Ok MOSQUITO experts, what's the best preventative?

[Pricejh]

Originally Posted by FIRE UP

Wow Gang,

I had no idea I'd trigger this many responses. Seems skeeters get to a lot of folks and, a lot of folks have ideas and experience on what works and doesn't work. We will be just west of the Vanderbilt area of I-75. On the google map, sure as heck looks like a forest out of Robin Hood. I (we) both surely appreciate any and all your help here. Neither one of us has good luck with repellents so far.



And, so far, no one's mentioned the so-called preventative of using a bunch of vitamin "B" a few weeks before you begin your travels. We've heard that's supposed to work too. No real proof. Anyway, again, thank you all for your help here.

Scott

"B" doesn't work. Tried it, too.

[pasdad1]

Sprinkle this around where you are sitting

[TonyDi]

We use sprays that contain DEET and set up a fan to blow across the area where we are sitting. The skeeters have trouble flying in the wind.

[Oldtrooper]

Thermacell, as JTROOP said it's very effective. I have personally used this product and it WILL keep the little blood suckers at bay.

[Durango Dave]

I heard one time that mosquitos are attracted to our breath, is that true?

[StevieD]

In Texas the mosquitos get so big we use 30 30 or 30 06. Some like to BBQ but I find them jot very tasty.

[Keen Family]

For a non wearable solution, a mosquito magnet set up at the site in advance.

[HackEagle01]

Listerine in a spray bottle is effective. Spray it all over your clothes and exposed body parts.

[Canefin]

All great things mentioned that work. I set up a perimeter of citronella in the canisters and have a camp fire going. Inside perimeter is the citronella candles. Seems to work but not 100% so you still need skin so soft by Avon if you don't mind the greasynes. Just started using the foggers that are sold at Costco in 3 pack and it seems to work for a bit but disapates.

[Mark D]

I have issues with bugs, if my wife and I go for walk I look like pig pen with the bugs around me. It's a blood thing, some say it's because they want my blood more than others but I say it's because I smell like death.

Two things work for me. First a fan blowing in the area helps. Anything more than a 2-3 mph breeze keeps them at bay. The second is permethrin, it's a coating you can put on your clothes. The military treats their uniforms with it and even have quick application packs to recoat. You can buy clothes and hats that have been treated and will last 50+ washings or you can buy some and treat your clothes. I swear by this stuff and treat my golf clothes among other things.

To treat yourself you lightly spray it on your clothes let it air dry and you are all set. No smell after it dries. The issue with treating it your self is that you need to reapply every few washings which isn't an issue for most.

[Ryaninottawa]

Deet is the best. Don't wast your money on anything else. If you can get some cup holders like what Tim Hortons gives out or possably McDonald's as well, they help. How you may ask, we'll I will tell you! Just light them? Put then in a metal plate and leave them smolder all around where you are sitting. Mosquitos will stay away. I am from Northern Ontario. We know mosquitos.

[CampDaven]

In mid summer, the UP and south a ways in the LP there are black flies. They will take meaty bites. They can land on your shoe, stick their mouth down the lace eyelet, thru the sock, and eat!
Deet doesn't work. Black fly repellent is sold at every checkout counter next to the deet.

[theoldwizard]

If it your home, get yourself a propane fired fogger. Fog the area, especially grass, plants and shrubs, a week before again the day of the event. The stuff you buy off the shelf is just not effective.

I found this "recipe" on the web. The chemicals are all EPA approved.

To one half gallon of 1-k kerosene add 4 ounces of Permethrin-10 and
2 ounces of Pyrethrin (ExciteR). You just need to make sure they say
'contains petroleum distillates' to make sure they will mix with the kerosene.
The pyrethrin is a fast knockdown; the permethrin is a persistent that will
last up to 2 weeks. Once you take out the adults and then leave the
persistant for new egg hatch you can get to the other side of the little
bugs.

The key to using a volatile mixture with a propane fogger is make sure the fogger is fully up to temp before you start pumping.

[Lilrhody]

We just used an old recipe found online that worked great for us.

1 large bottle of blue mouthwash
3 cups Epsom salts
3 stale beers

Mix until salt dissolves.

Spray the area - grass, bushes, decks, etc.

We've been skeeter free at our campsite for a week.