When backpacking cigars and campfire smoke is your friend, but then you end up smelling like a side of bacon. I use a citronella based bug spray when outdoors.

After getting bit I've found Caladryl Clear helps with the itching.

Actually their saliva prevents blood coagulation so they can feed more freely. It contains proteins that are foreign to our biology which causes the release of histamine.

Always reminds me of the cartoon fly in this old ACDC vid:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gp-PKmbcF7c?si=ekKhtKt-KiQTnthS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Buy some permethrin, make a shirt and pair of pants that you want to use for outside activities, and then soak those clothes with the permethrin. Let the clothes dry completely. Then wear those clothes for outside activities.

The permethrin will last through multiple washings.

Vicks Vapo-Rub works great as anti-skeeter.

Now that you've been bit... alcohol applied to it will help the itch. I use "Alcolado" which is bay oil mixed with 70% rubbing alcohol, but straight up 90% works as does whiskey or vodka in a pinch.

Many years ago (early 80s) we were on a family vacation and stopped to camp at Kittyhawk, NC. The campground was full, but the mosquitoes were insane like I've never seen before or since. I tried to go explore a bit, but we cut it short due to the skeeters. We all went back and huddled in the camper (a pop-up), except dad who spent minimum time required outside to grill dinner. We all went to bed, but the parents decided to pack up and leave at 2am or 3am or 4am because of the mosquitoes. I was just a teen, but the mosquitoes there were insane. You couldn't run to get away from them. If you were outside, you were being bitten. And they were fat. If you swatted them they left a big bloody spot on whatever they were sitting on.

Invite me over! If there is one mosquito within a mile if will find me.

Trust me, when you are out in the field for a couple of days, the SSS is undetectable.

Adak Alaska, during skeeter time. Though it is brief, it is intense. Mosquitos were so big, they ate you whole.

LOL .... I reckon so .... SIR :)!

This is what works for me....

Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4-Fl OZ

MADE WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: This DEET-free insect repellent provides you with protection during adventures in the backyard and on the go
REPELS MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: This repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours, so the fun doesn't have to end
REFRESHING SCENT: This DEET-free personal repellent leaves you with a cool, refreshing scent so you don't have to put up with the usual bug spray smell
REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses
NOT GREASY OR STICKY: Formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide protection without leaving your skin feeling sticky or greasy

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...1000_QL80_.jpg

Available at Walmart, Amazon, other places......

Yep, I've heard that Canada is similar.

https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets...jpg?1519042875

After you're bit...

Cortisone Cooling relief Gel. Really helps

+1

https://www.acmemarkets.com/shop/product-details.960144304.html

Sawyer product get the best reviews on Amazon. The pump kind is my first choice but they were sold out last time I ordered. It's expensive so if you find some home brew that works, do it.

as a kid, I always got results with calamine/caladryl. Nothing like pink spots to stop the itch. Years ago, I got some that was clear. I remember thinking that it didn't seem like it worked as well as the old pink stuff. There was probably some ingredient that California outlawed that actually worked, but they had to remove.

I keep one of these in my work truck and one in my kitchen at home. Very handy and excellent for any kind of sting!

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/...1000_QL80_.jpg

Are you guys blood type O?

Nope, AB+

Supposedly, skeeters prefer type O. I'm type A.