Anti Mosquito And Anti Insect Sprays and Strategies

 My packing list for holidays, trips, days out, includes insect repellent. 

Repellent - Lavender

Lavender is also said to repel mosquitos. I used to yo-yo between Singapore and London, before and after Covid. In London I would stock up on lavender cosmetics to take back to Singapore. Marks & Spencer stocked pefumed products in the UK and later in Singapore. But UK products were cheaper in the UK than in Singapore. A British lavender brand is Norfolk Lavender. 

I travel with lavender and lemon scented cosmetics and perfumes. As well as mosquito and insect repellent, anti-insect spray for hotel bedrooms, and sting relief.

Singapore Anti Mosquito Action

Singapore is fighting insects constantly. I remember the first time I saw white mist rising up outside my apartment block, condo. I thought it was a fire. I phoned down to reception to ask if they knew. They told me, "It is fogging, anti moquito. Shut your windows."

This happened every Friday. You would see the workers, with masks over their faces, waving machines left and right over the vegetation around the skyscraper's grounds. You could hear the noise. 

Now they are breeding mosquitos which are part of the fight against malaria and dengue fever.

Insect Inspections

In Singapore there are strict rules. If there is an outbreak of dengue fever, and people in your area are being hospitalised, inspector will coe around, looking for sources of standing water. That could be gutters, saucers under plant pots, even plastic bags lying around on balconies. Pails on balconies or in gardens could be filling up with rain water. Water from the rain in old unused boots. Toilets with lids left up.

Flower vases are banned in cemeteries.

Anti Mosquito Apparel

In Australia I bought traditional cowboy hats with corks suspended. The corks kept hitting my face and were a nuisance.  You have to get hats the right size. 

Mosiguard

For hiking trips, to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, Madeira, Romania, Spain, I bought mosquito repellent clothing. It's quite expensive. I bought second hand on ebay.

Useful Websites

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2025/06/stings-and-bites-prevention-and-cure.html

Smells of Cities and Countries - Bali, England, India, Singapore - and anti-Mosquito Perfumes

Singapore and the Smell of Jasmine 

When I am in department stores worldwide, and passing perfume counters at airports, I see Jasmine perfume and cosmetics featuring the aroma of the flowers.  I recall the colours and vivid smells of Singapore, especially the Jasmine. 

The national flower of Singapore is an orchid. The Botanical gardens has an orchid garden. You can also visit orchid farms. Restaurants often have an orchid flower in a small vase on the table. 

Singapore And Durian

Another distinctive seasonal smell of Singapore is durian. You will see signsbanning durian on the MRT (underground and overground railway). Taxis also ban durian. You can get it delivered. If you wrap it sufficintly well that nobody can smell it, then you could travel with it. That's the whole idea. You should not be carrying durian which others can smell, or which leaves a smell which lingers after you have left.

Bali and Tuberose

Is all the Far East the same? No. For me, Bali's distinctive smell is Tuberose. I encountered this in the lobby of a hotel. A huge central flower display in the hall. 

I afterwards ordered tuberose which I planted in my front garden in London. It did not thrive. So for me, the smell of tuberose is still the smell of Bali.

England, London and Lavender

The smells of London are roses. But also lavender. You can visit lavender farms. Lavender soaps and perfumes and hand creams are in supermarket, department stores and chemist shops (which Americans would call drug stores). 

Perfumes from flowers attract people, but also insects. When I realised that my perfumes from the UK were making me a magnet for mosquitos, I started stocking up on different perfumes.

Lavender is also said to repel mosquitos. I used to yo-yo between Signapore and London, before and after Covid. In London I would stock up on lavender cosmetics to take back to Singapore. Marks & Spencer stocked pefumed products in the UK and later in Singapore. But UK products were cheaper in the UK than in Singapore. A British lavender brand is Norfolk Lavender. 

France and French Lavender

France also has French lavender. I recall visiting a perfume factory in Grasse, in Southern France. I went there on holiday when I was single. After I married, I went there again with my husband.

