Traditional Insect Repellent
In theory, you can prevent bugs from biting you by wearing lemon or lavender scents. In Italy years ago you could buy a tube of cream citronella.
Just as you might not like sucking on sharp lemon, a bug might feel the same. In theory, if you can't obtain a bug spray, and you are desperate to avoid more bites, go back to basics. I have asked for lemon from the kitchen, at home, in restaurants, and hotels, or used a lemon slice from my drink, or fish dish.
Anti bugs
At first I tried to eat indoors. But many restaurants had dark interiors - and splended views from outdoor tables over rivers and lakes.
Water breeds and feeds insects. So does your skin.
I thought I was the world's expert on what not to do, and how to avoid being bitten. I was cautious.I wore long sleees and skirts.
Yet I was bitten. Twice. On my lower legs.
In the hotel restaurant. In the hotel bedroom. In the hotel bathroom. They found me. The insects. They hid. But they were there.
Firstly, I was bitten inside the hotel. It had ominous warnings; Do not open windows with the lights on at night, to keep out insects.
I am quite a good bug detector. I can spot a black dot moving across the ceiling from six feet away. Unfortuantely, it is hard to reach a microsopic insect on a high ceiling, especially when it oscillates like a deranged pendulum.
At night in bed I heard an ominous whirring passed my ear.
Bug Bite Prevention
I pulled the sheet over my face. I put my arms under the pillow. I wrapped the bottom of the sheet around my feet and legs. I slept wrapped up like an Egyptian mummy.
I wore socks in bed. First short socks. Then long socks. I regretted not packing pyjamas with elasticated wrists and ankles.
I sought professional help. Commercial help.
Bug Off is a brand in new Zealand.
