Gnat bites.

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Lyn, Oct 7, 2008.

  1. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    Yesterday I was helping my husband put the fence back up that had been blown down in the winds.
    At about 5 ish I was engulfed by thousands of gnats.
    I have never seen so many before.
    Needless to say I am now covered in bites that really itch.
    My husband, not one bite. :scratch: :cnfs:
     
  2. Little Miss Road Rage

    Little Miss Road Rage Gardener

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    U must be tastier :lollol: There are a lot around this year. I never used to get bitten but I do now its a nightmare. Hope the bites go soon :thumb:
     
  3. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    They always get Mrs JWK not me - they only choose sweet people!
     
  4. capney

    capney Head Gardener

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    From NHS direct..............
    Most midge, mosquito, or gnat bites do not require treatment and will clear up within 1-2 days. In cases where there is no allergic reaction, a cold compress, such as a cold flannel, or ice pack, can be used to ease any pain and inflammation.
    Steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, or antihistamines (cream or tablets) are available over-the-counter at pharmacies, as well as on prescription, and will help to ease any itchiness and inflammation.
    If you have severe symptoms, such as swelling and blistering, you should continue to use the above treatment methods, and visit you GP as soon as possible. You may require further treatment, such as a course of steroids.

    Really hope this helps
    robert
     
  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :) I have a bad reaction to midge & mozzy bites lyn.. I try & get away with an antihistamine tablet. Clarityn is good for bites....
    Anthisan cream is good, but if you can get it, the dosed spray Anthisan it is the best I have found, it is really good & its available from the pharmacy usually. I don't find the cortisone creams so good. But that is just me...

    If you have nothing else, make a paste of plain meat tenderizer granules & water & spread that onto the offending bites & let it dry & leave on over night.. That certainly takes the itching away.....,:wink:The green Avon Skin so soft oil spray is good for that too.....!!!:dh:
    I have read this too........

    :dh:
     
  6. capney

    capney Head Gardener

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    There is certainly an attraction to mossies depending on the way we smell.
    I spent a few years in Malaysia and it was noticed that drinking a glass or two of the local Tiger beer somehow reduced the bites from the little beasties.
    I assume the smell came out in my sweat and was not pleasent to the little biters. This was good because it was a possible malaria area.
    robert
     
  7. Little Miss Road Rage

    Little Miss Road Rage Gardener

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    Maybe cause I don't eat much bread now they find me tastier Thanks MF
     
  8. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Apparently eating Marmite deters the little ******s too (must be the yeast?). Well you either love it or you hate it lol

    I think I heard that red heads get bitten more then other coloured hair people...
     
  9. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    Thanks for the advise.
    I'm using an antihistamine cream, it stops the itching for a while, but they are driving me mad.
    I was even woken in the night with the itching .
    I have them in my hair and round my neck and arms.
    There must be at least 50.
    It's stupid because when I go on hoilday I cover myself in the Avon dry oil, never even thought to use it here.:dh:

    But I will next time.:D
     
  10. Lyn

    Lyn Gardener

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    O dear it's a lovely day here .
    The sun is shinning and the sky is blue.
    I would love to get into the garden , but these bites are driving me mad.
    I couldn't stand anymore. :help:
    My husband as suggested a bee keeping suit.:rolleyes:
    I think I'll just cover myself in a combination of Jungle stuff and Avon dry oil.
     
  11. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    That's a shame Lyn, are they still out there right now, maybe they only appear later in the day.
     
  12. Little Miss Road Rage

    Little Miss Road Rage Gardener

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    Aww Lyn don't waste this lovely day get covered in the Avon oil and get out there.

    Loofah all I can say about marmite is yuk, yuk, yuk :)
     
  13. Shobhna

    Shobhna Gardener

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    Lyn,
    mosquitos like me but fleas defenitely like Himself.
    also gnats seem to like Himself too.
    He must me much much sweeter then me.
     
  14. takemore02withit

    takemore02withit Gardener

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    Hi Lyn I suffer terribley from insect bites, I blow up like a balloon. When on holiday in Italy a few years ago, I was bitten badly by mozzis. The only thing that stopped the itching was to douse myself in lemon juice morning and night, it worked better for me than all the ointments, it's got to be worth a try.:thmb: 02
     
  15. Hec

    Hec Gardener

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    I'm a red head and I rarely get bitten.

    I always thought it was hormones that meant more women were 'attractive' than men - and I think it is the B12 vitamin in yeast and marmite that puts them off. Don't know why I think these things though - I have no proof.
     
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