Indian Spices in India, England and Worldwide

India has different spices in different areas. Meats are in muslim areas and markets and restaurants. Vegetarian dishes are in Hindu areas. In England you will find tandoori foods in almost every high street (Americans would say main street). Tandoori is from northern India and Pakistan. Many vegetarian restaurants are well known in India, Singapore and in London, such as in Rayners Lane near the Rayners Lane tube station.

Italy, Lemons and Citronella

In Italy I discovered that lemon aromas repel insects. The lemon scent is in citronella. 

Singapore's Little India

Singapore is tropical, high temperatures. Eternal summer, bright flowers, strong smells of flowers. My previous post was about jasmine in Singapore, which I smelled daily in my walk to Cashew station.. 

I previously lived in Singapore's Little India. Strong smells of spices waft from the flower sellers selling garlands in the markets of Little India. You also get aromas from treading on petals fallen onto the five foot ways, covered paths along the shops. Also strong smells of curry and spices from the restants and stalls in Little India.

I travel with lavender and lemon scented cosmetics and perfumes. (As well as mosquito and insect repellent, anti-insect spray for hotel bedrooms, and sting relief.

Anti bugs and sting relief - New Zealand and Worldwide

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.

But Off spray. Photo by Angela Lansbury.

This is for prevention in New Zealand. It is not popular to spray on this strong aroma during an outdoor wine tasting.

On ebay I found an inexpensive citronella and lemon grass spray at 3.99 pounds sterling with free postage.

Some people suggest taking petroleum jelly / vaseline in a small glass screw top container for relief from stings.

You may wish to pack bandages or elastoplast to prevent you from scratching and to keep the wound clean..

Sure

If you are already bitten, I use Stingose. Small to carry. A spray.

Useful Websites

• https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134763364858?_ul=GB&rb_itemId=134763364858&rb
• https://111.wales.nhs.uk/insectbitesandstings/

Lavender farms and festivals and lavender products worldwide for your enjoyment

 I have been a fan of lavender products since my long period of living and travelling overseas, not just as a travel writer taking at least one long and several short trips overseas at my own expense, and on business with my husband, also supplemented by the occasional press trip to overseas destination. The revelation about lavender came at the start of my thirty year sojourn in Singapore where I spent most winters in Singapore, Asia and Australasia while returning to the UK and Europe for the summer and back, via the USA or Australia in one or both directions. Lavender and lemon infused products were cheaper in England than in Singapore, so I stocked up in England with Yardley products from my local chemist (which I learned Americans would call a drug store). The cheapest lavender item was a small roll on around or under five pounds sterling. that was small enough to go in my handbag when my suitcase was already overweight or on the border of overweight for air travel regulations. More expensive items or sets could be a fall-back when I was asked at the last moment what I wanted for birthdays, Christmas presents or wedding anniversary gifts.

Lavender's Reputation For Repelling Mosquitos

Why lavender? Singapore is safe in many ways, except for mosquitos, which were fought with fogging by anti-mosquito spray-mists on Fridays. I discovered that my perfumes designed to attract humans especially men, such as my husband, also attracted insects, such as mosquitos. I learned that lemon and lavender repelled insects, most importantly mosquitos, which carried malaria and dengue fever. But, I presumed, also flies, fleas and wasps.

Singapore - How to Buy a Bargain

The marked price for lavender soap in Singapore seemed very high. I tried to bargain but was told, fixed price. However, after a whisper to my Singaporean Chinese friend, who works in the building, she spoke to the seller, who spoke Mandarin as well as English, and was offered a lower price, supposedly because she worked in the building, was less well paid than a presumed tourist (although I had said I was Permanent Resident, which is a government status for foreigners who live in Singapore long-term) - and maybe either because she spoke Mandarin or because she would be a regular customer.  The moral is, if you have a local friend in Asia, ask them to bargain for you in the local language.

Meanwhile, back in London, I bought lavender made in England, more cheaply. 

I checked online the UK factory farm visits and was amazed how many there were. I had expected to see just one, Norfolk Lavender, or two if you add the one my family went to in 2024.

The largest one in the world is supposed to be the large one in Tasmania, Australia. 

Europe

You find more in Europe.

France

I bought lavender soap cheaply in a wine shop in the south of France. The village of Fitou, Frontenac region. The soap aroma was not strong. English lavender is stronger.

