arthur49 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 Done a search but nothing I could find re nets. My wife reacts badly to mossie bites and its always at night whilst asleep. Tried all sort of chemicals, zappers etc so as a last resort looking at a net similar to that shown in link below to drape over her side of the bed. Anybody any experience of nets in a van? I know the mesh size is important ................ Arthur :-| http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOSQUITO-NET-expedition-compact-single-travel-bed-olive-/290457972392?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item43a0a4eea8#ht_913wt_1037 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallii Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We have a big double size and singles. They work well but you have to mke sure that they don't sneak in during the day, you have to keep it firmly closed at all times, they will even sneak in when you get in or out of it. I can't understand how an insect with such a small brain can be so sneaky. When arising at night for a wee you have to fight your way through, then tuck it back in, go for a wee, and then do it all again in reverse. (Not the wee!) You might need some adhesive hooks to hang it from. I find keeping the mossie screens closed at all times and a spray of insecticide before retiring works quite well. Eating Marmite might work for some but not for me. Antihistamine pills from the doctor will stop the reaction to the bites as will the antihistamine creams. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 The hanging of net is crucial, if it drapes over sleeper then the little b's might still bite, we have double then I tell gf we need to squash in middle of bed to avoid mossies ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 We tried one of these and it was a disaster! Fell down in the middle of the night, mrs got caught up in it-she thought somebody was trying to kidnap her, I burst out laughing (after initial shock of being woken up in middle of the night) and neither of us could get back to sleep because we were laughing so much! The sight of Mrs B in a net like a large trout was hysterical! We now close the bug nets on the windows and spray Raid before we go out-any mossies that have come in are well and truly dead by the time we get back and so far have not had a single bite at night for about 3 years. I would just reccommend a good spray of Raid as a solution Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 They , Mossie they don't like me ;-) I don't know why for years everyone SOF Maldives moans all bitten all over some rare sights to be seen . Feel sorry for my daughter she is really badly affected as are others . I think its the quinine in my tonic haha especially in the Maldives where they still serve quinine in Tonic . :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
747 Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 ,The fly screens are too coarse to prevent midges getting in to the van. Mosquito nets work very well, I slept under them for a long time. You can buy them at most camping outlets. Why not buy one (they are cheap enough) cut it up and fit the bits over the fly screen. I am sure it could be done. Look for tips on the net about minimising your attraction to the little devils. It doesn't work 100% as I have had Malaria twice. :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted February 12, 2012 Share Posted February 12, 2012 If the netting is fine and soft couldnt you swe it up and sleep in it like a bag ?. Save tripping over 8-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RogerC Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 michele - 2012-02-12 10:20 PMIf the netting is fine and soft couldnt you swe it up and sleep in it like a bag ?.Save tripping over 8-) Nope...'cause the little beggars will get you through the net where it touches you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Despite living for a year in Malaysia i have never tried a net. We used to burn some sort of chemical coil that seemed effective. The local semi transparent lizards(che-chacks) that could walk on the ceiling helped as well. My worst bites were in Cyprus but the one in the Loire valley are bad too. Nowadays we pull the screens and then last thing before bed have a mossie hunt and a spray if there seem to be a lot around. A pic is worth a thousand words so here are two. Yes i actually got the B#####d Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Derek Not struck on the first photo, but I quite like the Damian Hurst-esq one!!! :-D I quite like the blood spatter pattern ... but not sure how you managed it! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur49 Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 Thank you for all the replies and splattered mossie...........love it >:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopesy Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 1 down 500,000,000,000,000,000 to go :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Mike B. - 2012-02-12 7:22 PM We tried one of these and it was a disaster! Fell down in the middle of the night, mrs got caught up in it-she thought somebody was trying to kidnap her, I burst out laughing (after initial shock of being woken up in middle of the night) and neither of us could get back to sleep because we were laughing so much! The sight of Mrs B in a net like a large trout was hysterical! We now close the bug nets on the windows and spray Raid before we go out-any mossies that have come in are well and truly dead by the time we get back and so far have not had a single bite at night for about 3 years. I would just reccommend a good spray of Raid as a solution Mike Brilliant Mike ... I can really picture the above ... just don't call your Mrs a 'fish wife' otherwise you might get filleted!!! (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 How about Blood Borne & STD's Insect Borne Diseases Insect Bites Animal Bites Accidents & Hazards First Aid Sunburn & Heat Stroke Exposure & Altitude Mountain Sickness SCUBA Page UK Travel Clinics Currency Converter Do you know which medicines you should take with you on your travels? By accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip. Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a full blown expedition to some remote location. However long you will be away or however many people will be in your group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing, you can obtain your own customised list. To access this special service:- Member of the British Travel Health Association Tabs & Jabs Types of Traveller Useful Travel Tips In Flight Problems Travellers Diarrhoea Vaccinations Malaria Page Yellow Fever Travellers Diseases Respiratory Infections Blood Borne & STD's Insect Borne Diseases Insect Bites Animal Bites Accidents & Hazards First Aid Sunburn & Heat Stroke Exposure & Altitude Mountain Sickness SCUBA Page UK Travel Clinics Currency Converter Do you know which medicines you should take with you on your travels? By accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip. Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a full blown expedition to some remote location. However long you will be away or however many people will be in your group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing, you can obtain your own customised list. To access this special service:- Member of the British Travel Health Association Tabs & Jabs Types of Traveller Useful Travel Tips In Flight Problems Travellers Diarrhoea Vaccinations Malaria Page Yellow Fever Travellers Diseases Respiratory Infections Blood Borne & STD's Insect Borne Diseases Insect Bites Animal Bites Accidents & Hazards First Aid Sunburn & Heat Stroke Exposure & Altitude Mountain Sickness SCUBA Page UK Travel Clinics Currency Converter Do you know which medicines you should take with you on your travels? By accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip. Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a full blown expedition to some remote location. However long you will be away or however many people will be in your group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing, you can obtain your own customised list. To access this special service:- Member of the British Travel Health Association Tabs & Jabs Types of Traveller Useful Travel Tips In Flight Problems Travellers Diarrhoea Vaccinations Malaria Page Yellow Fever Travellers Diseases Respiratory Infections Blood Borne & STD's Insect Borne Diseases Insect Bites Animal Bites Accidents & Hazards First Aid Sunburn & Heat Stroke Exposure & Altitude Mountain Sickness SCUBA Page UK Travel Clinics Currency Converter Do you know which medicines you should take with you on your travels? By accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip. Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a full blown expedition to some remote location. However long you will be away or however many people will be in your group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing, you can obtain your own customised list. To access this special service:- Member of the British Travel Health Association Tabs & Jabs Types of Traveller Useful Travel Tips In Flight Problems Travellers Diarrhoea Vaccinations Malaria Page Yellow Fever Travellers Diseases Respiratory Infections Blood Borne & STD's Insect Borne Diseases Insect Bites Animal Bites Accidents & Hazards First Aid Sunburn & Heat Stroke Exposure & Altitude Mountain Sickness SCUBA Page UK Travel Clinics Currency Converter Do you know which medicines you should take with you on your travels? By accessing the interactive part of this web site you can obtain a list of all the medicines necessary for your trip. Whether you are going on a holiday to a beach resort or a full blown expedition to some remote location. However long you will be away or however many people will be in your group, wherever you are going and whatever you are doing, you can obtain your own customised list. To access this special service:- Member of the British Travel Health Association Tabs & Jabs Types of Traveller Useful Travel Tips In Flight Problems Travellers Diarrhoea Vaccinations Malaria Page Yellow Fever Travellers Diseases Respiratory Infections Blood Borne & STD's Insect Borne Diseases Insect Bites Animal Bites Accidents & Hazards First Aid Sunburn & Heat Stroke Exposure & Altitude Mountain Sickness SCUBA Page UK Travel Clinics Currency Converter Home Introduction Information Main Page About Us Links Insect Bites & Stings --- For more information on Insect borne diseases Insects inhabit every corner of the globe and there are perhaps more species of insect than all the others put together. They are remarkably successful creatures and have adapted to survive in just about every environment. Many species of insects are parasitic, living off a host rather than devouring it. Part of their success is this ability to prey off other species, including humans. Biting insects such as mosquitoes and sandflies cause much