Immunity From Mosquitoes

[sweetchariot]

little mothers go for the OP instead.

As I stated in my OP, I have never been bitten before. I am looking at my ugly, disfigured hands as I speak, but still wonder why, after being semi naked in the middle of a swarm of more than 200 mozzies (yes the missus counted the bastards), have I only got 3 bites on the back of my hands?

I still believe I am immune compared to normal mortals, I think Lex Luther threw some green stuff in my direction.

[Murgatroyd]

I had to go the the Royal Free hospital in Hampstead (the tropical medicine specialist department), to get my jabs done before moving over to Thailand in April. I enquired about the marmite theory... I was told, "It can't hurt... but there isn't enough Thiamine in marmite, unless you're eating a jar a day..." I was recommended Vitimin B1 pills, 100mg a day... I've been taking one a day ever since, and whilst I seem to be getting fewer bites than I used to get, I'm certainly not immune...

One thing that I am finding, is that the more I get bitten, and the more accustomed my system becomes to the bites, the shorter the time that they itch for... When I arrived in Thailand, I found that a bite would itch for anything up to three days... after four months continual exposure, I find that a bite only remains itchy for about 24 hours.

My wife and her daughter never seem to get bitten, and she thinks that it's because I don't eat chilli laden food...

However, I understand that the only real way of preventing bites is to stand next to someone who tastes sweeter to the little beggers than you do...

Look! A mosquito has chosen me as her perch. She's so beautiful. Look, another one! And another one! Why, it's a whole flock! They like me! They're nuzzling my flesh with their noses! Now they're... they're... Aaaaaaaah! ( Lilo & Stitch )

Edited August 16, 2008 by Murgatroyd

[ray23]

Swabbing the bite with alchohol stops the itching for me in a few Mins.

[jitagon]

Does it ever occur to the farangs here why the Thais aren't covered in mosquito bites? No. Didn't think so. It's because they eat a diet containing a lot of garlic. When the Egyptians were building the pyramids, the 'foremen' were given an extra ration of garlic to counteract the effects of the mosquitos. If you don't believe me, look it up.

[sweetchariot]

Does it ever occur to the farangs here why the Thais aren't covered in mosquito bites? No. Didn't think so. It's because they eat a diet containing a lot of garlic. When the Egyptians were building the pyramids, the 'foremen' were given an extra ration of garlic to counteract the effects of the mosquitos. If you don't believe me, look it up.

Well every Thai I know gets bitten more than me, and I don't eat anything like the amount of garlic they do.

[gymshark]

Does it ever occur to the farangs here why the Thais aren't covered in mosquito bites? No. Didn't think so. It's because they eat a diet containing a lot of garlic. When the Egyptians were building the pyramids, the 'foremen' were given an extra ration of garlic to counteract the effects of the mosquitos. If you don't believe me, look it up.

Don't rate that theory at all, I eat the same amount of garlic as the Mrs and I still get bitten.

[Eff1n2ret]

On another forum there was a post quoting an update on the British Embassy website regarding Dengue fever, including the following:

"Rayong Province is among the areas worst affected, in August 2008 the Rayong provincial administration declared the Province a Dengue fever disaster zone." No stats quoted to support this statement, although it mentioned over 31000 cases in Thailand in the first half of 2008.

Anybody seen any evidence of particular contrameasures in Rayong? Having declared the place a disaster area, are they doing anything about it?

[jitagon]

Does it ever occur to the farangs here why the Thais aren't covered in mosquito bites? No. Didn't think so. It's because they eat a diet containing a lot of garlic. When the Egyptians were building the pyramids, the 'foremen' were given an extra ration of garlic to counteract the effects of the mosquitos. If you don't believe me, look it up.

Well every Thai I know gets bitten more than me, and I don't eat anything like the amount of garlic they do.

No they don't.

[Jeddah Jo]

When I was reading up about mosquitoes it seemed to suggest that there are a combination of things attract them. These being UV light, heat, carbon dioxide and moisture.

Even though UV light is only one of the factors that attract them, the ultra-violet insect traps you can get are definitely worth having as if you pull out the tray after a few months you will find 100s of little mossie carcases!

When I first came to Thailand I found I sweated a lot and used to get bitten very often. After a few years though my body seems to have changed, and I no longer sweat as much for some weird reason. As a result I don't get bitten as often, and when I do the bites are not as irritating as when I first came here. Mossies used to be a real problem for me and I did consider if they might be enough to stop me staying here, but thankfully after time the problem seems to have vanished.