European Festivals

You will find festivals in mid-summer, in June, for example in Bulgaria, which has at least two (see my earlier post).

UK Lavender

I bought a lavender spray from Marks & Spencer in London. The spray bottle says it is for rooms, clothes and body. What more could you want. I just sprayed it all around and the aroma is strong.

UK Lavender Farm Visits

The name I had associated with lavender from my childhood was Norfolk Lavender.

More recently, my family went on a trip to a lavender farm in the UK, near enough for a day trip from London..

My family complained that, 'Not really anything for children to do. They were charging us just to see the farm which just offered views. A lot of money just to take a photo.' 

'The cafe was closed by the time we got back there, so that saved us more money.' 

I was disappointed that they did not tell me they were going and did not bring me back a gift of lavender bags to put in my bedroom drawers in the hope of repelling moths. Still, I can buy easily on line and visit there myself next year. 

Buying & Planting Lavender Plants

I have lavender in my own garden in London, bought from a local garden centre. The garden centres sell two types of lavender, English and French. Try the aromas and see which you like most, or which is strongest aroma, or has the best colour plant.

All of the UK is in planting zones 6-9 which means the temperature and humidity which the outdoor garden plant must cope with. (A greenhouse or indoor part of your home, even an indoor windowsill, will be different.)

Trips To Lavender Farms From London

To Mayfield - about an hour and a half from Harrow going anti clockwise on the M25.

UK Lavender Farm Visits

The farm is closed until June but the gift shop and cafe are open every day of the week, 10 to 4 on Sundays, from 9 to 5 other days. The cafe may close for last orders earlier than the closing time so plan accordingly.

Lavender Anti Moth bags

You can buy lavender anti moth bags on ebay from thetownhousegarden

Sets of 20 from ebay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143436121031?\

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?item=235826295642&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211&_ssn=thetownhousegarden

Useful Websites

UK

https://www.mayfieldlavender.com/

Bulgaria

https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Nessebar/Aroma-sampling-of-5-Bulgarian-Lavender-varieties-at-DiVes-Winery/d50387-149310P2

Bulgaria Holiday Tours

https://www.visitbulgariaon.com/tour/skip-the-line-tickets-to-karlovo-lavender-festival-on-21-06-2025

Australia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridestowe_Lavender_Estate

https://www.yorkshirelavender.com/

https://londonist.com/london/beyond-london/lavender-farms-fields-near-london

https://www.lavenderworld.co.uk/lavender-plants

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender

Products to buy

From Tesco.

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Lovely Lavender and Model Village in Vauxhall Park, London

Model Village in Vauxhall Park, London. 

A walk through Vauxhall Park under the trees.

Vauxhall Park in London has lavender and a model village. A good place for a day out with the family.

Lavender

Lavender can be used to scent clothes. I started using lavender soap and moisturizer and cosmetics when I read that it repels mosquitos and I was living most of the year in Singapore. I have lavender in the garden in London. Without picking it, to enjoy the aroma, you can pinch it between your fingers and sniff your fingers, and to preserve the aroma, rub your fingers on your hair.

I have tried putting the sprigs of lavender in the pockets of my clothes, but this disintegrates into a mess which has to be emptied out. So just enjoy the look of the lavender and take pictures close up of the colours.

Useful Websites

 https://www.facebook.com/share/o3xF7Sj79PeXHTBp

Please bookmark and share links your favourite posts.

Lavender Farms in London and Yorkshire, the USA and worldwide

English lavender is well known and I buy lemon and lavender to try to discourage insects and mosquitos. Many chemists (pharmacies) in the UK sell one or more of several British brands. 

In the front garden of a friend of a friend in Yorkshire, I saw this thriving lavender.

 

A garden in Yorkshire in August. Lavender. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright.

Where next after the Bronte's Haworth?

On my wish list, going north there's the lavender farm. After a long weekend, Thursday to Sunday, doing a whole trail of the Bronte sites, as well as walking and railways, we drove off south to London. However, with more time and on my next trip I shall make this Yorkshire lavender place a priority.  But I noted that you pay to visit the lavender gardens. You might just want to see the shop, buy plants andor cosmetics, and eat in the cafe.

