Stops you 'donating blood' to mosquitoes and horseflies! (Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Lotion)

Member Name: markos9

Product:	Jungle Formula Insect Repellent Lotion
Date:	28/04/09 (270 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Mild enough for children, but stops biting insects in their tracks.

Disadvantages: Does have a very slight smell.

It's the time of year again when all the blood sucking insects are waking up and searching out those mobile blood banks called humans! I hate being bitten by insects. It's not the pain, or the possible side effects, or even the possibility of transmittal of diseases. No, for me, it's the thought of being fed upon and used as a meal, yuk!

This is unfortunate as I love my walks in the countryside, especially at this time of the year. To prevent myself becoming a horsefly's lunch, I have two types of insect repellent that I use. The first is Soltan sun tan lotion with insect repellent, and the second is Jungle Formula.

I use the Soltan when there's only a moderate risk of being bitten. When I visit some badly insect-infested area, that's when I bring out the 'big guns' of Jungle Formula.

One of my favourite places, Whixall Moss, is such an insect-infested place. It's a haven for wildlife, but this unfortunately includes, midges, mosquitoes and, my least favourite six-legged vampires, the horseflies.

At Whixall, if you venture out without insect repellent, you WILL get bitten. Some of the horseflies there are large; being bitten by one of these blighters would more than sting! Using Jungle Formula, I have never, ever, been bitten.

The product is supplied as a white, non-greasy cream that is applied to all exposed areas of the skin (I have a bald patch and have to suffer the indignity of rubbing this stuff into the top of my head!).

Like most insect repellents, this product is toxic if ingested. When applying it, I avoid the area around my lips (relying on seeing the little bloodsuckers coming before they land), and if I'm going to eat, I'll wash my hands first.

In use, the repellent has a mild smell that never dissipates whilst you're using it, but is never overpowering, either. The manufacturer recommends re-application every six hours or sooner if in a hot, humid environment. The cream is quite thin and easy to apply.

In use, it can be a bit disconcerting to find that it does not stop all insects landing on you! Insects taste with their feet; the repellent is toxic to them, but they usually don't detect it until they land to feed.

Often, I'll feel a horsefly bounce away from me (they land so softly, they're almost undetectable until their razor-like mouthparts cut into the soft flesh of the skin), as it detects the poison on my skin and makes a quick getaway.

After use, it's advisable to remove all traces of the repellent by washing the skin thoroughly. This product is recommended for children as young as six months old, so it must be quite mild. If using it on children, I'd keep an eye on them so that they don't get any in their mouths, if possible.

Overall, this is an excellent product. In use in areas containing some pretty nasty biting insects, it gives me (almost) complete peace of mind. If you're visiting areas known to harbour midges, mosquitoes or horseflies, give this a try. Highly recommended.

Summary: An insect repellent that really works.