I grew up in southwest Louisiana, where the insect the CDC calls "the world's deadliest animal"—the mosquito—is a constant presence. Along with ticks and chiggers, I spent most of my childhood covered in bug bites from all the camping and hunting I did. It was a rite of passage, really, but also a lesson in how to survive the wilds of the South.
Those were the days before climate change really started to shift things around, but now I find myself more concerned than ever about the spread of insect-borne diseases moving into new regions. West Nile, Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Lyme disease are no longer just southern problems—they're becoming a national (and even global) concern.
DEET is definitely my go-to for repelling insects—both mosquitoes and ticks—but what do you do when you don’t have it? Maybe you’re stuck in an emergency without any bug spray, or you’re in a long-term survival scenario and commercial DEET has run out. That’s when you need to get creative.
Here are two DIY alternatives that aren’t as effective as commercial repellents, but they’re simple, use everyday items you can find at a local store, and can make a real difference in a pinch.
Ticks and Chiggers: Nylon Pantyhose
Nylon pantyhose make a surprisingly effective physical barrier against ticks and chiggers. We’ve used them on hikes and in the woods, and while they don’t work against mosquitoes, they do a decent job of keeping those little bloodsuckers off your skin. They’re especially useful for covering your legs, which is where ticks tend to latch on.
The stretchy material fits well around your arms, legs, and even your neck, but the key is to wear them on your lower body. Just be aware that they trap heat, so they’re not ideal in hot weather. Still, they’re great for short-term use and can even double as water filters or makeshift rope if needed.
As the old saying goes, “You just have to know how to use them.†And with a little ingenuity, nylons can be more than just a fashion item.
Mosquitoes: Avon Skin So Soft
There’s a lot of debate online about whether Avon Skin So Soft actually works as an insect repellent. Some say it’s a miracle, others say it’s barely effective, and some say it doesn’t work at all. But from personal experience, I can tell you it does work—at least for me and my friends.
We used it in Boy Scouts all the time, and after a while, your skin feels like jello. But it keeps the mosquitoes away. The trick is to apply it generously. If you get good and greased up, it really does keep the bugs off. Plus, it smells way better than most chemical repellents, which is a big plus if you’re trying to stay hygienic in an emergency situation.
That said, the protection doesn’t last as long as DEET, so I’d only use it as a backup or in the evening before bed. That way, you sleep smelling like a spa day and wake up feeling slightly less gross. It’s not perfect, but in a pinch, it’s a solid alternative.
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