Just type in your home location to find lavender fields near you.

In the north of England, the sunny summer days last longer. But the winter days are shorter. The long light lasts in other northern European countries too, such as going to the north of Finland to see the Northern Lights.

In London, in my front garden, lavender which had bloomed earlier in the year was already dying back. But fresh lavender was sold in Morrison's supermarket. The supermarket chain had started in Yorkshire in the north of England.  

Useful Websites

https://www.yorkshirelavender.com/

https://londonist.com/london/beyond-london/lavender-farms-fields-near-london

https://www.lavenderworld.co.uk/lavender-plants

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender

Please share links to your favourite posts.

Romantic, Radiant, Richly Decorated, Russian Orthodox church, in Cyprus - in beautiful blue and gleaming gold

 

Russian Orthodox Church, Cyprus. Photo by Angela Lansbury.

We saw this wonderful building when driving past and had to stop. The shop is well stocked with jewellery and food. See several busts on the right. Entry was free. a Cafeteria with an awning served coffee and cold drinks.

I used the lavender trees as a frame. Lavender trees are common in Cyprus. 

Red, white and orange flowers are used in gardens and borders, as you see here. Also around buildings and along motorway edges and on the dividers.

The interior is equally impressive.

Russian Orthodox church, by Angela Lansbury
 

Russian Church of St Andrew The Apostle and All Russian Saints.

Gleaming gold church, known as the golden church, with a large car park, entertaining children's play area, cafe under a long awning looks like a wedding. For shopaholics, a large gift shop with religious items, jewellery, postcards and books, food and ingedients. Busts of the saints. 

Lovely lavender trees and flowering bushes. Enough static scenery and passing people to keep a photographer or people watcher entertained for hours. 

Free toilets behind the outdoor stage opposite the outdoor covered eating area. 

Useful Websites

Video by drone shows the whole complex and surrounding area

Changing photos on front page, text not English

https://www.imtamasou.org.cy/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGTtWia7vAc

Help for Coughs and Colds at home, travelling, speaking, and online

 

I have a bad cold, day 4, and I have to give a speech online at TCA online Toastmasters speakers club meeting. The speech is important to me because it is my area of expertise. I am the author of Wedding Speeches & Toasts, and How to  ls, be the Best Man, as well as compiling two self-published books of quotations, Quick Quotations, and Who Said What When. I need to be able to restore my energy and to speak without coughing, sneezing, nor  losing my voice during the speech and afterwards.

I discovered that I cleared my nose by sniffing a small lavender candle which I was given at a mother's Day dinner at Botanico Restaurant in Singapore's Botanic Gardens. I have written about this dinner in another post. The dinner also served as a pre-birthday celebration meal.

My second success in clearing my breathing and improving my mood same from sniffing Rose bath Salts. The lidded glass container is labelled with the ingredients : sea salt, rose petals, rose oil.

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I have a bad cold, day 4, and I am giving an online 5 to 7 minute speech tonight (at TCA Toastmasters). The subject is quotations, my area of expertise. I have edited two books of quotations and I a compiling another and a workshop, so I am really keen to speak, without coughing, sneezing, nor straining my voice.

I found that I enjoyed and breathed better after simply sniffing a lavender candle. (The candle was a free gift to ladies at a mother's day dinner (also my pre-birthday dinner) at Botanico restaurant.

I had the same aromatherapy effect from sniffing rose bath salts, part of the Bundle of Jolly bought for me on my birthday by President Faith of BHA, Toastmasters club. Thank you, Faith.

That gave me the idea of hunting for Tiger Balm in the bathroom cabinet. I found the white sort, which I think is slightly different and not as strong as the green label.

I also discovered a miniature bottle of Eucalyptus oil.

My family used a brand called Vick's vapour rub when I was a child in the UK.

I had also read online that if you sneeze or rub your eyes it could be a sign that you are dehydrated. If you are sneezing, logically that is a loss of liquid. So I keep drinking water to compensate and lubricate.

Friends, everybody, do you have any other suggestions (or recollections)? I have already had my first anti Covid-19 vaccination. and am due for another shortly.)

Useful Websites

www.hushcandle.com

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