Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum
Other Local Resorts & Areas => Uzumlu Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Rindaloo on June 16, 2008, 16:11:38 PM
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I have been badly bitten by midges in the past 2 weeks. I never had this problem last year and wonder if anyone else in Uzumlu has had this problem. I am certain it isn't mosquitos.
I have looked them up on the internet and they breed in damp compost. We use compost in the garden and for our ferrets as litter. I am wondering if we are the only ones having this problem, and the cause could be the compost attracting them for lurve and a snack after. Me being the snack.
I have tiny bites which turn into huge, hot, weeping lumps. I am not happy and can't think what to do to stop it. :(
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Hi Rindaloo same problem here attacking me for some reason ,they are harvesting at the moment so this may be why , if it is any consolation they only go for SWEET MEAT regards Calvin
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Yup, my Mum returned at the weekend, covered.....we've never had problems before :([xx(]
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quote:
Originally posted by calvin 1949
Hi Rindaloo same problem here attacking me for some reason ,they are harvesting at the moment so this may be why , if it is any consolation they only go for SWEET MEAT regards Calvin
I am turning sour.....[:(!]
Thanks for your replies. Really there seems to be nothing I can do. I wonder why this year is bad? I have a gel to put on them but I can't really apply it to the many oozing lumps in my hair. Hmmmmm.........
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:owhat a pretty picture I have of you now Rindaloo !!! :o: :)
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Nothing you culd imagine could prepare you for the reality..... Be warned. :o
Anyway I did a search and found this...
Midge facts
Biting midges are not sandflies.
They are present on all continents except Antarctica.
The adults are about one (1) to two (2) millimetres long, much smaller than the related mosquito.
Generation time (life cycle from egg to adult) is probably no less than eight weeks.
Estuarine midges do not breed in the grass, trees or in soil or sand in the garden; they only harbour in these areas.
They are not known to be vectors of any human disease in Australia.
In overcast humid weather, they are known to bite all day and night.
Only the female bites: she needs a blood meal to fertilise her eggs. They are known as pool feeders because they use their proboscis like a saw to create a tiny hole in the skin into which a pool of blood can flow. Saliva is injected into the pool to help the flow of blood. It is this saliva that causes the allergic reaction and itching.
Remember that biting midge numbers increase around the time of the full and new moons; it is advisable not to plan outdoor functions that coincide with these times.
Useful tips
Personal reaction to bites varies from a slight redness which disappears in half an hour or less, to severe inflammation. If you react rapidly and the swellings are small, you are reasonably immune so treatment may not be needed. Swilling and itch will soon go away.
For these less severe cases, the following tips may help reduce the effects of bites:
a hot bath may provide temporary relief
anti-itching creams or lotions from the chemist are quite effective; do not apply them when the skin is broken
some insect repellents also give relief to the bite, providing the individual's skin is not sensitive to the repellent
it has been observed that Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride) taken over a period of more than 30 days before exposure to midges, can reduce the severity of some people's reaction to bites (this is not true of everyone and always consult your doctor before taking any vitamins)
However, if you react hours or days later to a bite, whether you felt it or not, your immunity is poor and you are likely to be more severely affected. If your reaction is very severe, see your doctor.
How to protect yourself
Anything you can do to reduce humidity, increase light and air movement will make your house and garden less attractive to midges.
Closely mown lawns, sparse vegetation around your house and minimal surface water in the garden will decrease humidity, increase air movement so as to minimise the resting places for midges.
Avoid gardening or watering in the afternoon and early morning.
Increase air movement in the house by using electric fans can effectively create an area unsuitable for Biting Midges as their activity reduces in wind speeds over six (6) to eight (8) kilometres per hour.
Spraying residual (surface) insecticide on your flyscreens will help deter midges from entering your home.
Burning mosquito coils inside can also reduce numbers.
Most insect repellents are effective against midges and should be used whenever you are outside the house, alternatively an equal part mixture of baby oil, Dettol and Eucalyptus oil is useful.
