[pct-l] Mosquitos

[Edward Anderson]

Hi Brett,

Welcome to the PCT. Mosquitoes and ticks are unavoidable on certain parts and at certain times on the PCT.  I too, especially hate - hate - hate them. Early in 2008, before starting my PCT ride, I bought insect/tick repellant cloths at REI.  At the time of purchase I didn't know how well they would work. When I started from the Mexican border I had a complete set of ExOfficio cloths (the active repellant is permethrin) plus, of course, Deet. The clothing that I bought, starting from my feet and going to the top of my head, was:    The socks, pants, shirt, and the Cape hat. They were very effective in repelling insects and ticks. Mosquitoes would hover around and if they landed on my cloths they would fly away immediately. They would never sting through. To protect exposed skin I used the Deet - on the back of my hands, on my forehead, and on my cheeks - and a little on my beard. This worked for me - mosquitoes were not a problem. I also had along a
 net but hardly used it. Between Canada and Mexico I talked to and watched many hikers who were pretty miserable, especially because of the vicious mosquitoes.  Ticks will also be a problem, especially in parts of Southern California, the worst was probably Section E, but also Sections B, C, and D. I never had a tick bite. The Deet was useful in trying to protect my horse. It takes a lot of Deet for a horse. And with a horse, I had to seek out meadow areas where there would be grass. And mosquitoes were often there too.  

Here's something else to consider.  Bring a two-part tent - the inner part being insect netting - excellent ventilation and you can see out - you can star-gaze and enjoy views of the forest. In my case, my horse and I could see each other. The outer shell is the rain fly. I rarely used the rain-fly - only if was, or was likely to rain, or on the few sites were I wanted privacy.  By preference, I almost always camped alone with my horse. Tents that combine the two will compromise ventilation and you will sometimes have condensation. 

You can also purchase them through the web. Just search for:   ExOfficio insect repellant clothing.         I don't know if spraying the permethrin on would be as effective as when it is part of the fabric.

Have a great hike,

MendoRider-Hiker





________________________________
 From: Brett Kenney <tribalattorney at gmail.com>
To: Pct-L at backcountry.net 
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 11:50 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Mosquitos
 
I hate, hate, hate mosquitos.  How do you deal with them on the trail?
DEET?  Mesh head cover?
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors. 
Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.