Warning for France etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 16, 2003
2,893
1
0
Visit site
Sorry folks , but for anyone venturing to the continent or France for the first time I would suggest some important must have puchases.

You NEED something to kill the mozzies and bugs that will eat you alive at night :)

We have and friends have an Armoury of night time plug in bug killers and smelly candles and burning smoking things for around the

Awning :)

It may sound funny, but I still have Mozzie scars from wounds they caused many years ago :-(
 
Mar 14, 2005
9,950
795
30,935
lutzschelisch.wix.com
I don't think France is particularly bad as far mozzies go. At any rate, it's nothing compared to July/August in northern Sweden and Finland. They're really vicious up there.
 
Dec 16, 2003
2,893
1
0
Visit site
Heading was to grab the attention of those new to continental touring Lutz.

Have friends in Malmo and we got to Mantorp for drag racing and have experienced what you say as well.

Mozzies or whatever flies and feeds from us in France especialy on the western coasts near the forests can be very unpleasant.

On our first caravan trip to Brittany many years ago we noticed the bug candles etc outside caravans and all the static vans and cabins had plug in bug killers supplied.

I can only speak from mine and friends experience, but we Brits seem to find it a problem. May be European bugs like a change of diet and pick on us island visitors in the summer ;-)

But rather a holiday enjoyed than a silly little thing spoil peoples sleep on a first vist :)
 
Mar 14, 2005
349
0
0
Visit site
Time and again Avon Skin So Soft body lotion, Woodland Fresh (Green) is recommended as an anti mosquito treatment. We use the electronic mosquito scarers - no scientific proof that they work it seems but I am rarely bitten.

Mike E
 
Mar 14, 2005
1,476
1
0
Visit site
cris, I have been going to the Landes area between Bordeaux and Biaritz for many years. In spite of the area being one big pine forest I have never noticed any flying insects in large quantaties or been troubled by them.

There have been swarms of wasps though in several areas I have visited.
 
Dec 16, 2003
2,893
1
0
Visit site
OK Guys. TIME OUT.

Bugs don't particularly like me. Can't blame them :)

Never mentioned swarms or clouds on a mission to get Brits or anyone else.

Staying at hotels in various parts of Europe I'v found plug in bug zappers in numerous hotels rooms etc and have been advised to use them especially in non aircon rooms if windows are opened.

I still have a scar from a bug bite from our first family caravan trip many years ago (doctor couldn't work out what had bitten my little son and I) and have seen aware of the like of Euro camp and Key camp reps (we don't use them) and others advising campers on getting bitten.

My own wife and the kids whilst growing up found that some bites on continental sites were very unpleasant and friends neighbours and my motor racing circle who camp around Europe have all commented on the effects of "bug" bites on continental trips.

Its just a bit of well founded advice, on trips to E'leClerc and Auchan etc near camp sites you can even notice the depleted stocks of anti bug gear and spot the holiday makers trolleys with the various gear!

So take it or leave it, it's only advice founded on ours and others years of experience.

Different areas and times of year obviously have different problems, but who wants to find out the hard way when fairly cheap preventative measures can help smooth a holiday.
 
G

Guest

The Carmarque was particularly bad last year around June for mozzies, however we were in the Dordogne and it was clear. I think it has to do with whether there is a rainy Spring, or not. Makes the little b.....s breed.
 
May 5, 2005
1,154
0
0
Visit site
Have been to France and Spain lots and only seem to get the little B's by lakes they seem to like still water imo you could stay at home and be absolutely safe of course
 
Mar 14, 2005
873
1
0
Visit site
Time and again Avon Skin So Soft body lotion, Woodland Fresh (Green) is recommended as an anti mosquito treatment. We use the electronic mosquito scarers - no scientific proof that they work it seems but I am rarely bitten.

Mike E
An absolute coincidence.
 
Mar 14, 2005
873
1
0
Visit site
OK Guys. TIME OUT.

Bugs don't particularly like me. Can't blame them :)

Never mentioned swarms or clouds on a mission to get Brits or anyone else.

Staying at hotels in various parts of Europe I'v found plug in bug zappers in numerous hotels rooms etc and have been advised to use them especially in non aircon rooms if windows are opened.

