Help, Mosquitoes Are Eating Me Alive!
What are all those red bumps on your skin? Chicken pox, or hundreds of mosquito, fly, gnat and no-see-um bites? Although the itch of bug bites is annoying, the real danger lies in the diseases that mosquitoes spread. Thankfully, thoughtful planning can keep your body both comfortable and safe while exploring summer wetlands. Here are a few tricks we use to deter blood-sucking pests.
COVER UP
The most effective and safe method of insect repellant, in our opinion, is simply this: cover all of your skin. And we mean all of your skin. Mosquitoes and other biting insects will bite through your clothing in any place where the fabric lays tight against your skin. Commonly, this includes the places near your shoulders where your shirt fits tightly, and areas at your backside and thighs where the fabric is stretched close to the skin while sitting or crouching. Choose loose-fitting pants that are long enough to cover your ankles at all times, and large enough to still fit loosely when you sit down. Wear a long-sleeve baggy shirt that is long enough to tuck into your pants if need be, or to hang loosely over your backside while you are sitting. Carry and use a bug net, and wear socks and shoes at all times.
FACE TO THE WIND
When exploring insect-infested areas such as swamps and wetlands, try to choose rest stops and campsites that can catch a breeze. These are often areas of higher elevation or lesser tree cover. For front-country or basecamp camping, consider bringing a battery-powered fan.
BUILD A SMOKY FIRE
Top off your campfire with wet wood or a handful of damp leaves to fumigate your campsite with a billow of smoke. Sit downwind of the campfire for best insect protection—even with a non-smoky fire, insects won’t typically gather in the current of hot air blowing off the fire.
POISON THOSE BUGS
Many outdoor folk swear by Permethrin and DEET. We have seen people exhibit allergic reactions to these products, so do your research and know what is safe for you.
HOP INTO THAT SHELTER BEFORE DUSK
Last but not least, avoid being outside of your tent or shelter during dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.