Have you tried Citronella-based insect repellents? You can find them most any place that supplies hikers/campers. I've had some luck with them, but there's a huge caveat: If you really, really like the smell of citronella candles and if you really, really don't mind smelling like one for half a week, then go ahead. When I was a kid, I remember my mom would give me sulphur tablets for a few days before going off on long camping trips. This was supposed to keep mosquitoes and chiggers away (for those of you who haven't experienced chiggers, don't start). They made you smell awful and I don't think they did squat. Some people also experiment by putting citronella candles or coils in a circle around the viewing site. That sort of works, but I don't know if it has any effect of vampires, werewolves, etc. In the end, I've come back to DEET. I don't spend as many nights outside as many others on the list and I felt the risks were minimal. Of course, my wife makes me take off everything before I come into the house. Was that more than you needed to know?
I've come to the conclusion that I do not want to put any chemicals on my skin. Therefore I'm looking for a more natural substitute to protect myself from mosquitos. Last July, I got over 50 bites while observing at BlackRock Rd in AZ. Hence, I'm wondering how to safely protect myself. Any ideas?
--- Michael Carnes <michaelcarnes@earthlink.net> wrote: <snip>
In the end, I've come back to DEET. I don't spend as many nights outside as many others on the list and I felt the risks were minimal. <snip>
Ditto here. But instead of the 28% "jungle juice" of the Vietnam era, I find Utah no-see-ums seem adequately detered with a diluted 7% solution. Most of the stores now sell diluted DEET solutions along with the standard concentrations. Even so, DEET is a nerve gas derivate and I hate using it. Another reduced chemical option is the bug-jacket. The bug-jacket along with long-pants in summer is my first line of defense - then just a little bit of DEET on the back of the neck, ears and hands. Bug-jackets are just mesquito netting sewn into a jacket shape. Most come impregnated with a slow-release insect repellant. Where long pants are not an option due to heat, bug-pants are also available. The bug-jacket looks geeky, is no fashion statement, but it's a good summer solution. My bug-jacket lives in my daypack and is quick and easy to put on and take off when needed. Something else that I purchased last year, but have not been able to test are these battery powered fly-swatter bug zappers coming out China. They're five and dime items that cost about $5-$10. Thought I'd hang one from the bottom of the scope during the summer. - Canopus56 http://www.campmor.com/ No-See-Um Bug Jacket Item Number: 82170 http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=13... No-See-Um Bug Pants Item Number: 82171 http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=15... __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Another option that you may want to look into is the BUZZ-OFF branded clothing. It does use a chemical (Permethrin) but it is supposedly bonded into the fabric. I've only seen t in ExOfficio and Orvis clothing lines but according to their website http://www.buzzoff.com/ it is available in a few other brands. The regular retail for Orvis and ExOfficio is a bit pricey for me but I picked up some shirts at the Orvis store in Murray during their going out of business sale at a good price and they seem to work pretty well. --- Canopus56 <canopus56@yahoo.com> wrote:
--- Michael Carnes <michaelcarnes@earthlink.net> wrote: <snip>
In the end, I've come back to DEET. I don't spend as many nights outside as many others on the list and I felt the risks were minimal. <snip>
Another reduced chemical option is the bug-jacket. The bug-jacket along with long-pants in summer is my first line of defense - then just a little bit of DEET on the back of the neck, ears and hands. Bug-jackets are just mesquito netting sewn into a jacket shape. Most come impregnated with a slow-release insect repellant. Where long pants are not an option due to heat, bug-pants are also available.
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Quoting Michael Carnes <michaelcarnes@earthlink.net>:
When I was a kid, I remember my mom would give me sulphur tablets for a few days before going off on long camping trips. This was supposed to keep mosquitoes and chiggers away (for those of you who haven't experienced chiggers, don't start). They made you smell awful and I don't think they did squat.
You sure wouldn't want to fall and strike your face on a rock for fear your head would ignite like a match! ;)
Of course, my wife makes me take off everything before I come into the house...
Nope! I refuse to be drawn into that one... ;)
I find that mosquitoes tend to go to sleep when the temperature drops much below 70 degrees. If you have a January observing sight with a mosquito problem, we all would love to hear where it is. DT __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Milemarker 22 Kaupo side Maui but we have moths, no mosquitos http://banana.ifa.hawaii.edu/crater/ live Maui image Aloha Rob
participants (6)
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Canopus56 -
daniel turner -
diveboss＠xmission.com -
Ivo Stutznegger -
Michael Carnes -
Rob Ratkowski