Maybe mental state is important, if you stay relaxed and literally 'chilled' you will not be as appetising snack as if you are all hot and bothered and sweaty! Regular showers will also obviously help you stay cool. Of course you also need to make sure you have no still water near your home. This is very important.

JJ.

[jc14all]

Kinda of old topic but I guess it is still applicable. I use cedarcide in the states and it works great. Cedar is to bugs the same as ammonia is to humans. Here is a link with some information.

http://www.cedarcidestore.com/cedarproducts.html

[dumbnewbie]

On another forum there was a post quoting an update on the British Embassy website regarding Dengue fever, including the following:

"Rayong Province is among the areas worst affected, in August 2008 the Rayong provincial administration declared the Province a Dengue fever disaster zone." No stats quoted to support this statement, although it mentioned over 31000 cases in Thailand in the first half of 2008.

Anybody seen any evidence of particular contrameasures in Rayong? Having declared the place a disaster area, are they doing anything about it?

I don't know, but I'm guessing that Rayong is one of the poorer parts of Thailand. Could that be why it's experiencing a plague of Dengue fever, rather than, say, Bangkok or Hua Hin, or any of the tourist hot spots, and also why there's a question about what (if anything) the authorities are doing about it?

Reading this post reminded me that the border areas (w/ Cambodia & Burma especially) have a lot of malaria. I guess it means that governments don't bother spraying/combatting mosquitos at the far reaches of their territories.

These thoughts then led me to the idea that maybe it's a good idea to stay away from poorer places and try to stay in areas that the rich and powerful frequent. Why? Because they don't want to end up in the hospital anymore than we do, and they have the knowledge, power and connections to make sure that at least SOME effort is made to combat mosquitos and otherwise prevent epidemics of disease.

Not foolproof by any means, but following this advice would seem to at least reduce your chances of getting a mosquito borne or other type of disease, wouldn't it? What do you guys think? I know it's not fair or pleasant to think about - on the contrary it's horrible. But then, I believe this world and life in general are basically horrible. We cope by deluding ourselves about this reality and distracting ourselves with pleasant thoughts and experiences. But at the same time, it's a good idea to be aware of the dangers so that we can minimize our exposure to them, right?

What are your thoughts?

Edited October 8, 2009 by dumbnewbie

[patklang]

I still get bitten all over,even my fingers.Must admit i should cover myself in mozzie cream more often.My diet is 95% thai and the buggers still get me.The coil sprays are good but they give me headache if i have them too close and the sprays are effective when i spray the house before i go out.I never wear trousers or long sleeved shirts and do not intend too,so i better get used to them.

As a test i tried some vinegar once and it did seem to work fairly well,but i smelt like a chip.From my point of view my bites are in non hair areas and white areas so at least i know where i am going to get bitten.Some of my friends do not get bitten so there is no magic formula.

Has anyone heard about an injection that can stop the blighters????,possibly vitamin b.

wowwwwwwwwwww

We must be twins lol,as everything you said happens to me too,even tried vinegar,but more so if i get a bite rather than to stop the buggers biting me.I have heard about an injection but after 6 years i get used to them.

[patklang]

On another forum there was a post quoting an update on the British Embassy website regarding Dengue fever, including the following:

"Rayong Province is among the areas worst affected, in August 2008 the Rayong provincial administration declared the Province a Dengue fever disaster zone." No stats quoted to support this statement, although it mentioned over 31000 cases in Thailand in the first half of 2008.

Anybody seen any evidence of particular contrameasures in Rayong? Having declared the place a disaster area, are they doing anything about it?

I don't know, but I'm guessing that Rayong is one of the poorer parts of Thailand. Could that be why it's experiencing a plague of Dengue fever, rather than, say, Bangkok or Hua Hin, or any of the tourist hot spots, and also why there's a question about what (if anything) the authorities are doing about it?

Reading this post reminded me that the border areas (w/ Cambodia & Burma especially) have a lot of malaria. I guess it means that governments don't bother spraying/combatting mosquitos at the far reaches of their territories.

These thoughts then led me to the idea that maybe it's a good idea to stay away from poorer places and try to stay in areas that the rich and powerful frequent. Why? Because they don't want to end up in the hospital anymore than we do, and they have the knowledge, power and connections to make sure that at least SOME effort is made to combat mosquitos and otherwise prevent epidemics of disease.

Not foolproof by any means, but following this advice would seem to at least reduce your chances of getting a mosquito borne or other type of disease, wouldn't it? What do you guys think? I know it's not fair or pleasant to think about - on the contrary it's horrible. But then, I believe this world and life in general are basically horrible. We cope by deluding ourselves about this reality and distracting ourselves with pleasant thoughts and experiences. But at the same time, it's a good idea to be aware of the dangers so that we can minimize our exposure to them, right?

