Bug Repellants - Opinions Wanted

[hanson]

After the 100 or so skeeter bites I got Saturday night will catfishing, I've got to seriously re-evaluate my choice of bug spray. Thats the honest truth, I can't stop itching myself.

So... What do you use and how do you like it?

[Fishbreath1]

Shameless plug, use 3M Ultrathon. It doesn't smell like DWO and protects just as well, IMO.

Really though, they are all good, just get a strong one, not some sissy picnic crap, if you go cattin'.

[BoxMN]

I use Deep Woods Off or the 3M Ultrathon. They both work well, but the problem with DWO is that when you sweat or swim, or rub against stuff, it wears off easier and then you have little to no protection. Ultrthon is supposed to stay on longer and not "drain" off with sweat.

I do think DWO is more effective when it is on you.

I used to work for Metro Mosquito Control, doing research on the skeeters. Got bit by thousnads of them, as we could not wear repellant during studies, etc. Best thing was long sleeve white/light cotton shirts. That is still my fav thing is temperature allows it - long sleeve light colored shirts.

Good luck,

[nytelyter]

i have just bought a thermacell repellent system and it has really been to dry around here for me to put it to the test. they have recieved good reports here on the fm website. ... paul

[luckey]

Forget the skeeters, what do you use for horse flies. I got chewed to bits even with repellent.

[upnorth]

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Forget the skeeters, what do you use for horse flies. I got chewed to bits even with repellent.

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Fly swatter

[Daze Off]

Best way is to bring someone with you whom the skeeters like more than you!

I use Muskol with 100% deet - spray, liquid and roll-on. I also glow in the dark....seriously though, there have been a few times when it felt like it burned putting it on.

It does not seem to work very well with black flies though - them suckers takes pieces of flesh with them when they go - especially around the feet/ankles.

Daze Off

[Bigsmitty]

3M Ultrathon

[HateHumminbird]

Muskol or DWO 100% DEET.

I try to never apply to skin, only clothing. It stinks for quite awhile, and this is good. This spring turkey hunting, it truly was the ONLY repellent that actually worked for any period of time. Maybe you can get away with lower concentrations of DEET when the bugs aren't as bad......but when 10-15 are on your leg at any one time, the 100% stuff is the way to go. Ask Deitz

As for horseflies and deerflies (not the ankle-biters), this sounds stupid, but put a plunger on your head. Many species of biting flies seem to attack the "head" or highest point of any living creature. A professor of mine once duct-taped a small plunger to his hat, and balled-up some duct tape on the handle or top-end of the plunger. The flies attacked the ball of duct-tape, and he was relatively un-bitten. If you can rig up something higher than your hat and ball-up some tape on it.....this works! Looks incredibly stupid, but works well.

When they're really bad, put a shirt under your hat and let it drape over your ears and back of your neck. It'll save you from cleaning all the dried blood from out of your ears. Again, ask Deitz!

Joel

[Ryan_V]

I only fish on ice, I don't get many bites that way

[BoxMN]

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I only fish on ice, I don't get many bites that way

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I hope you still get plenty of bites, just different kinds

[Gus]

for the black flies I have had really good luck with Lemon Ucalyptis (sp) Repel. something about it just really works well for flies. Next to the uber expensive stuff in a tiny bottle that I found in an Ely canoe outfitter one time, the lemon ucalyptis stuff is the best.

[Metzie]

AFTER BITE The Itch Eraser works great after you get bit.

[chaffmj]

Muskol! Nothing better in MHO. I spray it on my clothes and hat.

[eurolarva]

Repel Sportsman 29 % deet. (Fleet Farm) for the mosquitoes and skin tastic combination sun screen and insect repelent for the the ankle biters.

Seems to me the last time I read the label for 100 % deet it said to apply to clothing and not to the skin. I would be careful with that stuff.

[caseymcq]

I use either Muskol with 40% DEET or on occasion I will use something with 100% DEET. I work outdoors so I like to use the potent stuff.

My daughter was born naked and hairless so I am not sure what effect it is having on me