How to De-Bug Your Adventure
From your Adventure Travel Guide
Problems with mosquitoes, ticks, flies and the like while in the backcountry? Who doesn't? Learn how to protect yourself from -- BUGS! Useful tips always worth trying, and work some of the time.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Here's How:
Know Thy Enemy! Bugs like to hang near stagnant ponds or puddles of water; or in dense vegetation or blooming flowers. Avoid such areas when setting up camp or crossing the backcountry. Avoidance is best!
Clothing can save you when all else fails. Light longsleeve cotton shirts; loose fitting cotton pullover pants; a wet scarf around the exposed parts of the neck. If they can't find a target, you're safe.
Citronella sticks or candles can still be your best line of defense at the campground. And it doesn't take a lot of them to work. Burn one in your tent in the bottom of your metal mess kit, and sleep soundly.
Where there's smoke, there's fire. And mosquitoes know this as well. Generally, a smoky campfire will at least discourage an all out invasion of blood-suckers. Put a water soaked twigs in the fire for more smoke.
For ticks, an increase in garlic in the diet can help, and sulfur powder, still available commercially, can be used to powder the tops of socks, sleeve openings of shirts and pants, and around the waistband.
A wide brimmed hat can be a great defense against swarming flies. Most flies buzz up and down, and the wider the brim, the farther you can keep them from your face.
No one seems to like them, but you can get a head veil at most wilderness stores that tuck into your shirt and drape over your head and neck. Not very fashionable, but a life saver in mosquito alley.
Deet! You knew we would get to it. The agent found in most commercial insect repellents actually works -- sometimes. Use it sparingly because it also repels wildlife you're trying to glimpse.
Care for a mud bath? If you don't have repellent, and find yourself invaded, mud packs on the exposed face and skin can really save you from massive attack. It scares the heck out of your companions too!
Pick your terrain! Taking to the windy passes and staying out of the swamp country does a lot to help you avoid insect problems. Plot your backcountry trek accordingly.
Ants and crawling insects are going to find the food, unless you are water tight and stored away. Don't tempt them. Replace lids and food products immediately after using. Get the crumbs out of the bed roll!
Swarming insects like bees and wasps love the sticky stuff too. Avoid drinks other than water if your hiking through infested hive areas or beautiful fields of pollen-rich flowers. No sugar!
Watch out for tanning oils! Some are sweet and a natural attractant to certain kinds of bugs.
Tips:
Never travel without insect supplies! Make a list (follow the ones below) and leave nothing out!
Citronella incense -- get it at your outfitter or in most grocery and hardware stores in wilderness areas. Use the incense and not the candles.
Avon's Skin-So-Soft is touted by oldtimers as the ultimate repellent, though tests fail to confirm it. Decide for yourself.
Take along a commercial repellent, even if you don't use it. Try a repellent/sunblock combo.
Mosquito netting is cheap and doesn't weigh much. Take one along if you're headed to the swamp or tropics.
Related Information:
 EPA -- About Mosquitoes and Their Control Dangerous Destinations
Tick-Borne Diseases
Biting Insect Resources/Prevention
What You Need:
Citronella
|
Info/Shop
|
Commercial repellent
|
Info/Shop
|
Garlic in your diet
|
Info/Shop
|
Mosquito netting
|
Info/Shop
|
Sulphur powder
|
Info/Shop
|
Wide-brimmed hat
|
Info/Shop
|
Scarf or neckband
|
Info/Shop
|
Appropriate clothing
|
Info/Shop
|
|
