Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Aug 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
Home made insect repellants

Hi,

Having read the threads about insect repellants with great interest on this site, I was intrigued by the Dettol / Baby Oil mix so I mentioned it to a friend of mine who uses homemade insect repellants on her horses (and herself) to stop the biting flies that plague them in the Summer. She says this mixture is very effective.

Perhaps some of the ingredients are worth considering in homemade potions.

To make 2 litres:

15mls Citronella Oil
15mls Eucalyptus Oil
2tbsp / 50mls Methylated Spirit
1tbsp / 25 mls Washing up liquid
4tbsp / 100mls Vinegar
1 mug of cold strong tea
Top up with cold water to make 2 litres.

I don't think you have to say any magic words but sitting cross legged, closing your eyes and humming softly can't hurt :-)

They use it in a spray bottle.

They also feed the horses garlic to help keep the flies at bay. Apparently it is secreted through the skin and they don't like it.

Anyone got any other homemade magic insect potions that come recommended? I want to make a few up and try them out in Scotland next spring. If they can keep the Scottish midge at bay then I think they should work on anything.

Andy.

P.S. If you try this out, it is obviously *entirely at your own risk*. Don't moan at me if you get a rash or have some allergic reaction!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Oct 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Illinois, USA
Posts: 2
Soybean oil has gotten alot of attention recently as an alternative mosquito repellent. Research seems to suggest is works better than
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Oct 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
better than....?
better than.....what?

The suspense is almost too much to bear :-)

Andy.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Oct 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Illinois, USA
Posts: 2
heh sorry...
better than other herbal oil mixtures (including citronella):

http://aafp.org/afp/20021101/tips/1.html

Maybe add 40mls (2%) of soybean oil to your mixture?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Jun 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 69
There have been very positive tales about Avon cosmetics "skin so soft" moisturiser. I'd like to try it, but don't know if it's any specific product from that range...hand cream, moisturiser etc etc..

Will try the home brew though - thanks Andy
Neil
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Jun 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Worcester, UK
Posts: 61
This link has something to say about the Avon stuff...

http://www.scotlandonline.com/outdoo...ws_type_id=640

and this link has the results of the comparison study it mentions..

http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/IPM/Landsca...Repellents.htm

Seems that Citronella based potions are not so hot as Soybean oil based ones.

Maybe see you at the rally in July?

Cheers Andy.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Nairobi Port Alfred London
Posts: 210
Croton bushes

If ever in East Africa, the branches of the small bushes that lions lie under are a natural insecticide. They are about 1 meter-2 meters high, many offshoot branches from ground level, and have green leaves witha gold rusty sort of spore/dust on them.

Obviously there is also pyrethrium if if are in the area, (small white flowers) any of these simply tied to door entrances, above roof hatches, makes a shade and elementary insect repelant.

Cheers G
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
Controversial idea.

If you make a solution of garlic and vinegar in regular water, and spray it on your kit, absolutely all evil flying beasties will stay away from you.

It works very well against insects, but unfortunately has pretty much the same repellent effect on most people.

Well, you win some...

Happy Riding.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
In northern climates. rubbing or hanging crushed elder leaves works
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Hampton, Middlesex, UK
Posts: 12
I've read that mossies don't like bitter tasting blood so they suggest eating chicory,endive,radichio type foods. Vitamin B1 is also considered a deterent as the excess is excreted through the skin, producing an odour that is repellent to mosquitoes, but is undetectable to the ladies (or gents), so won't ruin your sex life....

Rod
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
Quote:
Originally Posted by photographicsafaris View Post
If ever in East Africa, the branches of the small bushes that lions lie under are a natural insecticide. They are about 1 meter-2 meters high, many offshoot branches from ground level, and have green leaves witha gold rusty sort of spore/dust on them.

Obviously there is also pyrethrium if if are in the area, (small white flowers) any of these simply tied to door entrances, above roof hatches, makes a shade and elementary insect repelant.

Cheers G
The first one works well. You can't feel the mozzies biting you with a lion chewing your leg !
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Hampton, Middlesex, UK
Posts: 12
The source I used said vitamin B1 is good as the mossies don't like the smell on your skin. If memory serves me right Marmite is full of B vitamins/thiamin so maybe a spoonfull of Marmite each day would do the job. Haven't tried it yet thought so an unproven theory.......not sure that Vegemite would work the same..!

Rod
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: aberdeenshire scotland
Posts: 154
re

Only really got experience with UK beasties mainly the dreaded horsefly and midge in scotland.

Garlic does work to some degree as we used it with horses as well, also will work on people.

Crushed chillies will also work. Either open them up and rub the juice on your skin or blend with an essential oil base. They will give a mild tingle like tiger balm on your skin and i have found rubbing them on temples has helped with headaches. DO NOT get this stuff in eyes, up nose[no picking] or any where near your underpants. Any woman/man you meet will be very unhappy if you dont wash it off before going near her/him unless they have very strange tastes.[ I got a 3 week ban for that one]

Chest rub [vix, olbas oil ect]has alot of the stuff thats in the natural based spray so also works to some degree.

Theres some new stuff thats on the market based on not killing beasties/keeping them away but not attracting them in the first place by masking your scent/ exhaled breath. Some people apparently can do this naturally.

Tried most the over the counter stuff from essential oils to chemical based ones only jungle formula or deet based stuff really worked and even then i still got eaten as you do have to keep applying it when in rain ect even if its says its wash proof. Cover up is the best bet and there are also clothes with insecticide in them.

The one thing that really worked for me was to smoke but this is not a healthy option. Incense will work in your tent if you dont have any of those insect coils. It can also be kept with your clothes to make them smell nice.

just remember that strong smells also attract larger animals so be careful what you smell of when in the boonies there may be some garlic loving bears out there who wont pass up on a pre-basted human. Perfumes, body sprays and aftershaves can also have an effect on animals and woman with their periods can also attract animals or change their behaviour.

For total saftey while camping out make your wife sleep at least 100 metres from your camp when she has her period. This will draw any large predators away from you and your food and generally make your stay more pleasant. Note that hanging her from a tree, burying her and sealing her in air tight plastic bags may be considered illegal.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: kuala lumpur
Posts: 212
Quote:
Originally Posted by pictish View Post
Any woman/man you meet will be very unhappy if you dont wash it off before going near her/him unless they have very strange tastes.[ I got a 3 week ban for that one]

Theres some new stuff thats on the market based on not killing beasties/keeping them away but not attracting them in the first place by masking your scent/ exhaled breath. Some people apparently can do this naturally.

For total saftey while camping out make your wife sleep at least 100 metres from your camp when she has her period. This will draw any large predators away from you and your food and generally make your stay more pleasant. Note that hanging her from a tree, burying her and sealing her in air tight plastic bags may be considered illegal.
illegal depending on which country you are camping
__________________
Ride
Safe,
Sober,
& Save!
"man without beard is like porridge without salt": Ned Kelly
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 277
'or total saftey while camping out make your wife sleep at least 100 metres from your camp when she has her period. This will draw any large predators away from you and your food and generally make your stay more pleasant. Note that hanging her from a tree, burying her and sealing her in air tight plastic bags may be considered'

Fantastic solution to a very real problem! Though you must remember, flies and bugs and other nasties don't like nagging any more than you do, so a woman close by can be considered a positive boon in insect repellence.

Happy Riding.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:19.