What Will Be Your Mosquito Avoidance Techniques?

[FeetFirst]

Two years ago I "Insect Shield[ed] My Own Clothes." (See details here: https://www.insectshield.com/ISYOC.aspx) I had them work their magic on my typical backpacking uniform (Marmot Arch Rock pants & Patagonia l/s Sun Stretch shirt). Made a big difference and still very effective after dozens of washes.

[robow8]

Two years ago I "Insect Shield[ed] My Own Clothes." (See details here: https://www.insectshield.com/ISYOC.aspx) I had them work their magic on my typical backpacking uniform (Marmot Arch Rock pants & Patagonia l/s Sun Stretch shirt). Made a big difference and still very effective after dozens of washes.

They now have Easy Packs, which is basically a mailing envelope that you can stuff with as many clothes as can fit for one price. I sent a bunch of clothes earlier this year and it works great! (My wife HATES bugs)

[Spicer'sVet]

So we're planning to do a trip to Blackcap & Red Mountain Basins in mid-August and I know it's gonna be buggy, especially at lower elevations.

I hate using DEET, and I'm wondering if Picardin is equally effective? I've never used the stuff and heard mixed results about it's effectiveness, but like that it's less toxic and leaves less residue. I'll be treating my clothes with Permethrin, wear a head net, and maybe use some lemon eucalyptus oil but I know it's not as effective as the stronger stuff.

What are folks thoughts on Picardin vs. DEET?

[bobby49]

As you point out, DEET is strong but perhaps a bit toxic. Picardin is less strong, but much less toxic.

Personally, I treat my pants legs and socks with Picardin, plus maybe shirt cuffs. Most of my clothing cannot be penetrated by bugs, so I don't bother treating with anything. A mosquito net head bag works great.

[rayfound]

So we're planning to do a trip to Blackcap & Red Mountain Basins in mid-August and I know it's gonna be buggy, especially at lower elevations.

I hate using DEET, and I'm wondering if Picardin is equally effective? I've never used the stuff and heard mixed results about it's effectiveness, but like that it's less toxic and leaves less residue. I'll be treating my clothes with Permethrin, wear a head net, and maybe use some lemon eucalyptus oil but I know it's not as effective as the stronger stuff.

What are folks thoughts on Picardin vs. DEET?

My experience has been that picaridin is pretty equivalent effectiveness to mosquitos, at least up to moderate intensity.

Haven't had to try in a real bugstorm yet.

[windknot]

I've never used picaridin before, but I've got a big spray bottle ready for an upcoming backpack next week so I'm hoping you're right. My old bottle of DEET is running out and my wife hates it so refuses to let me buy a new one. I'm not the biggest fan of DEET either, but I'm even less of a fan of mosquitoes.

[c9h13no3]

As you point out, DEET is strong but perhaps a bit toxic.

There's no evidence of this when used in a sane manner. For example, see here, or here.

[bobby49]

I accidentally dribbled some DEET onto my car door, and it dissolved the paint. That concerns me about toxicity.

However, DEET was our standard bug juice when I was in the Army. Even then, there was some concern about toxicity.

[tweederjohnson]

I tend to prefer physical barriers as opposed to both sun block and bug sprays -- long pants and sleeves and hats and head-nets. I never care for having to scrub off a caked-on layer of sweat, dirt, bug spray, sunblock slurry before crawling into my sleeping.

That approach can get hot in lower elevations, but i tend to prefer to hike at higher elevations where the temperatures are a little more forgiving. During non-buggy seasons, I prefer to hike in lightweight wool shirts and shorts, but synthetics tend to make better bite-through barriers when mosquitoes are an issue.

[Spicer'sVet]

Yeah I wasn't necessarily worried about DEET toxicity for myself, but more for native insect and aquatic life when I rinse off in the lakes. Same reason I try to use reef safe sunscreen. But I also agree it's best to cover skin with lightweight clothing (treated with Permethrin) and not use either, I just like wearing shorts when hiking so will need something for my legs.

But hiking in wool shirt and shorts? Sounds way too hot!