There are few things I hate in this world, but mosquitoes are near the top of my list.
And because my hatred goes back a long way, even to my childhood, I have had many years to study ways to beat them.
Over the years I have learned ways to minimize the impact that mosquitoes have on my outdoor activities. However, I realize there is no way to completely eliminate them.
Personal hygiene is my first layer of defence.
Mosquitoes seem to be more attracted to me when I use scented antiperspirant, soap or shampoo. In the days leading up to an outdoor excursion, I switch to handmade, unscented soap and use less so that my body is more naturally scented.
However, maintaining a clean body is still important, so don’t abandon personal hygiene entirely.
I wish deer were attracted to me during hunting season as much as mosquitoes are when I wear scented hygienic products.
The next layer is my selection of outdoor clothing.
When at camp or in the woods, I wear hiking boots or shoes, thin wool socks, thin pants, a long-sleeved thin shirt and a hat. Mosquitoes are particularly thick in these kinds of places, so the extra fabric shielding my tender flesh is important.
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When at the beach or in a boat, I wear sandals, cargo shorts, a short-sleeved shirt and a hat.
Deet is the third layer of protection.
This chemical is wonderful but can be ineffective or uncomfortable, depending on how it is used. Apply sprays of deet to your clothes and the back of your hat near your ears and neck rather than directly onto your skin.
I prefer a lotion-based product rather than a spray if I must apply deet directly to my skin. I have found that I am more comfortable when going to sleep because I do not smell so strongly of deet, but I still have a measure of bug protection.
Lotions also seem to be more kid-friendly.
These initial steps are normally sufficient for me to enjoy car camping and boating.
When mosquitoes are particularly thick, you have no choice but to up your game accordingly. This is where mosquito net hats, jackets and even pants may be necessary to add to the other protective layers. These articles of clothing are certainly not fashionable, but fashion will be the least of your worries in places thick with mosquitoes.
Wearing a hat under your head net also keeps it comfortably away from your face.
I have tried adding or removing different foods from my diet while preparing for an outdoor excursion and found little or no difference in how mosquitoes are attracted to me.
When first setting up a car campsite, I light four citronella torches spaced out around the perimeter. Citronella reduces the number of mosquitoes at the campsite over time, which is good while you are setting up the rest of your gear.
By the time you have settled down, most of the mosquitoes have fled. A smoky fire also does an excellent job of reducing mosquitos.
Although some naturalists may argue for the need for mosquitoes in our environment, I have a strong negative opinion of them. They are an unfortunate fact of life, so all we can do is try to minimize their impact.
