What actually works for no see ums? (need non-toxic) (Siesta Key: purchase, allergies)

[nature1]

So we're finally here at Siesta Key and getting eaten alive by the little buggers! We don't want to put anything with deet on the kids and the natural stuff we brought is NOT working at all ... any suggestions?

[Frida7]

What exactly is a no see um?

[Frida7]

Ok, just googled it, I've never to my knowledge been bit by those. Sorry I can't help you though.

[TRosa]

I don't care much for the store bought products myself, they tend to aggravate my allergies. I make mix up batches of essential oils like lavender, lemon, peppermint, sometimes add orange oil, but usually in my recipes, predominant oil is lavender. I'm planning to purchase some lemongrass oil, there are many other oils that are probably more affective than the lavender, but so far, the combinations I've been whipping up work fine for me. Only thing is you must apply them much more frequently than you would those store bought chemical brands as the natural mixtures tend to lose their effectiveness after a couple of hours.

Another plus, people around me often give compliments on the scents.

Some links to help with mixing up your own batches, I get my oils cheap off of ebay, but you can get essential oils at places like whole foods and various health supplies stores.

Note, be read up about side effects before using essential oils, though natural, they can have side effects like anything else, especially if not used properly.

Homemade Natural Mosquito Spray - I Can Teach My Child!


good article

Make Your Own Natural Bug Repellent Using Essential Oils « Hilltown Families


I saw this one that's premade, not sure how effective it is: Bug Me Not Natural insect repellant 4 oz spray by AzizaOils

[nature1]

By the way , a no see um is also called a sand flea and is so small you can barely see them. They can make evening/dusk here in fla. miserable if there is no breeze. Actually, one website said they are not actually biting but releasing acidic body fluid onto you. That's what causes the "bite" sensation.

[mrs.cool]

when I get hit by them I don't notice. It's LATER when they turn red and start to itch I realize they got me! The itching is so bad it even wakes me up at night.

[TRosa]

Originally Posted by mrs.cool

when I get hit by them I don't notice. It's LATER when they turn red and start to itch I realize they got me! The itching is so bad it even wakes me up at night.

Agree, I often forget to spray when I'm at the beach, so when I get home, I'm itching like a banchee on fire. Funny thing, seems, I'm usually the only one in the group affected.

[PixiStix]

Originally Posted by nature1

By the way , a no see um is also called a sand flea and is so small you can barely see them. They can make evening/dusk here in fla. miserable if there is no breeze. Actually, one website said they are not actually biting but releasing acidic body fluid onto you. That's what causes the "bite" sensation.

A No See Um is not the same thing as a "sand flea" although many believe that.

A No See Um is like a tiny grayish gnat (aka "biting midge") that hurts when it bites (or at least it does on me) then later on the area swells up, reddens & itches like crazy- much like a mosquito bite.






A "sand flea" is not a flea or bug at all- it's a type of crustacean (aka mole/sand crab) that lives in the wet sand on the beach. My kids dig for sandcastles & catch these things. They will bury into the sand quickly as a defense.



Sand Fleas (Mole Crabs or Sand Crabs) Prime surf fishing bait

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sand+flea

[nphomeowner]

What she said!

[gitnerdun]

Avon makes "skin so soft" works great for no-see-ums. Non chemical. It's just a skin softner with something they don't like. I have used it for years. I get it from Denise (avon lady) 941-966-2690. Very close to Siesta. Good luck.