Originally Posted by
tablatom
Sorry, i haven't lived in NZ for a long time, i used to call all the biting insects sand flies.
My memory fails me.
You and me both with regards to not having lived in NZ for a long time and often the memory failure.
Nothing to be sorry about, as I'm sure there are areas which will be mozzie free.
Alas there is no shortage where I am in Western Australia, although I've finally convinced my neighbour to rid us the curse of their water feature which has helped immensely.
I look forward to trying your Tiger Balm idea.
The deet is destructive to plastic/nylon and I think responsible for damage to my past sleeping bag and bivybag (both now replaced).
I doubt it enhances health.
Another deterrent, albeit a NZ local one, is an antiseptic called Dettol, mixed with baby oil.
I'm unsure how many babies it takes to fill a bottle but its not dear.
A very quick search had this at the top of the list:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Supe...ect-Repellent/