What are your thoughts?

Rayong,one of the poorer areas of Thailand?????

where did you get that from

[bangkokburning]

I use DEET when traveling. Nothing works like poison!

Too bad I did not use it while living in Pattaya, got Dengue last year! 3 days hospital. 22L of saline.

[bendejo]

I believe one of the B vitamins (can't remember which one) is excreted on the skin if taken in excess, and this puts off mosquitoes.

I've heard that too.

I've been taking a hi-potency B-complex for 20+ years, and it does not keep them off me.

[BusyB]

Little bastards!

Sticks of Tripelenamin HCl (the active ingredient) dispel the itching almost immediately when rubbed on. Tiger balm tends to at least lower the itch factor after a bite (and smells nice too).

You can get cardboard pads soaked in pyrethrene (derived from crysanthemums which mossies apparently can’t abide) which can be slotted into purpose built, low-power, plug-in heaters. They gradually give off the pyrethrene for 6-8 hrs. When the mossies smell it they either get out fast or gradually die – it also immediately curtails their appetite. Keeps me bite free, even with open windows in a normal sized room, here at home in summer, and in Thailand where- whenever. They’re available in a lot of Thai supermarkets. Beat coils, but they’re pretty effective too.

Boots 50% DEET (comes in grey bottles as spray, creme or pump spray – my preferred – versions) gives me good, long lasting protection (also 6-8hrs, less if I’m sweating a lot). I also wear trousers with detachable leg-bottoms, so shorts during the day, and in the evening out come the leggings to zip on wherever I am, down come the sleeves, and on goes the repellant as well.

Of course I always miss a spot, or get it on too late, or wait too long after getting back before I’ve plugged the pyrethrene in, so I’m always sporting a bite or two at any one time. And for me the Thai bleeders are far more virulent than the tame ones here at home. The bites in LOS also seem to come back for a reprise itch a cuppla days after they seem to have died out. Odd that. 

One thing’s for certain, one of the few things I do look forward to when leaving LOS for home is the thought of not constantly having to plaster myself with sun cream during the day and insect repellent evenings. I never seem to feel clean and fresh when I’ve dried after a shower and then start clarting up with suncream or repellant before I go out. Luxury problem really.

[taxin]

When I moved here, I brought a drawerful of short pants.... thinking... tropical weather of course.... But it wasn't until after I made the transition from tourist visits to full-time resident, that I realized how much of a dinner feast I was for the little buggers. So now, I have a drawerful of short pants that I almost never wear in BKK.

Don't want to be dousing myself with DEET for the rest of my days... So use the citronella-based sprays for nights outside, and they work OK...not perfect, but at least help...

Inside, every time I'd open the door to my apartment, I'd get the buggers flying inside...and maybe up from the shower drains as well, since I have good wire mesh screens on all the windows... Tried the blue-light device, helped a little but not much.. Then went to the electronic zapper tennis rackets... but it's a pain to be hunting down the buggers all the time...

Then finally, at home, tried the small ultrasonic plug in devices (I bought at Big C, they have batter and plug in models), which are supposed to emit some sound/frequency that keeps them away... And...it's been AMAZING... Ever since I installed one in my hallway and living room, the skeeters inside my apartment have dropped to almost none... tho I still go hunting periodically just to be safe...

PS... about wearing socks... If I go outside and sit around at night...without any citronella spray, I'll get mosquito bites around my ankles and lower leg BELOW my sock line, meaning they're somehow biting me thru the socks....

PPS ... I'm no scientist...but I'd pretty safely say... smoking and drinking beer to excess is not a prescription for mosquito-proofing yourself...

Can anyone give the name of these plug in devices sold in Big C ? The ones that give of the sound frequency ?

I am looking for something like this, preferably a heavy duty type to put outside. Are there any other types in the market that work well ?

[blakegeee]

Electronic Mosquito Repellers /Repellant:

Anybody ever try these little electronic boxes that you plug into the wall socket and they are supposed to produce a frequency that scares off mosquitos? They claim that the frequency is not harmful or heard by animals or people. The prices range from around 250baht to over 1000b for ones that scare off just mosquitos to mosquitos, cockroaches, and rats. It am starting to see them more often for sale in different stores and I am wondering if they are any good. If so, can anybody recommend a brand as there seem to be at least a few out there.

[BBQueen]

Liked me at first -- two rounds of dengue -- but after a few years, skitters always went for the newbies. They did attack my dogs' ankles. Sprayed those parts with citronella.

