On Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:54:29 +0200, Martin wrote:

Use an insect repellant containing at least 50% DEET. You don't need
to put it on your skin, putting it on your clothes works.

But take care not to get it on synthetic fibres or plastic items (e.g.
spectacle/sunglass frames) - it damages them.

Gardening on Wilts/Somerset border
on slightly alkaline clay.