An article on Sky News' website says that holidaymakers are being warned to take extra precautions against "deadly West Nile virus" after two travellers returned home with it after being bitten by mosquitos in the Algarve. How bad is the problem with mosquito bites at this time of year?

I haven't been bitten for the last 6 weeks or so, use the plug-ins and sprays and you should be fine.

Just returned from 2 weeks in Carvoeiro - usually get bitten to death and have a bad allergic reaction so end up looking like a battle victim!!

Only one bite this year!!

Always use the plug-ins, keep windows closed from tea time onwards (use fly screens if you have them) keep a fly spray handy,use a repellant spray before you go out in the evenings(bit stinky!) and carry it with you at all times !!!

I find the little beasties tend to hide under tables and bite you round the ankles/legs whilst your eating you evening meal!!

The other thing I tried this year was the Avon "Woodland Fresh" products (discussed on this forum earlier in the year) I used the moisturising dry oil body spray - personally I thought it smelt awful (almost as bad as the repellant spray) but it made my skin feel nice and soft - and ONLY ONE BITE , so I'm not complaining.

I usually spot other "victims" whilst we're out and about but this year I didn't see anyone else suffering from bad bites so maybe there aren't so many about at the moment.

....and something in todays Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story ... 02,00.html

digger

take brewers yeast tablets a few weeks before you go, this does the trick for me.

... but they make you fart!

Maybe thats what keeps the mozzies away!!

i think there must be some very lucky folk out there---the mozzies love me! If i forget to put by bite spray on then god forbid!! I woke up 3 yrs ago and went into my bathroom. As i glanced to the right i thought victoria beckam was following me---i had the most amazing cheekbones! then when i looked straight on in the mirror i realized it was a big bite and only on my right cheek! Without fail i get bitten every year. This year i'm going to try a home made concoction of citronella oil, lavender and cedarwood blended in grapeseed oil-it smells lovely but seemingly the bugs hate it-------1 week to go and i'll try it out>

Just a word of warning with regard to the citronella oil.We were enjoying a few beers with some citronella candles around us to keep the little blighters away, however we found that instead of that they were making a bee line for us, and I got bitten something rotten.So I will keep away from citronella in future!! Stick to the Marmite.

I had alook through the Avon cat. yesterday and couldnt see the 'woodland forest' stuff....
so Ive ordered a 'combination' cream rub...Tropical strength which is sun cream & mossie repellent ...two in one!
Anyone tried this ? Does it work?

Hi ellie- no havent tried that but boots do an aftersun which has insect repellent in it and its excellent. Light blue bottle -look out for the tiny little mozzie in the bottom corner of the label. When are you coming out?

Mozzies mainly bite at night - at their most ferocious after sunset - when you're not likely to be wearing sunscreen!

I never get bitten... honestly Ive never been bitten in my life.....I look like a flubber ( Big Fat slob ..all white with a huge paunch ) and just sweat Superbock every night...and release the odd gases.....what a revolting picture...but nxt day Im bright and breezy...and you'r all swollen and ugly...so whats the moral to this story ???

Honestly guest-! I dont know which sounds worse you white flabby and bump-free or me tanned, gorgeous and covered in huge, cracked, blistering, festering mozzie bites!