inconvenience due to local reactions to the bites themselves which are rarely harmful, but in doing so they can spread diseases some of which are potentially fatal. Insects will bite at any time of day but most bites occur in the evening so extra vigilance is necessary after sunset. Other insects like bees, wasps and ants posses stings which can be quite painful and sometimes dangerous. Hundreds of stings by bees or wasps can be fatal due to direct toxicity. Biting/Stinging Insects Venomous Non Venomous Wasps Hornets Bees Ants Mosquitoes Sand Flies Chiggers Fleas Lice Bugs Ticks Bites & Stings There are dozens of insects whose bites or stings cause problems, and they can be split into two categories: venomous and non-venomous. The tables below explain the main differences. The Difference Between Bites and Stings The difference is due to the nature of the bite or sting. Venomous insects attack as a defence mechanism, injecting painful, toxic venom through their stings. Non-venomous insects bite in order to feed on your blood. Although local irritation and allergic reactions to the saliva and anti-coagulants do occur from non-venomous bites, severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock only happen from venomous stings. When bees sting, they leave the sting and venom sack attached. Venom continues to pump in through the stinger until the sack is empty or the sting is removed. The only good part about this is that bees die after they sting. Wasps and hornets however, don't leave their stings behind and can sting you over and over. Characteristics of Bites/Stings Symptoms Venomous Non Venomous Itching Pain Allergic reactions Swelling/redness Sometimes Always Common Can be intense Always Uncommon Occasional Mild or absent Venomous stings are always very painful, red, and swollen up to twelve inches around the sting site. This is called a local reaction. In sensitive individuals, a systemic or "whole body" reaction occurs, with redness, hives (itchy raised skin lumps), and swelling far away from the sting site. These systemic reactions can be life threatening and it is important to know the difference between them. Those people with a known allergy to the stings should carry an emergency syringe with 0.1% adrenaline and know how to use it. Biting insects themselves, aren't generally dangerous because allergic reactions are rare. They do however, spread diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, Lyme disease, Typhus, and Encephalitis, but for most of us their bites just cause terrible itching. Protection Against Insect Bites The occurrence of mosquito and other insect bites can be minimised by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to reduce exposed skin. Repellents applied to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear will enhance protection. Bednets provide protection and comfort when accommodations are not adequately screened or air-conditioned. Bednets should be tucked under mattresses and can be sprayed with repellent. Aerosol insecticides and mosquito coils may help to clear rooms of mosquitos; however, some coils contain DDT and should be used with caution. Tucking shirts into pants and pants into socks will increase protection. Boots also decrease the risk of bites. During outdoor activities and at the end of the day, travellers should inspect themselves and their clothing for ticks. Prompt removal of ticks may prevent infection. Repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethylmeta-toluamide) are commonly available and effective against mosquitos, ticks, and other arthropods when applied to skin or clothing. Repellents with DEET concentrations of about 30% are quite effective and should last for about four hours. The possibility of adverse reactions to repellents can be decreased by taking the following precautions: Apply repellents sparingly only to exposed skin or clothing Avoid high concentrations of DEET Do not inhale, ingest, or get into the eye Never use on wounds or irritated skin Wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors Pregnant and nursing women should minimise use Avoid applying to children's hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth For more information on DEET go to DEET.COMMalaria Awareness Campaign To view a video presentation by the Malaria Awareness Campaign about the need for proper protection from insect bites whilst travelling abroad, click on the image:- MozzyOff is a 100% natural midge and mosquito repellent and an alternative to DEET for those who cannot tolerate it. Made from plant oils, MozzyOff offers you up to six hours protection from biting insects such as midges and mosquitoes, black fly and gnats. It's water resistant and unlike chemical based products, MozzyOff repellent will not harm synthetic materials. MozzyOff is also biodegradable and the packaging is recycled and recyclable so its good news for the environment too. MozzyOff is kind to your skin and its inherent soothing properties mean that it will relieve the itch of previous bites and hopefully stop you getting bitten again. For further information see www.mozzyoff.com Permethrin is also a highly effective repellent and insecticide for use on clothing, shoes, bednets, and camping gear. Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitos, and other arthropods and retains this effect after repeated laundering. Protect yourself and your kids from mosquito bites as well as ticks and other harmful insects, with Permethrin Impegnated Insect Repellent Clothing. Treatment of Bites Itching is the main symptom to control with insect bites. Topical antihistamines and anaesthetics are for quick temporary relief; hydrocortisone cream has slower onset, but longer effect. Ibuprofen Gel. For pain and swelling from insect stings, is an excellent anti-inflammatory with quick onset. Hydrocortisone cream 1% This preparation improves both itching and swelling/redness. It actually has anti-inflammatory effects, not just symptomatic relief like the topical anaesthetics. However, it does take longer for full effect than topical anaesthetics. Xylocaine Gel 2% For immediate relief from surface itching and pain. Any systemic reaction should be seen by a doctor immediately. This includes hives wherever they may occur, swelling in the face, shortness of breath or wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and light-headedness or fainting. These usually occur within minutes to an hour after the sting. Local reactions generally don't require professional care. However, if your local reaction causes enough swelling or pain to distract you from your normal activities or keep you awake despite basic treatment, you should see a doctor. If the redness/swelling is worsening after 24 hours, see your doctor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tugga Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 If you pull down your bug blinds and then go outside and open your windows wide and sprag raid on them evenly all over and do the same with the door and for the heki spray on the inside out, that should kill the mozzies and other bugs as they land. It will last for a long time. Before going to bed spray the inside of the motorhome. If the mozzies don't get ya the smell of the Raid spray will :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 There is one 'alternative' method to stop getting bitten which may help: It is a known fact that the only mosquito that actually bites you is the pregnant femail to provide food for her eggs (ie your blood) Once Mrs mossie has mated with Mr Mossie she no longer has any interest in him whatsoever until she wants to mate again after her eggs are hatched (Bit like humans really!!) and consequently avoids him in search of food. A good deterrent is to imitate the call of the male mosquito looking for a mate and emit this sound from dusk until dawn, and also in humid conditions. Consequently, said hungry, pregnant, lady mossie will stay well clear of you and go bite someone else with quiet sound and sweet blood (Note: You may get some funny looks from passersby and you may annoy your partner but at least you shouldn't get bitten) Hope this helps Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur49 Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 You should patent this................ :-S Mike B. - 2012-02-14 4:17 PM There is one 'alternative' method to stop getting bitten which may help: It is a known fact that the only mosquito that actually bites you is the pregnant femail to provide food for her eggs (ie your blood) Once Mrs mossie has mated with Mr Mossie she no longer has any interest in him whatsoever until she wants to mate again after her eggs are hatched (Bit like humans really!!) and consequently avoids him in search of food. A good deterrent is to imitate the call of the male mosquito looking for a mate and emit this sound from dusk until dawn, and also in humid conditions. Consequently, said hungry, pregnant, lady mossie will stay well clear of you and go bite someone else with quiet sound and sweet blood (Note: You may get some funny looks from passersby and you may annoy your partner but at least you shouldn't get bitten) Hope this helps Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel B Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Mike B. - 2012-02-14 4:17 PM There is one 'alternative' method to stop getting bitten which may help: It is a known fact that the only mosquito that actually bites you is the pregnant femail to provide food for her eggs (ie your blood) Once Mrs mossie has mated with Mr Mossie she no longer has any interest in him whatsoever until she wants to mate again after her eggs are hatched (Bit like humans really!!) and consequently avoids him in search of food. A good deterrent is to imitate the call of the male mosquito looking for a mate and emit this sound from dusk until dawn, and also in humid conditions. Consequently, said hungry, pregnant, lady mossie will stay well clear of you and go bite someone else with quiet sound and sweet blood (Note: You may get some funny looks from passersby and you may annoy your partner but at least you shouldn't get bitten) Hope this helps Mike Alright then Mike ... or should I say Dr Dolittle ... what is the sound??