(or not) of the skeeter's needle nose. I wear jeans in the evening and they are as good as steel-plated armour as far as mosquito bites are concerned.

yogeonline · Jul 14th, 2008, 23:24

Hi,
I would advice to wear Track pants full length + cotton socks + Shoes & full Sleeves cotton -light color shirt(white preferably)
Avoid Dark area's, Use odomous cream on your uncovered body parts. buy Mosquito nets and ensure to sleep in the nets, they are easily available in Local clothes shops in Delhi.
The Mosquito that bites during days are Tiger mosquitos with strips on there below body cause "Dengue" - "Delhi travellers Beware"

July -Nov is the high risk time for malaria,Dengue & all other viral related fevers in India as its monsoon's. Its already raining in most parts of north India. heat is not a problem during these months but a lot of humudity. Temparature remains in between 25 -30 deg cel in north India. Mountains can be little more cool.

If you are planning to visit Jungles then be prepared.. Mosquitos are more dangerous than tigers. only diffrence is they attack in groups.

North East India Areas - Highly risky areas for Malaria - take absoulute seriuos precuations before you visit.

Cheers!!
Yoge

edwardseco · Jul 15th, 2008, 00:22

Quote:

rural orrissa

A small localized phenomenon in a moderate sized city of Maharashtra. But, not malarial, just profoundly painful. Excellent for prodding dozing students if only the instructor didn't have to "dance" constantly!!

Haylo · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

I don't think quinine, as such, has been used for quite some time, as a preventative.

You are SO disbelieving, I have been drinking it for YEARS and I have not yet had a single bout of malaria* here in England.

*Also seems to repel yetis.

singsub · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:11

this thread makes it seems that any thing less than three layers of clothing makes one vulnerable to mosquito bites. i wonder how do the many sunbathers in goa and kovalam manage not to get bitten red by mossies??

dumpy · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:25

Lots of success with Odomos, the newer lotion is a lot easier to apply.
Deet is now available in India just ask at the chemist, I can't remember the brand name right now.
Take an extra lungi with you when you go to dinner and use it to sit on, helps protect those important little places.

Short of stealth armour, take it for granted that you're going to get bitten sometimes. Calculate this into the decision on whether or not to use anti malarials.
Much of India now has a lower risk element than 10 years ago but a good lathering of your fav potion doesn't do too much harm and in certain places it's essential.

Nick-H · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by singsub

... ... i wonder how do the many sunbathers in goa and kovalam manage not to get bitten red by mossies??

You don't notice mosquito bites when you've got skin cancer!

But, in the short term, one thing mossies really don't seem to like is sea breezes, beaches seem relatively free of them.

...is my guess.

capt_mahajan · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:40

Yep. Also need fresh water to breed.

dumpy · Jul 15th, 2008, 01:43

Ever slept on a beach the little scally wags are present and in abundance.
During the day less so, they don't like direct sunlight I think.

Jul 14th, 2008, 19:37	#16
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,426	DEET is the world's best 'repellent', but that doesn't mean it will work for you. It works by trying to confuse the insect so that it can't find you; it doesn't actually 'repel' it. If the mossie can still find you, or finds you by chance, it bites! The strength affects how long the effect lasts, not its effectiveness. You don't have to use plastic-melting strengths. As to allergies and reactions, it is just as likely that one might be allergic to a perfume or other inactive ingredient in a repellent. I often recommend people try out their chose sunblock at home before taking a large quantity away with them! How much chemical stuff? How much makeup do many of you ladies put on your poor skin? --- and old hobby-horse of mine! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jul 14th, 2008, 22:44	#22
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,515	I've never worn the light Indian clothes/fabrics but I would imagine that the twill & or density of the material would have a bearing on potential infiltration(or not) of the skeeter's needle nose. I wear jeans in the evening and they are as good as steel-plated armour as far as mosquito bites are concerned. __________________ What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Jul 14th, 2008, 23:24	#23
yogeonline Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Delhi Posts: 45	Precautions - mosquito's Hi, I would advice to wear Track pants full length + cotton socks + Shoes & full Sleeves cotton -light color shirt(white preferably) Avoid Dark area's, Use odomous cream on your uncovered body parts. buy Mosquito nets and ensure to sleep in the nets, they are easily available in Local clothes shops in Delhi. The Mosquito that bites during days are Tiger mosquitos with strips on there below body cause "Dengue" - "Delhi travellers Beware" July -Nov is the high risk time for malaria,Dengue & all other viral related fevers in India as its monsoon's. Its already raining in most parts of north India. heat is not a problem during these months but a lot of humudity. Temparature remains in between 25 -30 deg cel in north India. Mountains can be little more cool. If you are planning to visit Jungles then be prepared.. Mosquitos are more dangerous than tigers. only diffrence is they attack in groups. North East India Areas - Highly risky areas for Malaria - take absoulute seriuos precuations before you visit. Cheers!! Yoge

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Jul 14th, 2008, 21:29	#17
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 4,436	Have used Odomos for the family with no problems. Its a mild DEET variant..

Jul 14th, 2008, 21:38	#19
federica Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Bavaria Posts: 1,102	I am not a small girl, maybe that's why they find me by coincidence . This plastic melting ability is one of the side affects of DEET, no need of a "special" concentration. Should be considered if you plan to wear plastic flip flops and such things. No comments on the chemicals my face, at the moment there are no

Jul 15th, 2008, 01:11	#26
singsub Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: right next door to hell Posts: 1,170	this thread makes it seems that any thing less than three layers of clothing makes one vulnerable to mosquito bites. i wonder how do the many sunbathers in goa and kovalam manage not to get bitten red by mossies??

Jul 15th, 2008, 01:25	#27
dumpy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: cyberworld Posts: 38	Lots of success with Odomos, the newer lotion is a lot easier to apply. Deet is now available in India just ask at the chemist, I can't remember the brand name right now. Take an extra lungi with you when you go to dinner and use it to sit on, helps protect those important little places. Short of stealth armour, take it for granted that you're going to get bitten sometimes. Calculate this into the decision on whether or not to use anti malarials. Much of India now has a lower risk element than 10 years ago but a good lathering of your fav potion doesn't do too much harm and in certain places it's essential.

Jul 15th, 2008, 01:40	#29
capt_mahajan Dis member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,875	Yep. Also need fresh water to breed.

Jul 15th, 2008, 01:43	#30
dumpy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: cyberworld Posts: 38	Ever slept on a beach the little scally wags are present and in abundance. During the day less so, they don't like direct sunlight I think.

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