Anyone know of a natural bug spray that WORKS?
We're headed north on the 4th and need an effective bug "deterrent" recommendation. I'll take the DEET, but really would like to know if anyone has found an effective alternative. Thanks.
Forum Discussion
Joe b. said "Now, if someone tells me they camped at Tangle Lakes CG, on the Denali Hwy for a week and some product worked well, I am going to pay attention to what they have to say, as that area has always had a bug problem, for the dozen or so years we fall camped there. "
I'd have to agree. Many folks say that they "camped in Alaska for 3 weeks and XYZ kept the bugs away": Most places that folks get to with RV's simply don't have that big of a bug problem and that includes most of the more popular "cities" (Los Anchorage, Fairbanks city, Talkeetna, Homer, etc). Take a hike off the trail in, as Joe mentioned, the Tangle Lakes area, or the Mentasta area or any number of spots between Los Anchorage and Glennallen. You'll find that bug problems a mile off the road (even a dirt road) are a lot different than in "civilization."
I have the same experience as Joe. A high percentage of DEET is needed, but I also have to switch brands after a week or two of using the same brand as the smell gets to be too much. Headnets and longsleeves and duct tape are good.
If I'm just out in the woods, I try to have light-colored shirts and pants with the big / over the hat type headnets. Hunting season often requires different colors.
One natural remedy that works real well is to camp after mid-September and above 3000'. :)
I'd have to agree. Many folks say that they "camped in Alaska for 3 weeks and XYZ kept the bugs away": Most places that folks get to with RV's simply don't have that big of a bug problem and that includes most of the more popular "cities" (Los Anchorage, Fairbanks city, Talkeetna, Homer, etc). Take a hike off the trail in, as Joe mentioned, the Tangle Lakes area, or the Mentasta area or any number of spots between Los Anchorage and Glennallen. You'll find that bug problems a mile off the road (even a dirt road) are a lot different than in "civilization."
I have the same experience as Joe. A high percentage of DEET is needed, but I also have to switch brands after a week or two of using the same brand as the smell gets to be too much. Headnets and longsleeves and duct tape are good.
If I'm just out in the woods, I try to have light-colored shirts and pants with the big / over the hat type headnets. Hunting season often requires different colors.
One natural remedy that works real well is to camp after mid-September and above 3000'. :)
