Avoiding those pesky little mosquitoes

What to do about…. BUGS

mosquitoes

 

We’ve been on this problem for centuries, but we might finally be getting somewhere.

Unlike bears,, cliff faces, and protein bars, there isn’t really a pro and con camp on mosquitoes; everyone just hates them. But even though there are more than 40 different species to be found in the Pacific Northwest, they are not particularly dangerous. Figuring out what to do about mosquitoes has probably been a human pastime that predates hunting and gathering.

DEET

The toxic-if-swallowed insect repellent gets a bad name, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the U.S. note the product should not be harmful if used correctly. What’s more, concentrations over 50 percent aren’t any more effective, just longer lasting, so there’s no reason to bathe in a barrel of pure DEET.

CITRONELLA

Citronella candles utilize a plant that the Indian Army was utilizing to fight mosquitoes a hundred years ago.

LEMON EUCALYPTUS

The CDC also recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep mosquitoes at bay, and if it doesn’t work, at least it smells pretty awesome.

SEASON

Blood-happy mosquitoes are the worst in British Columbia’s wet spring and hot summer. If you go camping, do it in the fall to escape the little buggers.

CAMPSITE LOCATION

Mosquitoes flock to and breed in standing water. Fortunately, the Cariboo doesn’t boast an overabundance of boggy, marshy provincial campsites.

FIRE

When in doubt. Smoke them out. Ancient painting show people burning greenery to stave off bugs. It’s also a good excuse to break the s’mores.

 

 

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