What is the best way to protect against insects? I've tried long pants and blousing them to the boot. This works against ticks and their kind, but not against mosquitoes and biting flies. I tried Jungle Juice (95% DEET) and had everything stick to me. Another repellent I tried was 'organic' and required reapplying every half hour. What is the best insect repellent? Preferrably one that lasts and is non-sticky. Thanks in advance. - CAman
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Insect Protection
- Thread starter CAman
- Start date
I hate mosquitoes and black flies, but they love me. Any Northerner will give you his or her favourite formula from smoke to some exotic elixer to doped clothing. Sometimes nothing works. For me, variations on citronella work best, but covering up is more comfortable in the long term, if it's not too hot. I'm eager to hear what everyone's favourite technique is
- Joined
- Jun 29, 1999
- Messages
- 9,729
Wish I had an answer to this one... I'd be rich! Johnson's baby oil seems to discourage the little brutes, and it's not too messy, and won't dissolve your glasses and other plastic stuff like DEET. A few days in wood smoke helps discourage bugs, some... Citronella works for a while, if you can stand smelling like a lemon, but sweats off easily. Long exposure will build up a bit of an immunity to mosquitoes after you have suffered enough bits... but black flies seem to take chunks out of your skin. They've been known to kill cattle (and errant tourists who venture into the Canadian north without proper preparation).
- Joined
- Nov 29, 1999
- Messages
- 632
Covering the body is the best defense....
However, I must admit that on occassion... I have been so PO'd at the biting flies that I have resorted to the all so mighty (and sometimes deadly when used in high concentrations) deet.
Isn't it amazing how those flies seem to always bite you right in the middle of your back....
For really mild problems, I have used the leaves of Yaro. I rub them all over me and even attach them to my clothes. They seem to help a little (not when the problem is bad).
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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?
However, I must admit that on occassion... I have been so PO'd at the biting flies that I have resorted to the all so mighty (and sometimes deadly when used in high concentrations) deet.
Isn't it amazing how those flies seem to always bite you right in the middle of your back....
For really mild problems, I have used the leaves of Yaro. I rub them all over me and even attach them to my clothes. They seem to help a little (not when the problem is bad).
------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?
well one thing that my father used to make for me and i have used with great success in norther ontario and quebec on canoe trips is a mixture of 1/3 of each of the following:
-baby oil
-oil citronella
-pine tar
i would warn in advance aht it is very greasy and gives a great tan but really stinks so it can keep ppl away at times as well but once ppl n the trip saw htat i was not getting eaten alive and tehy were they normaly started to use it. Have fun trying to find the pin tar mind you that is the only reason that i dont use it anymore is i can find the stuff.
-baby oil
-oil citronella
-pine tar
i would warn in advance aht it is very greasy and gives a great tan but really stinks so it can keep ppl away at times as well but once ppl n the trip saw htat i was not getting eaten alive and tehy were they normaly started to use it. Have fun trying to find the pin tar mind you that is the only reason that i dont use it anymore is i can find the stuff.
- Joined
- Dec 29, 1999
- Messages
- 932
One little that that I read about(tried it and it works!!)is a trick used by Christopher Nyerges. Add a Tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar to 1 quart of water. Not only does it repels bug, but it also helps your body deal with heat better.
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Big-Target>>>>>>SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM
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Big-Target>>>>>>SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM
I have found the most effective method is the Canadian Bug Shirt. It has no chemicals and the mesh completely covers you head. There are drawstrings at the wrist and waist. There is a fair amount of mesh under the armpits and face. It also has a half zip under the chin so you can take the top off. What I really like about this bug jacket is how handy is is when fishing ( getting on & off the water) You put it on while launching the boat and unzip when underway. It is also really nice not to be covered in deet first thing in the morning. Here, even in bug season, the worst time (besides just before a rain) is in the morning and dusk
Ken in Canada
Ken in Canada
Ok you manly guys, anyone here ever tried Avon Skin So Soft?
At time's I've had incredible success with it and at other times not so good. Again, at times it was incredibly effective against swarms of mosqueeetos but I've never tested it against black flies.
It's far less toxic than DEET and wont' eat your binoculars. It's somewhat fragrant so be careful using it around the opposite sex.
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Hoodoo
The low, hoarse purr of the whirling stonethe light-pressd blade,
Diffusing, dropping, sideways-darting, in tiny showers of gold,
Sparkles from the wheel.
Walt Whitman
At time's I've had incredible success with it and at other times not so good. Again, at times it was incredibly effective against swarms of mosqueeetos but I've never tested it against black flies.
It's far less toxic than DEET and wont' eat your binoculars. It's somewhat fragrant so be careful using it around the opposite sex.
------------------
Hoodoo
The low, hoarse purr of the whirling stonethe light-pressd blade,
Diffusing, dropping, sideways-darting, in tiny showers of gold,
Sparkles from the wheel.
Walt Whitman