Mosquito Control for Backpackers
Mosquito control for backpackers isn't a minor issue. Mosquitoes
used to be a nuisance more than a danger. When backpacking and
in areas that had a lot of these pesky insects, you expected
to be annoyed, and to lose sleep even. Now mosquitoes in many
areas of the United States also carry diseases that are potentially
deadly, so you need to be prepared.
Mosquito control is important then, and it begins with a little
planning before your back country hike. Bring a mosquito head
net if you will be in an area with a lot of mosquitoes, for example.
Head nets are about one ounce - light enough even for those of
us who like to go really light. But what else can you do to avoid
mosquitoes or prevent their bites? Here are a few pointers.
1. Carry insect repellent with DEET in it. The other repellents
may work okay, but so far DEET has the best record for repelling
mosquitoes and preventing bites. However, it damages to and other
synthetic materials, so be careful to apply it to your skin,
without getting any on that rain jacket or other synthetic clothing.
2. Use clothing with neutral colors. Most mosquitoes are attracted
to blue and to contrasts of light and dark clothing. If you stick
to tan, light brown and beige colors as much as possible, you'll
be bothered less.
3. Keep your skin covered. Wear long pants, and tuck them
into your socks. Wear long-sleeved shirts in areas that have
a lot of mosquitoes. They have a hard time biting through nylon
materials that are tightly woven, so choose these over fishnet
t-shirts and other easy-to-bite-through clothing.
4. Make camp in breezy locations. Camp in areas that get a
breeze and you'll have a lot fewer problems with mosquitoes.
Set up the tent to face into the wind and you'll avoid allowing
insects inside when you climb in and out of it.
5. Watch the time. Mosquitoes are typically more active at
dawn and dusk. Avoid them by setting up camp before dusk and
leaving by dawn, or sleeping in and leaving later.
6. Have a fire. A fire that produces a fair amount of smoke
will keep many insects away. You can keep it small and use a
few live branches from spruce or fir trees to produce more strongly
scented smoke that will repel mosquitoes.
7. Keep yourself clean. Hygiene is an important part of mosquito
control because mosquitoes and other insects are drawn to the
ammonia in your sweat, and the odor of your feet and socks. Bath
yourself regularly (in lakes and streams if necessary), and seal
your dirty socks in a plastic bag, and you'll attract fewer biting
insects.
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