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Mel B - 2012-02-14 7:24 PM Alright then Mike ... or should I say Dr Dolittle ... what is the sound??? It goes like this :D.............Gizzakissgizzakissgizzakiss............Slap...............I'iistillrespectyouafterwards (lol) (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Mel B - 2012-02-14 7:24 PM Mike B. - 2012-02-14 4:17 PM There is one 'alternative' method to stop getting bitten which may help: It is a known fact that the only mosquito that actually bites you is the pregnant femail to provide food for her eggs (ie your blood) Once Mrs mossie has mated with Mr Mossie she no longer has any interest in him whatsoever until she wants to mate again after her eggs are hatched (Bit like humans really!!) and consequently avoids him in search of food. A good deterrent is to imitate the call of the male mosquito looking for a mate and emit this sound from dusk until dawn, and also in humid conditions. Consequently, said hungry, pregnant, lady mossie will stay well clear of you and go bite someone else with quiet sound and sweet blood (Note: You may get some funny looks from passersby and you may annoy your partner but at least you shouldn't get bitten) Hope this helps Mike Alright then Mike ... or should I say Dr Dolittle ... what is the sound??? Errrrm, I'm not quite sure as the only ones who tend to come near us are the females and not sure how to differentiate male/female mossies. I was only trying to help-perhaps Flicka or Brian K know of a link? I tried googling 'male mossie mating call' but got nothing...... www.rumpypumpymossies.com?......... :-D :-D :$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave225 Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 If you are really having problems with mossies then can I suggest maybe look at where you are camping. From travelling all over Europe it is clear that there are areas where they are much more prevalent than others, and not just next door to the local swamp. Being near farmland, or the local drains or even a harbour can attract the little b.....s. Although we do get the occasional one where we are staying, it is not a major problem, although i accept trying to find the one miserable sod that is keeping you awake at night can be tiresome. How they can disappear the instant you put the light on, shows an advanced intellect. We have used the blue light devices but have doubts about their effectiveness, bluntly good old Raid is as good as anything as long as you allow the air to clear before sleeping or the fumes will kill you before the mossie does. I have doubts about nets as trying to hand the things effectively would mean banging nails into the furntture. The window screens are usually pretty good and again keep the door closed as much as possible. My wife suffers more than me so maybe it is a sex thing after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=sunbeam+electronic+mosquito+repeller "Ultrasonic mosquito devices repel mosquitoes by emitting a high-pitched noise that is supposed to simulate the sound of the dragonfly, the mosquito's natural predator. One such ultrasonic mosquito deterrent on the market is the table-top Sunbeam CM160 Electronic Mosquito Repeller, which claims to repel mosquitoes from a distance of up to 75 square feet. Even smaller keychain models claim to repel mosquitoes from an area of 25 square feet. So far, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. The majority of these ultrasonic mosquito repelling devices are completely portable because of their small size. They are most commonly sold in wristband, belt clip-on, table-top or in keychain-style models and most operate on one or two AA Batteries. Electrical ultrasonic mosquito repellant devices are also available in plug-in versions that resemble electrical fuses. They claim to keep an area of up 2.5 square meters free from mosquitoes. Electrical ultrasonic mosquito repelling devices also emit the same ultrasonic waves and plug directly into most two-pronged electrical outlets." But if you use EHU, we use those 2 pin Plug-in with the renewable tablets, sold at Airports or Travel Aid section of some Supermarkets (in season) & find them adequate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collings Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Mel Downed by forearm smash with a Mk 5 lightweight racing swatter using a touch of top spin. However the distinctive type O blood spatter pattern is belived due to mossie failing to lower undercarriage prior to forced landing on cupboard door. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur49 Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 Worst mossie experience was Baltic States two years ago............and worst there was a camp site in Jurmala. Loved Baltic States but mossies deter my wife from going again. Only place we had no problem with mossies was Tallinn stopover......... but there the van opposite us was broken into at midday with a 'guard' on site about 20 yards away! My wife really suffered there and we headed back to Germany at speed Arthur Dave225 - 2012-02-14 8:24 PM If you are really having problems with mossies then can I suggest maybe look at where you are camping. From travelling all over Europe it is clear that there are areas where they are much more prevalent than others, and not just next door to the local swamp. Being near farmland, or the local drains or even a harbour can attract the little b.....s. Although we do get the occasional one where we are staying, it is not a major problem, although i accept trying to find the one miserable sod that is keeping you awake at night can be tiresome. How they can disappear the instant you put the light on, shows an advanced intellect. We have used the blue light devices but have doubts about their effectiveness, bluntly good old Raid is as good as anything as long as you allow the air to clear before sleeping or the fumes will kill you before the mossie does. I have doubts about nets as trying to hand the things effectively would mean banging nails into the furntture. The window screens are usually pretty good and again keep the door closed as much as possible. My wife suffers more than me so maybe it is a sex thing after all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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