With the over abundance of rain in these parts, the mosquito population has exploded here. Seriously, it's not even pleasant to go outside for any amount of time. It's miserable!

I used some Cutter Spray and they STILL got me! Hubby looked at the backs of my legs and said it looked like Buck Shot. I hate that spray anyway but I will use it if I have to.

Is there any really tried and true mosquito repellent out there that won't make me reek like Dow Chemical Company?

My neighbor on one side walks around with dryer sheets pokin out of the oddest places but he hasn't really said if that is effective or not. But I'm sure it keeps meddling neighbors from bothering him, 'cos he looks like a nut case. LOL

Any other suggestions that might actually WORK besides staying inside all summer? Please?

deep wood off

I grew up on the TX gulf coast,,, I do not miss the skeeters.

If it makes you feel any better, the mosquitos are in full swing on long island,ny. Nothing seems to help, the town needs to get out there and do some spraying of somekind. You go outside and they are attack mode at all times of the day but dusk is the worst. At least you aren't alone.

Rookie, that reminded me of the mosquito control when I was a kid growing up in Savannah, GA... we called the truck the Skeeter Scatter because all it did was run them from one area to another. We used to chase that damn truck down the road when it was on full blast! Maybe that's what's wrong with me today.... :p

If I am going to be pretty stationary I use a ThermaCell. It repels all sorts of creepy crawly biting things. Not the cheapest option but the only thing I have had work while hunting in swamps.

Idk if the stores around your area carries a spray called "zep" but that is the best spray I've ever used. It smells like the rest though. I work 7 days then 7 nights on the gulf coast here in La, surrounded by marsh for miles, the Mosquitos look like swarms of honey bees at dusk. Zep is something like $14 for a spray can but its worth its weight in gold here. The Mosquitos laugh at all the other sprays. I heard that fabric softener sheets help a little, more with gnats though.

In the military, it was mandatory for us to use military grade off. We had to put that stuff on because the ticks were everywhere. Swing over to your local Army Navy surplus store and get yourself a few cans. But, beware that stuff lasts a very long time. Most men would shave their head before going out in the field. It's easy to spot ticks.

stuff off the shelf hardly ever works. like dennis says military grade DEET might be worth a try. most of the time, i don't use any. it's easier to check my body after camping then trying to keep up with spraying that stuff all over me. summer camp this yr was rather uncomfortable. too many bugs. i gave in one night and broke out my deep wood off dry. i don't think that helped much. got stung by a wasp that crawl into my sleeve. my hand swell up and didn't go down for 3 days.

tho, i spray my kids religiously. they hate it.

Try Avon Skin So Soft

Four years ago when my son was headed off to his first Scout summer camp to a location known for a heavy mosquito population, we asked the staff at REI for their suggestions.  Some repellents have very high levels of DEET but we were told that this was not really necessary and that high levels would almost always stain clothing and that it would also damage polyester (i.e., dissolve it).  We purchased Untrathon with 34.3% DEET, a pre-treated bandana, and also a spray for clothing (forget the name of that).  Our son came back from camp and reported he didn't have problems with mosquitoes.  We heard a lot of stories from others that was much different with one adult having about 100 bites.  Most said it was terrible.  Our son just complained about the food except for the night they had hamburgers.  We've stuck with that and it's worked well so I would suggest giving it a try.  I know it has some negative reviews online but mostly good reviews.  It's probably best to go with the full measure of protection with sprays for clothes and the bandana.