Long sleeve shorts and long trousers made of closely woven materials give good protection; when gardening, a hat and gloves are also a big help.
Reducing midge activity in your yard
To avoid the heat of the day, midges hide underneath the leaves of the plants and shrubs in your garden. These areas can be treated by applying a fine mist of insecticide on the leaves.
Reminder: Re-apply the insecticide after heavy rain or when midge activity increases.
Chemical contol tips
Natural insecticides / Pyrethrum: Available from most plant nurseries and hardware stores. Pyrethrum has little residual capacity, so applications may be needed on a regular (weekly) basis during problem periods.
Chemical insecticides: Common garden sprays such as Diazinon, Fenthion and, for a longer lasting effect, Permethrin, are effective.
Organic insecticides
If you are reluctant to use chemicals in your garden, organic insecticides can be made up and applied. These will be capable of killing the adult midges, however repeated applications may be necessary.
Some useful organic insecticide formulations are:
Garlic spray
85 grams unpeeled garlic, two (2) tablespoons mineral oil, 600 millilitres water and seven (7) grams of soap dissolved in solution.
Mix solution and place in trigger sprayer.
Derris spray
120 grams soap in 4.5 litres of water solution.
Mix in 60 grams of derris powder (from garden suppliers) and mix an additional 4.5 litres of water.
Dilute entire mixture in 12 litres of water and place in trigger sprayer.
Outdoor repellents
Gardening or hosting a barbecue? Parrafin oil or perfumed lamp oil can be mixed with either Citronella or Lavender oil and burned in 'Polynesian' bamboo lamp burners placed upwind of your activity.
I thought the bit about baby oil was interesting, because I have seen Avon 'Skin SO Soft' recommended for a midge repellent.
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Could be ether dung flies or sheep/goat flies we get a lot of them just before sheep shearing last year we had a massif fly strike on most of the local sheep they were so bad we had to put a mozzie net over our bed this often occures in very humid climates.
PS. This is not a windup Lynne.
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Hmmmm Ted.
The Turks call them 'tatarcik' or 'yakarca', the latin name is 'Ceratopogonidae', I have another name for them..............
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I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've had horrid red lumps appear on my scalp which itch like mad and weep. They've caused the glands in my neck to swell and given me terrible ear ache. This is the 3rd year running they've got me, and they never touch hubby.
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I have earache too, didn't make the connection. Blimey, so I have this to look forward to EVERY year?? *mutter*
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I have been trying out the Avon 'Skin So Soft' (Green Bottle) which was recommended on the forum and am having success with it.
Usually I am covered in bites but I just have a couple from when I forgot to apply it.
I think the biting insects are used to the usual mossie products so I have found that those are not very effective.
Why not try this Avon oil and see if it helps? (No, I'm not an Avon rep!) :)
Sue
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realy goingt to have street cred with " skin so soft" Calvin
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quote:
Originally posted by The Crinklies
I have been trying out the Avon 'Skin So Soft' (Green Bottle) which was recommended on the forum and am having success with it.
Usually I am covered in bites but I just have a couple from when I forgot to apply it.
I think the biting insects are used to the usual mossie products so I have found that those are not very effective.
Why not try this Avon oil and see if it helps? (No, I'm not an Avon rep!) :)
Sue
No Problem, Nurgul at Mustafas is an Avon rep. I will see her. 8)
quote:
Originally posted by Calvin
realy going to have street cred with " skin so soft" Calvin
Don't knock it till you've tried it. [:X]
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I think I get bitten at Mustafas... especially on my head!!! And on my face ..... MMMHH!! Bit of a coincidence, but I have some Skin so Soft as use for sunbathing... so will try""
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Were you there last night??
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On the advice of a pharmacy in fethiye we are currenty experimenting with a mixture of camfor tablets (moth repellent) and baby oil. No new bites today? we are both covered in bites, we still do not know which of the little b's are doing the damage. Is it the small fruit fly that are in abundance in our garden? we do not seem to have any midges? or midges as in the UK.
tony
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Hydrocortisone cream [1% strength] is good for calming itchy skin and taking the swelling down but don't put on weeping bites or sunburnt skin. It's also a good idea to take an antihistamine if the bites are really irritating you.
