Glenn
Dunning is a member of New England Outdoor Writers Association
(NEOWA) and contributes monthly to Outdoors Magazine
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
||||||||||
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
||
Outdoor Magazine, May '04 issue, Traveling Outdoorsman col. Submitted by: Glenn Dunning |
||
Bug Basics Tips on dealing with a natural nuisance. |
||
Ah, Spring in Vermont! In most parts of the state we have made our way through mud season by now and with daylight savings time in effect we are ready for the onset of bug season. In the last several years I have become more tolerant to the invasion of black flies, no-see-ums and mosquitoes here in the green mountains. You see my travels afford me the opportunity to visit places where the bugs are so much worse that it makes it less an issue at home. This experience of running baits at bear camps, fishing for feisty Quebec northerns, mucking through tundra bogs and feeding Alaska's legendary vampire mosquitoes has made me a "quick study" on some tactics used in places where the bugs are really bad. There are all kinds of bug dope products out there and I make no claim to endorse, recommend or by any means pretend to be an authority on what is best but I do have some opinions and observations. First, I don't like bugs but neither do I like putting toxic chemicals on my skin. Most of the heavy-duty bug repellents contain Deet, a nasty little agent that requires a minimum100 word caution label. I once applied a tiny amount to the window netting on my tent in an effort to keep the no-see-ums from penetrating and watched in amazement as one little drop melted a one-inch hole in the screen. Convinced me it must be good for your skin but apparently the bugs don't care for it much. I did discover a product last summer that impressed me. White Mountain Insect Repellent made in Merrimack, New Hampshire is concocted of extracts from insect repelling plants like mint, citronella, corn oil and cedar, all natural ingredients and not that unpleasant to the senses. As with nearly all repellents, the label does suggest caution when applying near the eyes and advises seeking immediate medical attention if swallowed. Remember those smoking coils that first hit the market in the 60's or 70's. They don't work well outside if there is any kind of a breeze but in your outpost cabin, camper or wall tent they are amazing for de-bugging an area. Because the smoke is aromatically dispensed and is toxic, caution must be taken to cover food items and utensils. Open screened windows and vacate the area for several hours (never use these in unventilated spaces). Using the exact same chemical agent (d-cis/trans allethrin ) but employing new technology is a product called Thermacell. Looking somewhat like those big clunky walkie-talkies of 10 years ago, the unit contains a small butane heating element. By placing a packet of insecticide on the device's grill and over the heat source a vapor is transmitted into the air. I definitely would not use this inside any enclosure but it sure does kill bugs. The packaging suggests it can be used for hunting but because the butane cylinder has a slight hiss when burning, I am not convinced. Of course, the down side of all of these products is that if not used correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions, they can cause you grave bodily harm. They kill bugs because they are poisons and not really good for you. Most biting insects are attracted by temperature, color, the presence of moisture and most significantly because our bodies emit carbon dioxide, a proven magnet for mosquitoes and black flies. No single repellent that I know of neutralizes all of these attractants. I've heard from several sources that taking garlic pills at bedtime prior to a day of exposure acts as a deterrent and for kids I still don't think you can beat the Avon product "Skin So Soft" for being safe, if only marginally affective. Unquestionably, the most effective means of surviving in extreme buggy conditions is the use of bug proof clothing. I do not travel without a head net. They are cheap, take up no room in your pack and may seem unnecessary until the day you wish you have one and don't. For bear hunters or anyone planning on extended exposure in buggy environments, a full bug suit or at the least a jacket is a must. Most are designed so that the bill of your hat keeps the netting away from your face and are gathered with elastic around wrists and ankles. Remember when shopping for a suit, that often conditions will be warm and sweat attracts insects so your protection needs to be lightweight and vent easily. For your hands, non-latex surgical gloves offer great protection without seriously impeding the dexterity needed to snap open a swivel or feel the trigger of your arrow release. Your hands will sweat in them so powdering the inside will improve comfort but the bugs will not bite through them. The real key to enjoying a favorite past-time in the bug woods is mental tolerance and when mastered, you are a better man than I. |
|
|