I still have a scar from a bug bite from our first family caravan trip many years ago (doctor couldn't work out what had bitten my little son and I) and have seen aware of the like of Euro camp and Key camp reps (we don't use them) and others advising campers on getting bitten.

My own wife and the kids whilst growing up found that some bites on continental sites were very unpleasant and friends neighbours and my motor racing circle who camp around Europe have all commented on the effects of "bug" bites on continental trips.

Its just a bit of well founded advice, on trips to E'leClerc and Auchan etc near camp sites you can even notice the depleted stocks of anti bug gear and spot the holiday makers trolleys with the various gear!

So take it or leave it, it's only advice founded on ours and others years of experience.

Different areas and times of year obviously have different problems, but who wants to find out the hard way when fairly cheap preventative measures can help smooth a holiday.
At one time you wouldn't have admitted to being bitten by a bug!

lol
 
Mar 14, 2005
349
0
0
Visit site
Time and again Avon Skin So Soft body lotion, Woodland Fresh (Green) is recommended as an anti mosquito treatment. We use the electronic mosquito scarers - no scientific proof that they work it seems but I am rarely bitten.

Mike E
I cannot vouch for the Avon product but on one holiday used the electric gizmo at an outdoor terrace bar in Greece to the vast amusement of an elderly local lady with us - until she realised we were the only table there not constantly flapping insects away. She was very pleased to have it as a gift when we returned home.

Mike E
 
Mar 14, 2005
357
0
0
Visit site
I agree - stay well away from that nasty France and those dreadful Europeans! I will bravely venture forth and fill the space that you have left - it is pretty tough, but someone has to do it and I have never been one to shirk an unpleasant duty!
 
Dec 30, 2009
1,662
1
0
Visit site
Been caravanning in France for 4 years from the north cost down as far as the Loure valley and have not a single problem with mozzies.

Kevin H
 
Dec 16, 2003
2,893
1
0
Visit site
Somebody asked about hints on continental touring, and I forgot this one!

As said, it's only a tip.

And in general bugs don't bother me.

I've only spent about 20 years caravanning in Europe and good few years before that tenting.

Now a vast number of family and others experience has found some of the things (mozzies and others) that fly and feed off of us on the continent are not what you really want to experience on holiday, especially if you have kids.

Kevin, if you have not had a problem good. But not buying simple inexpensive preventative measures is a NO BRAINER having experienced the problem RARELY myself but knowing of quite a few who have bad holiday memories due to darn bugs!

If you read what I've said it seems quite simple advice ! Not something to lose sleep over, just something to note to hopefully help ensure a comfortable holiday! :) :) :) :)
 
Dec 30, 2009
1,662
1
0
Visit site
Somebody asked about hints on continental touring, and I forgot this one!

As said, it's only a tip.

And in general bugs don't bother me.

I've only spent about 20 years caravanning in Europe and good few years before that tenting.

Now a vast number of family and others experience has found some of the things (mozzies and others) that fly and feed off of us on the continent are not what you really want to experience on holiday, especially if you have kids.

Kevin, if you have not had a problem good. But not buying simple inexpensive preventative measures is a NO BRAINER having experienced the problem RARELY myself but knowing of quite a few who have bad holiday memories due to darn bugs!

If you read what I've said it seems quite simple advice ! Not something to lose sleep over, just something to note to hopefully help ensure a comfortable holiday! :) :) :) :)
Chris, just giving the benifit of my experience, like your good self. Would hate to think someone changed their mind about going to France because of this Topic.
 
Nov 2, 2005
1,481
1
19,185
Visit site
I have to try and not get bitten as I can react badly to bites.

2 years age we were on a site late afternoon sun just beginning to sink.

My grandaughter was happy playing with her toys, came out the caravan and there were mozziies swarming around her legs.

The result was 34 bites on her legs she was only 5.
 
Mar 14, 2005
873
1
0
Visit site
Somebody asked about hints on continental touring, and I forgot this one!

As said, it's only a tip.

And in general bugs don't bother me.

I've only spent about 20 years caravanning in Europe and good few years before that tenting.

Now a vast number of family and others experience has found some of the things (mozzies and others) that fly and feed off of us on the continent are not what you really want to experience on holiday, especially if you have kids.

