Mosquito Repellant Suggestions

[Thomas Linton]

Yep, as a matter of fact I still have a can of it. When my dad died in 1973, I inherited his tackle box, which I've left pretty much as it was, "6-12" and all.

That was light mineral oil with something in it that was supposed to repel mosquitos but DEFINITELY attracted dirt. It was good for keeping rust off carbon steel.

 

[rlinger]

As mentioned above, include vitamin B complex in your diet. My outfitter in nortern Ontario is never bothered by the little flying critters. He intakes vitamin B complex and says that's what does the trick.

RL

 

[x39]

It was good for keeping rust off carbon steel.

I'm glad to hear it was good for something! I remember fishing trips in Maine where the little buggers totally ignored it. Had to break out the aforementioned "Old Time Woodsman". These days, I rarely use bug dope, even though I spend a LOT of time in the Maine woods. I think the bugs got tired of me.

 

[VampyreWolf]

Garlic helps, as does natural scent.
If I'm hitting the bush on the weekend(ie leaving friday), I have my last shower for the week on wednesday, and if I'm taking freshly washed clothing it's done with scent free stuff.

Can walk through the woods all weekend in shorts and a tshirt and MIGHT pick up 5-6 bites all weekend.

If I'm going into tick country, I break out the Deep Woods, have a bottle in the garage from the early 90s, works great.

 

[BlueyM]

Interested in your comment about garlic, VampyreWolf.

How do you apply it?

Do you use raw garlic and rub it on or use capsules as per the Vitamin B technique?

If you ingest it, what dose, and how long before the trek date do you need to start?

As mentioned above, I have heard of garlic before, but have never tried it out or heard a definitive result about its effectiveness.

I wouldn't recommend garlic treatments if you are taking a lady friend to discover the joys of camping

But, this IS a serious question, I spend most of my bush time alone.

 

[seikan1]

I know this may sound funny but try "Skin So Soft". A park ranger suggested it to me one year when my kids were being eaten alive by those pesky vectors. It works.

That has been the most effective I have found too.

Seikan1

 

[VampyreWolf]

BlueyM: I just eat the stuff with everything. 3 Seasonings that are constantly being replaced here.... Cayene, Basil, Garlic.

I probably eat a bulb a week, it's good for the body anyways. If you get the "Elephant Garlic"(about 3" across on a normal bulb) it's sweeter and works better for garlic butter.