Forum Discussion

michigansandzil's avatar
michigansandzil
Explorer
Jul 02, 2014

Tahquamenon Falls state park bugs

Anyone been there in the last week?

I'm starting to develop a paranoia about the mosquitoes. A friend told me she was there over last weekend and the bugs were so bad that she couldn't breath in without sucking in bugs. I figured she was exaggerating so I called the ranger for reassurance and she said they are the worst she's ever seen.

We have a site on the river from July 8th-13th and I am considering moving to a different location and just visiting for a day trip. I don't want to have a camping trip ruined b/c we can't have a fire and must stay in the camper all evening due to bugs.

Moving after arrival isn't an option....long story.

Any advice?
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    Get some high DEET spray, and some of those off clip-on fans, both work well the bugs will leave you alone.

    As long as you're entertained at the fire, burning stuff, talking with friends, getting hammered (although technically state parks don't allow alcohol any more) the bugs won't be a bother. Lather down with the bug spray and enjoy.
  • travelnutz's avatar
    travelnutz
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2014
    They only live a week or two and new won't hatch unless it very warm and wet. July is the transition month with less and less mosquito's as the month goes on. The weather this year has been really screwy and quite cold compared to normal. May and June are usually the mosquito months and June just ended. It is what it is!
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    It might be worth investing in a free-standing screen room. Just a thought.

    The mosquitos can be spotty. 3 weeks ago, at Rifle River Rec Area they were super thick, but on a high bank overlooking the AuSable they were almost nonexistent until 8:30 pm.
  • Traveler_II's avatar
    Traveler_II
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    We were there in late May, they are worst in early morning or late afternoon or evening. We used some bug spray and had a great time. The falls were outstanding.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2014
    The Deer Flies and May Flies remove hunks of flesh.

    I was raised in Michigan. People that complain about Florida Mosquitoes should summer in Michigan.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2014
    Big Katuna wrote:
    The Deer Flies and May Flies remove hunks of flesh.

    I was raised in Michigan. People that complain about Florida Mosquitoes should summer in Michigan.


    By far the fly are worse than mosquitoes ... the fly hurts when it bites, will bite you repeatedly and is hard to swat bare handed... plus they're rather resistant to bug spray.
  • jessjerr1831's avatar
    jessjerr1831
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2014
    We were there about 10 days ago and the mosquitos were really bad. Asked the DW where the bug spray was. It was back in the trailer. A long way away. We survived.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 03, 2014
    GordonThree wrote:
    Big Katuna wrote:
    The Deer Flies and May Flies remove hunks of flesh.

    I was raised in Michigan. People that complain about Florida Mosquitoes should summer in Michigan.


    By far the fly are worse than mosquitoes ... the fly hurts when it bites, will bite you repeatedly and is hard to swat bare handed... plus they're rather resistant to bug spray.


    Resistant? Mosquito repellant is like flavored olive oil to them. We were canoeing the Ausable once and the flies were so thick we jumped into the freezing water.
  • reinita's avatar
    reinita
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2014
    We're at Muskallonge Lake SP. No skeeters so far. A few black flies a. Couple of days ago, but few since. FWIW
  • michigansandzil's avatar
    michigansandzil
    Explorer
    Jul 03, 2014
    reinita wrote:
    We're at Muskallonge Lake SP. No skeeters so far. A few black flies a. Couple of days ago, but few since. FWIW


    I considered that as plan B. How's the campground?

    I also considered Straights State Park and even offered up the KOA in St Ignace. Oddly, my 9 & 11 year old boys don't want to change plans. Apparently tent camping with the scouts has made them decide that bugs are a necessary evil for great woods camping.

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