Kevin, if you have not had a problem good. But not buying simple inexpensive preventative measures is a NO BRAINER having experienced the problem RARELY myself but knowing of quite a few who have bad holiday memories due to darn bugs!

If you read what I've said it seems quite simple advice ! Not something to lose sleep over, just something to note to hopefully help ensure a comfortable holiday! :) :) :) :)
Those bites certainly touched a nerve!
 
Mar 14, 2005
873
1
0
Visit site
Somebody asked about hints on continental touring, and I forgot this one!

As said, it's only a tip.

And in general bugs don't bother me.

I've only spent about 20 years caravanning in Europe and good few years before that tenting.

Now a vast number of family and others experience has found some of the things (mozzies and others) that fly and feed off of us on the continent are not what you really want to experience on holiday, especially if you have kids.

Kevin, if you have not had a problem good. But not buying simple inexpensive preventative measures is a NO BRAINER having experienced the problem RARELY myself but knowing of quite a few who have bad holiday memories due to darn bugs!

If you read what I've said it seems quite simple advice ! Not something to lose sleep over, just something to note to hopefully help ensure a comfortable holiday! :) :) :) :)
In fact they've given me hiccups!
 

BJ

Mar 14, 2005
152
0
0
Visit site
" for anyone venturing to the continent or France for the first time I would suggest some important must have puchases.

You NEED something to kill the mozzies and bugs that will eat you alive at night "

RUBBISH . Ok you can have problems with mozzies and I agree that it is sensible to take precautions.

BUT it is quite wrong to give the impretion that "anyone venturing to the continent or France" needs to be worried about being bitten.

This is usually confined to certain times and places.

Enjoy your camping trip abroad, but consider taking suitable bug deterrents.
 
Mar 14, 2005
112
0
0
Visit site
" for anyone venturing to the continent or France for the first time I would suggest some important must have puchases.

You NEED something to kill the mozzies and bugs that will eat you alive at night "

RUBBISH . Ok you can have problems with mozzies and I agree that it is sensible to take precautions.

BUT it is quite wrong to give the impretion that "anyone venturing to the continent or France" needs to be worried about being bitten.

This is usually confined to certain times and places.

Enjoy your camping trip abroad, but consider taking suitable bug deterrents.
Oh Dear cris,see what happens when you try to be helpful.But you really are quite right and we travel to France every summmer,we always take a plug in thingy.You only need one Mozzie to ruin a good nights sleep!!

Catherine.
 
Mar 29, 2006
32
0
0
Visit site
Hi

We have been going to France for 4 years now and have upto now not had a problem with mozzies, we are trying a different area again this time and are going to Sequia Parc on the Atlantic coast, has anyone had a problem in this area??
 
Dec 16, 2003
2,893
1
0
Visit site
Micheal, in a way I wish I'd never posted this as an after thought to another thread.

We have spantvery many caravanning hols in France with no probs, uus and friends and aquaintances have experienced some nast bug bites especially at night. Alantic coast has a lot of pine forest and even in August we have known a few nasties try and feed.

We have known the same in the UK at odd times, but hte warmer french weather "seems" to produce some slightly nastier results.

The post as some loops ;-) thought was not to put people off or warn of skies darkened by miles of "killer" swarms of mozzies and bugs. But just to say have on hand a plug in bug killer or a smoking alternative ( plenty available in the hypermarkets and cheap normally ) that could help your wonderful holiday remain bite free.

No panic, just be prepared, just in case ;-) Cheap, light and small easily fits in van, but can make a welcome difference!
 
Nov 2, 2005
1,481
1
19,185
Visit site
michael

That was where my grandaughter got all her bites 2 years ago.

Take your mozzie sprays,creams with you. There are plenty about you can swat.
 
Dec 12, 2005
123
0
0
Visit site
You dont have to go to the Continent to feed the bugs, or Scotland for that matter. Last June we spent 2 nights at CC Grin Low, Buxton and we really suffered. My wife dotted every bite on my arms & legs with cream then gave up counting at about 120 and she still had a leg & half an arm to go!! It took well over a week for them to subside. What we found surprising was how small they were, just came straight through the flyscreens, I did think of taking the van back to the dealers to complain that the screens were "unfit for purpose" and demand an exchange for a better set!!

Tankie
 

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts