Ticks and other biting insects can be a threat to your health. Much more than a nuisance, bugs can ruin your spring adventures, whether hunting in the deep woods or raking leaves in your backyard. Luckily, modern science is winning the bug battle, but you need to know which ammunition to use where and when.
Permethrin is Your Friend
Permethrin is one of the most effective insect repellents because it kills many insects and other bugs, such as ticks. Since spring game isn’t alerted by scent, except for bears, you can spray your boots, pants, jackets, and other gear with permethrin and repel insects that can make you sick. Bugs aren’t always on the ground, so don’t forget our hat, jacket, and top layers. One application may not last the entire season, so read the directions on the container for proper use. Note that permethrin is for clothing and gear, not for skin application. For a quick tutorial on using this spray, click here.
Deet for Mosquitoes
As effective as permethrin is, it’s worth repeating that it’s not for skin. If you have mosquitoes buzzing around your face or have skin exposed in warm weather, applying products with DEET will help keep mosquitoes at bay. I like to spray the bill of my cap to repel bugs from my face. More about DEET here.
Dress for Bug Resistance
You can enhance your bug armor by dressing in ways that prevent bugs from getting under your clothes. An easy way is to tuck your pant legs into your socks and your pants inside your boots if you are wearing tall rubber footwear. Some hunters fold their pant trousers and place a heavy rubber band around them to block bug access. Since bear hunters don’t want repellent scents to be detected, they often wear head nets and heavy gloves to fend off biting insects.
Thermocell
This device has proven itself for decades, and many outdoors folks swear by it for repelling insects. The small device creates a cloud of repulsion that will keep mosquitoes and other flying bugs away and it works as well in a tree stand or blind as on the ground. These units and their scent pads can be found at many outdoor retailers.