Another thing I do is put either lemon juice or vinegar on bites...it seems to take the itch out for a while [but hurts....].
Hope this helps.
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These midges are so weeny you wouldn't believe they could cause so much trouble. With the damage they can cause I am thankful they aren't bigger, LOL.
I don't think they are fruit flies, I'd say they were half the size.
I have been told that Elma Oil is very soothing to the bites and it can be got from Pharmacies for about 4 lira. I will get some tomorrow...
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Hi everone, does anyone know which 'skin so soft' green bottle in the UK Avon catalogue there are three types (firm&tone or summer body wash or summer cooling gell)perhaph the catalogue numbers are the same in UK and Turkey.
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Hi Batman - I think you need the greeny blue bottle - Replenishing Dry Oil Body Spray. (soft and fresh....)
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ooh, look its still on special offer......this is from Avon website.
http://avonshop.co.uk/shop/product.asp?couponCode=&level1_id=700&level2_id=703&pdept_id=994&pf_id=4982&level=3
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It's 16ytl in the latest Avon Catalogue here....
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Thanks for that pookie.
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Hi Rindaloo.... yes I was in Mustafas that night... was it the blonde hair and scooter that gave the game away! Or the mozzie bites!!??
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No it was the smell of " SKIN SO SOFT"
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Hmm, um, I saw a lady who was slim with blond short hair. She was sitting with hubby on the table next to us, out in the open. THey lived near the red flag on the cadianda mountain. Her hubby went to chat with the lady with the spaniel. There was another couple right over the other side. Then another couple came and used a laptop. Can't remember any scooter. Hmm, wouldn't make a good detective would I, eh! LOL!
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I was in there, but was inside with my husband. I have blonde hair, but unfortunately am not slim any more! I think the couple you are thinking of were the Wood Nymphs as they live up mountain in woods.. They came over to speak to us as they left!
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Yes, I saw them chatting with you as they left. We left soon after. I am still getting the midge bites. Not as many though. Haven't even got the Avon yet! Just ordering it seems to have helped, LOL!!
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Can't remember you will have to introduce yourself next time you see us!
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tried some liquid itch deterant that a friend gave me now i smell like a gents loo, or is that an age thing ,thanks Bikerchick
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Easily recognisable. Dave is rather tall. I have lumps all over my head. We both have our hair dyed grey. ;)
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After having been eaten alive by the midges (especially watering garden) decided it was war. Went down to village, bought a couples of cans of insect repellant and sprayed the grass. Lovely old chap in shop opposite school sells BUNTOX for 2.5 lira. (Also get 33% free!). Two days of bite free watering!!!. (Also works well on grasshoppers, cicadas and anything else that's eating your garden)Probably have to respray every 2/3 days.
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Will give it a try!!
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doesnt the buzzer work then. Calvin
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will these midges be around in september??
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Don't think so, they seem to have died down now that the harvest is finished. Mind you, think everything dies down in August
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I am really really hoping those midges arent around next year. But could I be that lucky.....
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Hi all,
Was it bad this year?
Should I get netting fitted on windows?
Thanks
8)
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I think it may not have been quite as bad as last year, but I am curious to know what other's thought. But I suspect that the midges would easily get through the mesh used as fly screen, sorry :(
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Hi,
fly screens it is then.
Ta ;)
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They might get through. They are tiny things, famous in Scotland for getting through fine mesh.
But to keep out the black flies, fly screen would be good, as they get in in droves in the summer and are a total pain.
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Would definately get netting fitted. We had no problem indoors with the little flies that bite so it does stop them as well as lots of other flying insects :D
Fi
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quote:
Originally posted by Firo
Would definately get netting fitted. We had no problem indoors with the little flies that bite so it does stop them as well as lots of other flying insects :D
Fi
No flies on you then Fi ;)
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Got it in one Calvin... ;)