Mosquito Repellent

GA_gal · 01-14-2013, 01:23 PM

My hubby and I want to get an early start on hiking this year, before the weather gets ridiculously hot and humid, so we're planning a day trip for this upcoming weekend. Do we need mosquito repellent this early in the year? Normally I wouldn't think so, but we've had temps above 70 for about a week now.

wvbreamfisherman · 01-14-2013, 04:49 PM

Probably not. Without checking, I seem to recall that it takes a week or two from eggs hatching to mature mosquito. I might be mistaken though, I suppose you could ask some one in your local health dept. They might have an insect-borne disease specialist.

Newanderthal · 01-14-2013, 06:30 PM

You might. The weather feels like early fall, not mid-winter. A few weeks from now might be the start of mosquito season or it might be a blizzard.

As for mosquito repellant, I've always used Repel 100. It's a small spray bottle that easily fits in a pocket. A couple of squirts keeps the biters away much longer than ANY of the OFF products. I used this while canoeing in the Atchaffalaya Basin in Louisiana. Those mosquitoes ignore Deep Woods OFF, but I rarely got bit using Repel 100. Also, it doesn't irritate the skin or leave that sticky residue.

And a $3 bottle will last you about 30-40 trips. I use about 1 bottle every 3-4 years.

swebob · 01-15-2013, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

You might. The weather feels like early fall, not mid-winter. A few weeks from now might be the start of mosquito season or it might be a blizzard.

As for mosquito repellant, I've always used Repel 100. It's a small spray bottle that easily fits in a pocket. A couple of squirts keeps the biters away much longer than ANY of the OFF products. I used this while canoeing in the Atchaffalaya Basin in Louisiana. Those mosquitoes ignore Deep Woods OFF, but I rarely got bit using Repel 100. Also, it doesn't irritate the skin or leave that sticky residue.

And a $3 bottle will last you about 30-40 trips. I use about 1 bottle every 3-4 years.

I also Deet 100 and i can say it works.. You dont need to spray it all over, just a few squirts and rub it all over and your set..

I just camped 2 week age in chilly 50 degree weather and during the day when it was in the 70's the skeeters and sand gnats were biting around the water and woods.. The Deet 100 is the best and you dont even know its on and not any smell to worry about..

ppine · 01-16-2013, 10:28 AM

When mosquitoes get serious like in Minnesota or Alaska, long sleeves, long pants, headnets, and cigars help a lot.

carmen · 01-16-2013, 11:18 AM

I might need to try that out, still after all these years I have yet to find something that works great for me. The doc said I am not "too bad" when it comes to being allergic but it is still a pest that drives me batty each time I get bitten.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppine

When mosquitoes get serious like in Minnesota or Alaska, long sleeves, long pants, headnets, and cigars help a lot.

Oh boy! I could never imagine fighting them off that bad.

Pathfinder1 · 01-16-2013, 12:04 PM

Hi...

A lot has been written aboye mosquito repellents on this forum. Yes, DEET will repel insects...but because of its side effects and/or potential side effects...I will not use it. From first-hand experience I can say that DEET will DISSOLVE PAINT...!!

There are now many other choices which do not use DEET...choices which are invironmental friendly...not to mention friendly to you.

This may be just another urban legend, but I've heard it often enough to mention it...that carrying dryer sheets will repel them. I have no first-hand experience about using them, though.

wvbreamfisherman · 01-16-2013, 02:13 PM

I have some DEET 100, but I really prefer the Ultrathon. I think it lasts longer (at least on me). 3M

There are some newer repellents, like Picardin (which I haven't tried yet), but most of the "organic" or "natural" ones don't work very well for very long, in all the controlled tests.

GA_gal · 01-16-2013, 03:08 PM

Newanderthal - I agree with you about the weather feeling a lot more like early fall than mid-winter. Thanks for sharing the info about the Repel 100. I remember seeing some in Wal-Mart, last time I was in the sporting goods section. I thought about buying it, but decided against it because the weather was still fairly cold at that point. I think spring is going to come early for us in GA this year though, so I'll pick some up next time I go shopping. I think we're going to need it. =/

IndianaHiker · 01-16-2013, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swebob

I also Deet 100 and i can say it works.. You dont need to spray it all over, just a few squirts and rub it all over and your set..

I just camped 2 week age in chilly 50 degree weather and during the day when it was in the 70's the skeeters and sand gnats were biting around the water and woods.. The Deet 100 is the best and you dont even know its on and not any smell to worry about..

Same thing I use and I love it. Can be easily found at Walmart and Target.