"David in Normandy" wrote in message
...
Does anyone know of a herb or plant that can be rubbed onto the skin that
repels biting flies? I swatted four horse flies yesterday while working in
the garden. Luckily they seem fairly slow and clumsy and are generally
easy to swat before they take a bite. However, I still managed to get a
bite on my leg. I dislike having to wear jeans in the garden on hot days
rather than shorts just because of the biting insects.

The wife has a terrible reaction when bit - the last bite made her whole
forearm swell up and go red, it was touch and go whether she needed
anti-biotics, but on this occasion the swelling went down after a few
days. On other occasions she hasn't been so lucky.

Anyone recommend any leaves that can be rubbed on the skin that really
work as a fly deterrent? It doesn't matter if they smell horrible because
it is only for use at home in the garden. If such a plant exists it will
be well worth buying and growing.


Have you tried elder leaves bruised and rubbed on the skin? I understand in
olden days horse keepers used to pick sprigs of elder and tuck them under
the brow band of their horse bridle to keep the flies off. Haven't tried it
myself. but might be worth a try.

I also understand Avon Skin-So-Soft lotion is very effective against midges.
It does not stop them bothering you but apparently they aren't able to bite
you. It may or may not work for horse flies.
A horse fly bite can cause lots of problems in some humans. My mother
almost had to be hospitalised.

Tina