Mosquito’S And Vitamin B

[Litlos]

I have heard various stories about the effectiveness of Vitamin B as a mozzie repellent.

Every time I visit Isaan it is either a lot of mozzie bites or drowned in Deet and not so many. Other repellents are not so effective for me and I have tried a few.

Anyone with real experience they wish to share on the Vitamin B or proven effective natural repellents?

Cheers

[rodentwarrior]

I used to find garlic capsules very effective. Worth a try. Boots stock them I think.

They don't bother me so much these days, maybe they prefer fresh farang!

[bkkjames]

I take a multi b and it does nothing.

[FBN]

The effect of Vit B is very much anecdotal; no scientific studies exist to prove or disprove this as far as I know. Interesting research documentary just last weeks shows that mozzies are definitely more attracted to odour of feet than any other body part. Perhaps Vit B changes odours of only certain people which then has an effect. Then probably in high doses as well so that it changes the urine colour to bright yellow and one can actually smell it in the urine.

These insects will prefer one person above another at some point in time but this may also change with diet etc etc..

So cover up, wear light clothing and keep ankles and feet well sprayed with DEET or other citronella based application.

[Firefan]

Vit B never worked for me - still taking it for other reasons.

If the standard citronella sprays don't work, and you prefer natural, try to add mint, lime, tea tree essential oils to the spray.

Works for me. Cheers!

[billzant]

Try drinking lemon grass - I find it helpful.

I use citronella spray when I have to - safe but uncomfortable.

Garaboom is a healthy herb I get from local Thai herb store - I think it is camphor. The mossies don't like it.

Hope you are keeping well,

All the Best,

Bill Z

[sanuk21]

Proven effective natural repellents ?

Although citronella will provide some protection against mosquitoes, it needs to be re-applied on a frequent basis, sometimes being only effective for as long as 20 minutes or so.

It seems that all natural "citrus" type insect repellents aren't all created equal.

The only natural really effective repellent that will replace DEET's "effectiveness" are those that contain extract of lemon eucalyptus (Citriodora) oil.

This is the only natural product recommended by US Center for Disease Control.

Local Thai Sketolene with Citronella Oil Frangrance paradoxically uses Citriodora oil as its active ingredient not citronella

and is quite effective for up to 7 hours.

sanuk

Edited November 29, 2011 by sanuk21

[tfc]

Unfortunately, Vit B, niacin and Garlic didn't repel mozzies for me. I use Citronella at the moment and don't seem to have any problems but I'm in Chiang Mai city. I used to use deet when I was in Phuket as the mozzies down in Rawai seem "crazier" with bloodlust but I don't like using deet on a daily basis. I might try this Sketolene stuff. Anecodotal but a mate of mine in Australia related how he was using bushman's 80% deet and watching a mozzie land on him and bite him before he took revenge.

[Gers1873]

If you have ever visited the Scottish Highlands in the summer you will be familiar, uncomfortably so, with midges!!

There are any number of traditional remedies that will allegedly ward off these minuscule marauders who are vicious wee buggers;

some people swear by yeast tablets or Marmite, as the insects apparently dislike the scent of vitamin B in the blood.

If it wards off midges then mosquitos should be no problem

I found OFF (Johnson & JOhnson IIRC) in the supermarket in Thailand - works pretty well..... the key component in battling mozzies is DEET. Any produc containing DEET should work - use sparingly with younger kids.

A natural alternative if you can locate is Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree. It is designed to repel mosquitoes for up to 6 hours.

Not sure of a 'lemon grass' or 'kaffir lime' derivative wuold have the same effect - again - worth a try