MORE TIPS FROM THE BOOK OF FORMULAS

37 parts borax, 9 parts starch, 4 parts cocoa

1 part cinnamon oil, 1 part patchouli oil, 4 parts sandal oil, 400 parts alcohol. This has a pleasant odour. Petrol or petroleum based products are also effective mosquito repellants, but generally are unpleasant to use and petrol tends to burn the skin if it is left on long enough.

A 40% solution of formaldehyde is rubbed on the bitten area using the cork of the bottle. Diluted ammonia is also effective.