You can bet bugs are ready to bite: Be prepared for worst

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Bug off:
Share your tips for avoiding bug bites.

As winter blossoms into spring, there are many changes that define the emergence of the season. The days get longer, the sun gets warmer, we plan vacations, we dig the camping gear out of the attic, and the list goes on. All across the country people anticipate getting outside for their favorite outdoor recreation. However, one significant annoyance also defines the emergence of the season - the bugs!

Bugs are absolutely everywhere during the spring and summer. After all, their lifespan is short and breeding needs to happen during this short period. Breeding takes energy, energy comes from food, and that's where you and I come in! With that in mind, let's look at how we can protect ourselves from these annoying little critters.

AVOIDING BUG BITES

Some wildlife species become so incensed with the constant bombardment of bugs that they'll take refuge in the water. The moose pictured here submerged most of his body, for most of the day, just to escape the biting insects. This, however, is not very practical for us humans.

The best way to deal with bug bites is to avoid getting them. Here are some tips to protect you from these springtime pests.

Cover your skin. This may seem obvious, but as much as we enjoy warm weather clothes such as shorts, T-shirts and sandals, they don't provide much protection, especially if you are venturing into the woods. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and ankle high shoes or boots will provide the best protection. In areas with heavy concentrations of insects, particularly ticks (which can carry Lyme disease), tuck your pant cuffs into your socks.

For added protection, roll up your pant legs and spray all exposed skin with bug repellent. Once it dries, roll the pant legs down and spray the insect repellent around the area where you tucked your pants into your socks. Also, keep your shirt tucked into your pants, and spray around your waist as well. To increase the benefit of a long-sleeved shirt, roll the sleeves up and spray your forearms, then roll the sleeves back down and spray your wrists and hands.

As a professional wildlife photographer, I need to spend lots of time in the woods. If I'm out all day, and the bugs are "thick," I make a bug-shirt. Here's how. Take an old long-sleeve shirt and hang it on a branch, then heavily spray the entire outside of the shirt with bug repellent. When you put the bug-shirt on it's like a "coat of armor" against bugs.

If you're wearing a hat, spray the outside of the hat and around the brim. Now, spray the bug repellent into the palm of your hand and create a little puddle. Rub your hands together just enough to spread the puddle around and carefully wipe the repellent on your face, neck and ears. Be careful not to get any in your eyes. Repeat this procedure every few hours, or as necessary. If you're a photographer, be sure to wash off the palm side of your hands after applying the spray - bug spray and film don't mix.

Know what bugs like and don't like. Mosquitoes, for example, prefer to bite males. They are also attracted to dark colors, especially blue; therefore, for a hungry mosquito, a man wearing a blue shirt and jeans becomes a very attractive target or, shall we say, meal. Wearing neutral-colored clothing is best.

Moisture and scents also attract bugs. Most flying insects, such as mosquitoes, black flies and deer flies, to name but a few, are particularly attracted to moisture, so keep your clothing and body as dry as possible. Avoid using heavily scented soaps, shampoos or lotions - this will just make you a magnet for bugs and bees.

Use a good insect repellent. The repellents that contain the chemical DEET are the most effective. Check the label, as many manufacturers offer varying levels of DEET in their repellents. The low protection repellents will contain 15 percent to 25 percent DEET. This provides minimal protection. However, for activities in wooded areas, a repellent containing at least 30 percent DEET is advisable.

If you're like me and spend entire days in deep woods or around swampy areas and need to be in the woods early in the morning and at sunset, go for the products that contain almost 100 percent DEET. My personal favorite is Ben's® 100 - it contains 95 percent DEET; this is one of the highest concentrations of DEET available. For safe and effective use of DEET, follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

If you prefer not to use a chemical-based repellent, try one of the products containing citronella, a natural repellent. Natrapel® contains the highest concentration of citronella. Instead of warding off bugs as the chemical DEET does, citronella deters bugs by confusing their sense of direction and stifling their appetite. Personally, my results using citronella in deep woods applications have not been satisfactory.

n You can buy bug gear. Some of the traditional gear available to protect you from insects are head nets, as well as commercially manufactured bug shirts, pants and gloves. This is clothing made of insect net material. The problem with this clothing is its lack of durability, and the head net is restrictive when it comes to activities such as photographing. However, these products can be useful if you're stationary - sitting in a blind or fishing from a boat, for example.

ALTERNATIVE METHOD

We all react differently to bug bites and repellents. The best way to find what works for you is to experiment. Some of us tolerate bugs better than others do and can use little or no repellent, while others are bug magnets who require maximum protection. The choice of the level of protection is yours. Of course, you can always opt for one of the alternative methods of protection - like standing in water up to your neck.

Good shooting.

For questions or comments, write to P.O Box 59, Southport, ME 04576 or e-mail:

mail@davidamurray.com

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Share your tips for preventing bug bites.

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