Growing up in southwest Louisiana, I became well-acquainted with the tiny yet deadly mosquito, which the CDC calls "the world's deadliest animal." Alongside those pesky mosquitoes, there were ticks and chiggers everywhere. With all the camping and hunting I did, I often found myself covered in bug bites during my younger years.
This was back when climate change wasn't as pronounced as it is today. Lately, however, I've been increasingly worried about insect-borne diseases spreading further north—diseases like West Nile, Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Lyme.
When it comes to repellents, Deet is my go-to choice for all sorts of biting insects—it works wonders against both mosquitoes and ticks. But what happens if you're caught in an emergency without any bug spray? Or worse, in a long-term survival situation where commercial Deet is no longer available?
While these two homemade solutions might not match the effectiveness of chemical repellents, they’re simple to make, utilize common household items, and could offer some relief in a pinch.
For ticks and chiggers, try using nylon pantyhose. It creates a physical barrier that prevents these critters from reaching your skin. From our experience, it works best against ticks and chiggers, though it won’t do much against mosquitoes. Nylons can stretch significantly and cover your arms, legs, and even your neck. However, they can get uncomfortably hot during warmer months, so they’re better suited for cooler weather.
Interestingly, pantyhose has countless other survival applications, such as filtering water or serving as makeshift rope. As ZZ Top might say, it’s all about knowing how to use them.
When it comes to mosquitoes, one unexpected solution is Avon’s Skin So Soft (SSS). There’s plenty of debate online about its effectiveness—some swear by it, others dismiss it as ineffective. Based on personal experience, it does work for some people, including me. During Boy Scout trips, we relied on it frequently. While it does leave your skin feeling soft, almost jelly-like, it effectively keeps mosquitoes away—if you slather enough on.
The downside is that its protection doesn’t last as long as Deet, so I’d recommend using it as a backup or applying it right before bed. The pleasant scent is another bonus; it beats most repellents in terms of smell, which can be important for morale in stressful situations. Waking up smelling faintly of SSS feels better than many alternatives.
Ultimately, while these DIY methods aren’t perfect substitutes for professional-grade repellents, they provide a practical alternative when resources are limited. Survival often requires creativity, and sometimes, a pair of nylons or a bottle of SSS can make all the difference.
Household Cleaning Products And Accessories
Household Cleaning Products And Accessories,Cleaning Cloth,Oil Removal Dishwashing Cloth,Thickened Suction Kitchen Artifact
Huayao Master (Puyang) Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. , https://www.huayaomaster.com