[FuninPlural]

Great read along with many theories. Anybody found any updates to this (i.e. who tried something new after reading this and has been mosquito-free since?)

[anon345535]

i heard sex drive comes into the equation :/

i get bitten as much as the next man but very rarely am i left with any marks and itchiness. my daughter on the other hand gets big hard itchy lumps that stay for weeks if scratched, sometimes even months. does her mum help to fight them? does she <deleted>ck! i very rarely take my eyes off my daughter anyway but of course i sometimes miss her being bitten. she now tells me when she has been (nearly 3). i have found eucalyptus/menthol vapour rub is pretty good at removing the itchiness if you can apply quick enough....

EDIT* btw i was in no way implying that my daughter has a high sex drive!!!!

Edited February 27, 2010 by c411um

[Donnyboy]

Electronic Mosquito Repellers /Repellant:

Anybody ever try these little electronic boxes that you plug into the wall socket and they are supposed to produce a frequency that scares off mosquitos? They claim that the frequency is not harmful or heard by animals or people. The prices range from around 250baht to over 1000b for ones that scare off just mosquitos to mosquitos, cockroaches, and rats. It am starting to see them more often for sale in different stores and I am wondering if they are any good. If so, can anybody recommend a brand as there seem to be at least a few out there.

not sure about those that use frequency, but the plug in repellant ones with the small bottle of mortein solution works

[Donnyboy]

i heard sex drive comes into the equation :/

i get bitten as much as the next man but very rarely am i left with any marks and itchiness. my daughter on the other hand gets big hard itchy lumps that stay for weeks if scratched, sometimes even months. does her mum help to fight them? does she fuc_k! i very rarely take my eyes off my daughter anyway but of course i sometimes miss her being bitten. she now tells me when she has been (nearly 3). i have found eucalyptus/menthol vapour rub is pretty good at removing the itchiness if you can apply quick enough....

EDIT* btw i was in no way implying that my daughter has a high sex drive!!!!

theres something call SAMBUK that removes itchyness, which is something similiar to what you have described

[tooninthai]

I am one of the lucky ones who, if bitten, doesn't get any reaction. I may have a red mark but no itching. Thank goodness.

The thai staff swear by this green balm which is also very cooling. All the clients who use it agree. It also helps any bites they do get.

My son (who is in the army) was told by a special forces soldier that they use an Avon product. Its a clear oil moisturising lotion that is perfume free. My daughter and her friends have all used it and swear by it.

I will try to find out what it is called and post.

Another myth, I'm afraid. Put about by Avon to sell more products.

As many have said, if Mozzies like you or you are their local food store, they will bite and feed to their hearts content. Some of us will suffer as I do and others will happily laugh off the bites - lucky sods

[Donnyboy]

nothing to get too upset about imo

mozzies love me also, but i take measures to reduce the bites

if im in the garden or outside i rub on some anti mozzie creme

i make sure theres no pools of stagnant water around the house

i make sure all doors and windows are closed during the 2 times when mozzies seem to come out in force, around surise and sunset

i close our bedroom door around sunset also to stop the buggers flying in

also plug in the mozzie repellent and turn on the fan at bed time

these measures help me and its no drama as far as im concerned

[tooninthai]

Bitten? Itching? Take some ant--histamine.

You can get it in the non-drowsy version and it is so cheap to buy here at any pharmacy.

[dmax]

i buy the wipes from 7/11 in blue and white sachets for 5 baht, they do the job for me, rub them on ur lower legs an ankles and elbows.

[deejah]

the lamp with the bulb attracts and kills some in the room at night in the dark

200-300 and up at tesco

i am not sure about the plug-in chemical ones

i have one with a liquid and one with a solid

the liquid one doesn't seem to work with the window or door open

(in fact nothing does)

but i do need to test the one using a solid wafer

[jayjayjayjay]

I see this is a very old topic, but never mind!! I got a Veitnamese mate who blames mozzies on his smoking habit. 20 years ago in Hanoi he would find a cigarette to allow him to blow smoke into a plastic bag which he then tied around his lower leg. He would do both sides with a single cigarette. After that he would not get bitten all night. His home was rural and really poor. My guess is the OP's smoking has a lot to do with it.

Have seen a new mozzy catcher that claim 100% eradication over a 100 x 100 area. Works on carbon dioxide trapping, the same means mozzies use to find us in the first place. Might be worth a try.

Edited March 3, 2010 by jayjayjayjay

[Ulysses G.]

I have been immune to mozzie bites since I was 15 and slept in a place with 1,000s that bit me all night. I don't feel bites and I don't get red welts, but I'm not sure if they do bite me and I just don't feel anything.