[Pondfisher]

Went fishing in the afternoon last weekend and I was not prepared for the onslaught of blood-sucking insects. I was literally ran off the pond! Every time I feel an itch or something West Nile pops into my head.....

Anyways, what products do you use to ward off these pests? Specific brands? What works for you? What doesnt? Does brand really matter?
Ive heard of clothes that are treated to ward off insects...anyone use these clothes?

Pondfisher

 

[rottal]

Ive used lots of different stuff for bugs, some commerical, some not...i think the only thing that works for sure though is any product containing DEET.  i try to purchase the spray kind with the highest DEET concentrations---they vary a lot from brand to brand, so look at the ingredients.  i dont think the brand is that big of a concern, just as long as it has a lot of DEET in it.  several studies have been conducted on bug repelents, i think most have come up with the same conclusion.

Ive also used clothing treated with permethrin, which can be found in a spray you treat your clothes with and let stand for 24 hours, or a bottle you wash your clothes in and let dry.  if works, but over periods of time it wears off.  i am also not sure about its side effects from prolonged use, the stuff is pretty toxic so id be careful with it (despite what anyone says) and use it sparingly on hats or anything that comes in close contact with your skin.  as far as clothing that is suppose to repel bugs...im not sure.  it might just be treated with permethrin also, so it would wear off in time.  might be better just to spend less and buy the permthrin and treat your own clothes.  a 6 ounce spray bottle usually is enough to treat about 2 sets of clothing, depending on how thick you lay it on.  this stuff is especially good for repelling ticks, it keeps them from hiding in your clothes, especially if you apply it heavily along seams and other areas they can hide in.

other than that adequate clothing is the best bet to help keep the bugs off you.  now days with the threat of West Nile and other diseases carried by biting insects it pays to cover yourself.  i usually wear a hat and a long sleeve shirt when i fish, and sometimes even a head net depending on how bad the bugs are.  lightweight, quick drying long sleeve shirts are a usual part of my fishing attire, they not only protect you from bugs but also the sun---which is important if you spend alot of time on the water like a lot of guys on this site do. 


I found this site with info on permethrin. im not sure about all it says though, as the stuff ive used says on its label it is toxic and should not be applied directly to skin.

http://backpacking.murioi.com/repellant.html

 

[epic]

I use Repel 100 its the best product that I've found. It comes in a pump and is unscented. Any product that has 100% DEET should be good.

This is how thick the mosquitos were at the lakes this weekend and neither me or my son got bite even once.

All the dots on this RV are mosquitos!

 

[scottdog900]

I have to agree with Rottal -- the best protection is covering your skin with clothing. Add a light spraying of DEET and you should be safe.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has very recently added two new chemicals to its list of recommended mosquito repellents. The active ingredients for these two products are a chemical called picaridin, and the other is lemon eucalyptus oil. Neither of them exceeds the performance of DEET, but they are supposed to be on par and offer some advantages (lack of odor, all natural).

The CDC also says there is no scientific evidence of risk associated with the use of DEET, so I'll probably stick with that.

Here's a good article on the subject: <a href="http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7665147/">Mosquito Repellant</a>

 

[eric]

FYI, fish are repulsed by the smell of DEET.

 

[Guest]

try a product called MAX DEET in a small white container with red/black lettering. sold most everywhere. try the non aerasol spay pump size. it works!

 

[Guest]

i read an article about insect repellants which said that past about 9% DEET, it doesnt help keep mesquitoes off, it just lasts longer...DEET actually soaks into ur skin, noit too good for u, i stick with like 20% and get the same results as 100% without poisoning myself

give it a try

 

[jamiehughes]

that stuff also can eat the plastic on you fishing equipment, i've used the small pump of 100% deet and it started to melt the handles on my shimano reels??? wonder what it does to you're body. maybe that's why i'm fat,maybe i can sue the people that make deet products. ha ha maybe not

 

[1eyered]

Ah, so that explains why I feel kinda funny after using too much insect repellent. Soaks into your skin eh?

 

[epic]

After using govt issued bug repelent, 100% deet pumps barily make my lips go numb. (dont ask)
Avon skin so soft is good stuff to.