Looking for advice for an effective mosquito repellent we could find OTC in any Florence farmacia upon arrival. Although the bugs aren't famously bad in late April/early May in Tuscany, my wife is a real magnet for them. If there are any around they will find her, and we'll be spending most of our time in the countryside. A cream would be preferred over a spray, and we'd like to avoid the hassle of having to bring something along. Any suggestions, especially from other bug-sensitive travelers, would be appreciated.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
2092 posts
You can easily find mosquito repellent sprays also in supermarkets, but pharmacies will have more choices. The most popular brand is Autan.
Posted by
6704 posts
I look for picaridin, which will be labeled as such but also under various names.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
3218 posts
Might want to ask the pharmacist what they recommend for local use in order to target whatever critters are hatching at the moment.
Posted by
Chicago
9571 posts
It has been a while since we spent a couple of months in Florence but when we were there we could not buy effective repellent. They have little plug in things that are worthless and they don't have window screens. I absolutely recommend getting a high quality deet repellent and also those little individual packets of wipes with strong repellent. I like to carry one in my back pocket for that moment at dusk when the critters come out. Or if I find myself in a park full of mosquitos. Bring it with you especially if you are sensitive. Whatever she uses at home is the right idea. Check out camping stores like REI for the individual packets of wipes with effective repellent. They don't take up much room and don't leak.
Posted by
New England
820 posts
I’ve had good luck bringing Natrapel Picaridin wipes from home when I visit Florence and Lucca. I’m a mosquito magnet too so I won’t take the risk of trying to find what works for me in a store abroad (though I love shopping locally for other toiletries).
What I like specifically about Picaridin is that it doesn’t melt plastic like Deet (which took the lettering off my Casio watch years ago) and doesn’t feel greasy to me like Deet does.
Good luck!
Posted by
74 posts
I take a small bottle of lavender with us when we travel, hike, etc. It needs to be applied regularly, but it’s safe, has a wonderful scent, and we find it quite effective. This is what I keep on hand: https://madewithlavender.com/collections/lavender-products-body
Posted by
Chicago
9571 posts
yeah. The key here is when you know you are sensitive you come prepared -- you don't try to find it locally and then end up with some homeopathic nonsense or 'safe' cream that doesn't work. If you know what works at home and something less irksome than deet products works for you -- then bring some.