by TwilightLane » Mon May 03, 2010 11:24 pm
I have a strong feeling about this. Bear with me.
MOST effective: Ben's 100. Or some other topical with a high percentage of Deet.
How do I know? I guided back country canoe trips in the Boundary Waters (MN) and Quetico (Ont, CA). The mosquitos can get so thick you can't hear the next guy talking over the buzzing, so thick you can't think straight. The _only_ think that worked well at all is DEET. I've seen it all: moth balls, catnip, baking soda, smudge pots, peppermint oil, mosquito coils, OFF, Avon SSS, headnets, DEET. Much of it is somewhat helpful. It's simply just hard to completely drive em off. The only foolproof methods I know are winter camping or strong winds!
DEET application is key as it can be harmful. Only _minimal_ application directly to skin as it can cause nerve damage, and possibly/supposedly genetic damage. It will sting like a sonuvabeech if you get it in your eyes, on mucus membranes and other tender private spots. Go ahead, ask me how I know that!! Instead apply to the clothes you are wearing. The 'apply to clothes and store it in a bag' idea is good. I got to where I didnt like to do laundry once I had my socks/pants/shirts nicely saturated.
Another warning, DEET WILL damage modern plastics. In one sense it's a solvent. Goretex melts like butter in a skillet when in contact with DEET. Plastic lens, cases, technical jackets, tent walls, etc all can be instantly discolored, marked and damaged. Careful what you touch when you have it on you hands.
Other ideas such as no bananas and B12 are good and proven ideas, but is only a slight deterrant. DEET is a chemical barrier that actually harms/irritates the mosquito. Mosquito coils can work great in an enclosed space like a barn. I like a handful of moth balls widely scattered around a campsite. It keeps most bothersome insects away and I don't mind the scent.
Anything with a citrus or fruity or floral or herbal scent or aroma (deoderant, body spray, cologne, scented soaps) are generally a bad idea when you are camping. Lots of insects are drawn by scent - you might not be bothered (only) by mosquitos, but lots of flying insects will come investigate you when you are coated with scent. Same goes for critters that like to chew, varmints and bears.
Avon Skin-So-Soft (SSS). I don't want to step on any toes, but my personal firsthand and professional experience is that plain SSS does NOT act as an insect repellant. In fact, as it is scented it seems to do quite the opposite. I've seen people terribly bitten while wearing Avon SSS-bitten worse than anyone else in a group. In fact, I had one child bitten so terribly (his parents refused to let him wear any other repellent) while wearing SSS by mosquitos and other biting insects that I considered a _medivac_. I'm going to repeat that: I once had a child camper so terribly bitten by mosquitos and other biting insects that I considered a medivac. He was wearing Avon SSS.
I know there is now a SSS version that contains insect repellant of some sort. I how no idea how effective it is. My comments above are limited to the plain version. But I'll tell you what, I carry a serious grudge against SSS.
Whew. My two cents.