Working in the garden, I’m often trying to fend off flies and mosquitoes intent on biting me. Flapping my arms around is my usual method of defence. It doesn’t always work. And as I found out recently, a bite or sting can turn into a nasty infection – or even blood poisoning.
I wrote about a recent accident in the garden here :
https://bramblegarden.com/2019/07/05/infection-a-warning-to-gardeners/
Readers replied with their own stories – as well as those who suffered serious infections from insect bites.
https://bramblegarden.com/2019/07/19/infection-update-19th-july-2019-gardening/
My write-up has been viewed 122,000 and liked, retweeted and commented on 31,000 times. It’s obviously a subject that resonates with many gardeners.
Since then, I’ve been careful to always wear gloves. I’ve got different gloves for the various jobs in the garden. And I make sure I cover my arms and legs – and use insect repellent.
Through Twitter, I learned about UK company Incognito and sent off for some samples to try out.
I love the anti- mosquito spray which is quick and easy to apply first thing in the morning, under and over clothing. Mosquitoes and other blood sucking insects home in on ears, wrists and ankles where blood vessels are nearer the surface. So I pay particular attention to those areas.
I’m liberally spraying the insect repellent over my clothing as well to repel ticks.
Here’s a summary of what I liked about Incognito insect repellent:
* Deet Free
* 100 percent natural ingredients
* Protects against malaria, dengue and zika-carrying mosquitos
* Recommended by NHS Public Heath England for use anywhere in the world
* Easy to apply and doesn’t leave skin feeling sticky or greasy
* Pleasant citrussy scent (oil of lemon eucalyptus )
*Protection lasts up to 4 hours against daytime biting. Easy to reapply for extended evening coverage.
I found the products to be easy and pleasant to use, and I can report that a horsefly and a whole cloud of mosquitoes were sharing my gardening space, and didn’t come anywhere near me. Also, I spent a day working alongside a lake, a situation I usually dread in the summer. And again, no bites while using the spray and creams.
I tried out the combined sun cream and insect repellent. Very useful for SPF 30 requirements. And there’s a natural moisturiser too, containing avocado, chamomile and geranium. I haven’t had a chance to try the incense sticks yet, but we are planning a family party in the garden soon where they will be very useful. They are non-toxic and have a lemony aroma.
Incognito is offering a prize of a 100ml anti-mosquito spray, and a 150ml insect repellent suncream. Please leave a comment below to be included in the draw. No purchase is necessary. Incognito will draw the winning name “out of a hat” and post the prize direct. Please also say if you don’t want to be included in the draw. All comments are very welcome.
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Links : Incognito https://lessmosquito.com/
NHS advice re insect bites : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/
NHS advice re sepsis : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
UK Sepsis Trust https://sepsistrust.org/
You might also like my recent posts : https://bramblegarden.com/
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* Currently (25 July) the repellent spray and roll-on are buy one,get one half price at Boots.