Insect interventions make outdoor activities more enjoyable

 Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? Did you know that men and boys are a good deal more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than are females? Are you aware that the color of your clothing may make you more attractive to biting and stinging bugs?
There are many interesting facts about buzzing, biting bugs that you may not be aware of. If you’ve been out fishing, gardening, fiddleheading or just walking, I’ll bet you know one thing for sure — irritating insects are out in full force.
Bugs will actually get worse over the next two months, with more black flies and biting midges (commonly called no-see-ums) to fend off during camping, canoeing and angling outings. Insects like cool, wet places, such as shaded brooks and tree-lined streams, just the spots many summer sports revolve around. Seeing as the bugs can’t be avoided, the next best option is to utilize maximum protection on several different levels.
Pay particular attention to clothing. Pass on wearing shorts, T-shirts and sandals in favor of long pants, long-sleeved shirts with high collars and tight cuffs, and stockings under your footwear.  More protection can be accomplished by wearing a hat, tying a bandana around the neck and tucking pant cuffs into stockings or into calf-high boots. Under the worst conditions, a head net and gloves will cut down exposure, and despite hot weather, wear shirts with a tight cloth weave and fairly loose fitting to prevent bugs from biting through the clothes.
Pay attention to colors when selecting your outdoor wardrobe as well. Dark-colored clothing attracts insects, especially mosquitoes, so avoid, blacks, browns and dark greens in favor of white, tan, khaki and light green. Steer clear of the color blue. Most outdoorsmen and women are aware that aftershave and perfume will draw insects like a magnet and avoid wearing any during recreation. Shun fragranced deodorants, makeup, hair spray, mousse and even some scented sunscreens as well. Certain times of day should be avoided too. Black flies are more prevalent in the morning, no-see-ums at dusk and mosquitoes are busy at dawn and twilight. Deer and horseflies are out and about heavily at mid-day.
Children are extremely vulnerable to insect bites due to the many hours they spend outdoors and their small stature, which puts them closer to the ground, plants, flowers and bushes that harbor insects. Proper clothing will reduce bites, as will a good insect repellant. Don’t apply repellant to kid’s hands as they tend to put their hands in their mouths, and bathe them thoroughly once they’re in for the night.
Millions of dollars and years of scientific testing by federal and private agencies and the U.S. military have confirmed that DEET is the best product for repelling mosquitoes and black flies. Available in up to 100 percent formulation, it is far safer in the 30 percent range, and when kids are involved a 15- to 23 percent concentration is optimal. For parents hesitant about using any DEET product, there are other options, such as Natrapel, which depends on citronella to ward of insects.
A new product by 3M Scientific Anglers called ULTRAthon is offering outdoorsmen the best of all worlds. It has a controlled release formulation that lasts for hours, it’s rain and splash resistant, resists perspiration and repels chiggers, gnats and ticks as well as our full compliment of other biting bugs. With Lyme disease becoming more of a concern, protection from ticks is crucial. With only 23 percent DEET, ULTRAthon comes in a spray, and lotion and my testing of it the last few seasons has proven its effectiveness far beyond my expectations.
A product called R-236 works best for flies, gnats and no-see-ums, so if a repellant has this chemical, plus DEET, you’re home free. For clothing, tents, ground cloths and screens, spray on Permethrin, an insecticide that actually kills bugs on contact, and lasts for weeks, even through heavy rain or machine washing. Needless to say, avoid direct application to your skin! Bulky aerosol cans of insect repellant have given way to pocket-sized, plastic squeeze bottles, crush-proof tubes of cream, and compact pump spray containers. There’s a perfect size and type for every active sportsman to have at their fingertips because that large economy size can is of no use at all sitting back in the vehicle because it’s too bulky to carry.
If you’re going to be outdoors in Aroostook, you’re going to have to contend with bugs. Worse than the itching, painful bites, some now carry disease. With proper preparation, the correct clothing and modern chemical repellant, sportsmen can actually enjoy the summer months of diverse recreation and convince the insects to BUG OFF!