Ronnie

I find that Off Skintastic is the best. Works all the time, smells good. Anyone I offer it too is usually thankful, as it works so well!<BR>Ronnie

Nancy

I did not have good results from Off Skintastic at all...I got eaten alive despite covering myself with the stuff.<BR>I've been to many islands - both lush and arid - and the only things that I have found to work consistently for me have deet.<BR>(That's just my experience as one who is always the "bug buffet.")

Gail

Bought Deep Woods Off in STJ last trip- Skintastic worked too- Deep Woods is pretty oily though...

Flora

I'm going to St. Lucia and am taking Skin so Soft. What other products compare or are better?

Janet

I am currently working on packaging for my dad's incredible new product that is completely natural and DEET free, and works BETTER than DEET. Plus it smells great! We're hoping to launch it nationwide this summer. Some very big companies are very interested. Look for "BugAway with Lymonessa".

deet

go to www.rei.com and order the "jungle juice." it is 100% deet and it is serious stuff. just don't get it on finished wood, etc. it can eat the finish. just a couple dabs according to directions will keep any/all buggies away!

fran

I have found that for me SSS and Skintastic don't work in the Caribbean. I use OFF in the orange can and also LOVE Burts Bees lemongrass mosquito lotion- you can get this from Drugstore.com or Burtsbees.com<BR>This stuff really works and smells nice and lemony. It's more $ than off but worth it!

Karen

Everyone,<BR>Thanks for so many great suggestions.<BR>Burt's Bees sounds like it might be a winner. I think I'm going to bring a couple of different products and I will definitely look for Mosquito Milk on the islands.<BR>Thanks to all for helping me out and I'll let you know what worked for me.

helibel

karen<BR>someone mentioned vitamins but got it wrong It is B1 that makes you smell bad to bugs. BUT JUST TAKING A B COMPLEX (really strong 100 mg) will work .I live in the caribbean in a house with NO SCREENS and the bugs are nowhere as bad as NEW ENGLAND. Around sunset I Burn an OFF coil in a little metal pot I got at walgreens, and that works great and would be very packable.I got tired of spraying myself so usually don't and the mosquito population, on any island is in direct proportion to the amount of rainfrall in the prior couple of weeks. We have had an unusually wet spring.

Fish

Have been to St. J 3x the last 2 years and have gone with and without taking B1(30 days b/4) and believe it or not it works. Last trip, my wife took B1 and I didn't....she didn't get bit once

SandyFeet

Karen,<BR>Here's a copy of a message I posted earlier in reply to this sort of question...<BR><BR>You may or may not be "bugged", a lot depends on whether the island has had a lot of rain recently and your location.<BR><BR>I would suggest making sure the screens on the windows and doors are always closed. If you don't mind using insecticides, spray your room before you go out for dinner so by the time you come back the smell and bugs have gone.<BR><BR>There are "vapomats" available that are plugged into the wall releasing a mildly scented repellant. Some hotels put these things in the rooms, just in case.<BR><BR>Good old "Off" spray is still the best. The newer version of "Off" is a lotion called Botanicals or something like that.<BR><BR>One product I've never seen anywhere else but in the Caribbean is a white liquid roll-on in a small glass bottle called "Mosquito Milk"!<BR><BR>And the last thing I can think to tell you is that bugs love perfume.<BR><BR>Hope you have a nice holiday.<BR>

Dave

A recent study in the new England Journal of Medicine, &lt;http://www.deetonline.org/docs/press...y_2002.doc&gt; says that DEET is the best by far, and when used reasonably, is safe. <BR><BR>We use Ultrathon, made by 3M, which has 32% DEET, and was rated highest by Consumer Reports, June 2000. It is the same as Amway Hourguard 2, which is not made anymore. Avon Skin So Soft is rated very low in protection, but works very well in people who are not susceptible to insect bites or when insects are not around.

Catherine

Just saw this article on "Which Bug Repellant Works The Best" on msn.com<BR><BR>http://content.health.msn.com/conten...cle/1685.53323

cj

I checked with my doctor about the B vitamins and he says that there is no conclusive evidence on this. if the bougs love you, they love you. Also, asked him about diprolene, a prescription product, which was recommended as a post-bite solution -- he says it is a very high-powered hydrocortisone type product which can cause "spider veins" on the skin if applied too liberally and, insteads, recommends a regular (OTC) 1% hydrocortisone cream but to follow applicatioon directions carefully. I have both a 1% hydrocortisone creme and a 2% gel-type product that I use. Unfortunately, neither works 100% for me.<BR><BR>I have used SSS and Cutter as well as an herbal bug repellent that is made in Vermont, but the bugs still love me. Personally, I think that bugs should leave you alone if you drink enough alcohol!!!<BR><BR>I have also heard about mosquito milk and will be looking for it in STJ when I go back there in less than 2 weeks.<BR><BR>Good luck to you and to me!!! The only thing that dampened the joy of my trips to the Caribbean were those #$%^&* bugs!<BR>