Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Blog on a Log

Shoo (Little) Fly - The Buzz on Summer Pest Protection

The weather's getting warmer, and while that brings a host of fun outdoor activities, it also brings a host of outdoor pests. In my neck of the woods, none is more persistent and hated than the buzzing, swarming, itching mosquito.

Wikipedia tells me "mosquito" comes from the Spanish for "little fly," but if so the Spaniards hadn't experienced the truly horrifying mid-Canada version of this pest. Sure, fly bites can hurt like hell, but they've got nothing on the unrelenting, insanity-inducing itch of a leg covered in bumpy red welts that just won't go away. If you're particularly sensitive to bites, like me, a few days outdoors can mean a week or more of trying desperately not to tear into your own skin with your fingernails.  With the recent bad news that mosquitoes are attracted to beer and beer drinkers, those summer bonfires are looking less comfortable by the minute.

Everyone knows itch reduction is nigh on useless; creams work sporadically or not at all, and the old "I'll just scratch around the bite" method is fooling no one. As you get outdoors this summer, you're going to be surrounded by critters itching (if you'll excuse the pun) to give you a bite. If you want to sleep soundly through the summer months, an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure; it's all about avoiding getting bitten in the first place.

There are some completely natural means you can take to lessen your buggy-appeal. Mosquitoes are attracted to scents, so lay off the perfume and body wash. In fact, lay off the shower full stop - you won't smell pretty, but then again, that's kind of the point.

For most people, however, a few days' grime is neither a desirable, nor completely effective means of pest control. When it comes time to keep mosquitoes at bay, most reach for bug sprays. The most effective contain DEET, a chemical repellent. Consumer Reports has shown a direct correlation between concentration of DEET and hours of bite protection, and anyone who's used a DEET product can attest its effectiveness. We carry DEET spray in 30% concentration in our stores. Problem solved, right? Slather yourself in DEET.

Well.... not exactly. DEET's not a great chemical to have around your gear, so if you're out on trail it's not your best option. DEET is a solvent, and can dissolve some plastics, leathers and synthetics. Imagine the damage a leaky bottle could do to your dry-bags or rain jacket, and suddenly you're asked to play a balancing game between keeping dry and keeping bite-free - and that's a choice no one wants to make. Besides the possible damage to your gear, there have also been some studies suggesting prolonged exposure to DEET can have adverse effects on your health.

If you're willing to put up with less effective protection, non-DEET sprays are an option. We do carry Naturapel, a citronella-based repellent that will help deter pests without the use of harsh chemicals. However, the natural options don't work as well as DEET products, and may not provide the protection you really need.

So bug sprays can either provide good protection with the risk of adverse health effects and potential gear destruction, or poor protection without the risk, but neither of those options presents an ideal fix. For the outdoors person with gear to protect and legs to keep un-molested, sprays are not the way to go. That's why smart folks everywhere are turning to bug-repellent clothing to protect them outdoors during the summer months.

At the most basic, regular clothing functions as bug protection. Light, loose fitting garments (mosquitoes can bite through clothes right next to skin) that cover as much exposed skin as possible will go a long way to keeping bites to a minimum. Pay attention to trouble areas-like choosing socks high enough to leave no access to the ankles, even when moving around-and you may find you've done enough to protect yourself from nibbling pests.

For those who need more complete protection, specially designed bug jackets and hats are the way to go. Bug-protective clothing is usually made out of mesh, and designed large enough to quickly pull over your regular clothes. The mesh allows airflow while stopping troublesome bugs-perfect for hot, muggy days where covering yourself top-to-toe seems unbearable. We carry products from the Bug Shirt® line as well as Coghlan's head nets. Outfit your next adventure with some bug-proof apparel, and you'll get all the relief with none of the spray - the perfect mix for your summer activities.

B