On Jul 6, 10:49*pm, "Christina Websell"
wrote:
"David in Normandy" wrote in . fr...



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

I ride horses, frequently and horse flies, mozzies and anything that
has wings are bothersome. I use a Jungle spray, on ankles, behind the
knees, wrists, elbows and back of neck. It works, fortunately, I come
home without bites. How is it that after I have showered that I get a
mozzie bite behind my knee????

Judith