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We’re used to this, right? We know about black flies and head nets and repellents, but my goodness! This has been the bug year of bug years. I had hopes, what with the dry spring (well, when it finally came), that the dryness might ameliorate the insect populations, but for some reason it did the opposite. We’ve been deluged. Not just with the usual black flies, but with an incessant supply of mosquitoes.
The good news, I guess, is that we’re in this together. Something to moan about instead of the weather, which, by the way, has been gorgeous. Except for those 80+ days. We live up north with good reason.
I got a chuckle out of the Joynes’ sandwich board sign: “MOSQUITO DEFENSE HEADQUARTERS of the North Shore.” Every store features a plethora of bug repellents, bug hats, bug jackets, itch cream, and anything else bug-related. Be quick, though—they’re selling out fast!
I’ve learned a few things about dealing with bugs that might help you. Our best defense is the dragonflies, but I’ve only seen a few thus far. Try prayer on that one.
Here are some ways to take action:
First, wear light-colored clothing when you go out. I walk every morning with neighbors, all garbed in white shirts for the two-mile trek. We also don headnets and carry a bottle of bug dope. We’re no fools.
Second: bug dope. I know the hardy folks up here prefer not to use it, and I remember a Menogyn canoe guide telling us teens to get used to the mosquitoes. Sorry, but I can’t. I’ve found two repellents that work well for both black flies and mosquitoes: REPEL (lemon eucalyptus) and Picaridin. I slather myself with Picaridin creme before I head outdoors, and in spite of being swarmed by mosquitoes and black flies, this is the first year I haven’t been bitten (yet). No bloody scabs or itchy welts behind my ears or along my hairline. Amazing. Picaridin is safe for children, so I prefer it. It also doesn’t stink. We provide a bottle in our rental cabin for guests.
My third recommendation is to wear a bug hat. Though I get claustrophobic in a headnet, it works when the situation is dire. I wear a visor undermine so it doesn’t stick to my face. There’s nothing more effective than just keeping them away from your skin. Long sleeves and pants tucked into your socks help, too. This is no time to be a slave to fashion.
My fourth suggestion is the Therma-cell. It’s a butane gizmo that lights a tiny pilot-like flame, and the heat rises through a felt pad soaked with repellent. And it works. They have walkie-talkie sized individual units and a larger camp-sized unit for a regular butane tank. If it’s not windy outdoors, it’s a godsend, particularly popular with fishermen. I guess there’s also a rechargeable electric version.
Fifth, I suggest perfecting your swat. I’ll bet we’ve had somewhere between ten and fifty mosquitoes come into our house every day, usually accompanying our dogs as they come in and out. Droves of mosquitoes lie in wait outside every door. Little bastards.
Anyway, I have two techniques: the clap and the clutch. When I hear the droning whine of a mosquito nearby, my senses go on the alert to determine where the little bugger is. If it’s in front of me, I clap on it, then open my hands hoping for success. I’m improving, now annihilating about one of three. If the skeeter is off to one side or too low to clap, I reach with an open hand and snap it shut around the little bugger. I’ve found both techniques frustrating, but I’m improving with practice— and I’m getting plenty of that. Our floor is littered with mosquito carcasses, and our walls…well, you can imagine.
I’ve just started in on a sixth defense—the bug zapper. After a friend recommended one, I ordered a pair online. They’re mosquito zappers, flashlights, and camp lanterns all rolled into one, and they’re electronic. The ones I bought are less than 6” high and apparently attract and kill mosquitoes. The jury is still out, as I’m still charging them. Ever hopeful!
Good luck, friends. We’ll get through this.
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