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When Bugs Bug You |
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No question: mosquitoes can be a pain in the neck.
And the arm. And the leg. And just about anywhere we forget to—or
don't want to—cover up. Alaska has 35 species of mosquito,
and all but a few will be more than happy to nibble on humans. But
mosquitoes are only really an issue for Alaska visitors from the
second week in June to the last week in July, and even then, they're
not nearly as bad as myth would have it. |
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While the legend is correct that mosquitoes can
gather in ferocious swarms (the unofficial record of the most mosquitoes
killed in a single swat is 78), the reality is that that kind of
mosquito intensity occurs only in rare instances, such as on a perfectly
windless evening near a stagnant pond, Interior forest, or moist
tundra. |
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Fortunately, the bug problem is
not so bad in most places where Alaska visitors spend time: |
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Anchorage and other cities |
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Parts of the Kenai Peninsula |
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Above treeline |
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Anywhere there's even the slightest breeze (which is most places) |
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Alaska Mosquito Tips |
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If you do find yourself in a heavy congregation (mosquitoes seem to be most active at dawn and twilight), there are easy steps you can take to block out the nuisance: |
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Try to expose
as little skin as possible. Wear
shoes, long sleeves, and long pants
with the cuffs tucked into socks
(we recommend BUZZ OFF
clothing - see
below). |
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Tight-weave cotton shirts and pants work better than more porous synthetics. |
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Wear khaki or neutral colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue. |
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Don't use scented soaps, lotions, or shampoos. |
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If you're taking a multi-day backpacking or float trip, bring a headnet for backup. |
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Use repellent. |
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Mosquito Repellents for Alaska |
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For any skin you can't cover up, be sure to apply
a mosquito repellent. You have some good options for bug protection
in Alaska: |
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BUZZ OFF |
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North Carolina-based
BUZZ OFF has developed a line of
insect-repellent clothing - the
first and only to be approved by
the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency. The company’s method
of treating everything from T-shirts
to hats and pants keeps insects
away (and lasts up to 25 washes)
without the need to apply anything
directly to your skin. Their clothing
is available through Orvis and
LL Bean, among others. (www.buzzoff.com).
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DEET |
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No question, DEET is the most effective method of combating our pesky neighbors. You'll always want at least 20 – 30% DEET in your repellent. If you're in a heavy bug territory, 95% (or 99%) DEET completely protects you. The bugs will come near, then fly away—as if you're protected by an invisible shield. |
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DEET doesn't smell obnoxious, but it's a strong chemical (you can sometimes taste it in your mouth from being absorbed through the skin) so only apply it directly on the skin of your face, hair, neck, and hands. For the rest of your body, rub it on your clothes. And never use 95% or more DEET on small children. |
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When using DEET: |
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Follow the product directions—it WILL melt certain camera cases and jacket fabrics! |
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If used with a sunscreen, apply the repellent 30 minutes to one hour after the sunscreen. |
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Never use it on wounds or irritated skin (it stings and gets absorbed) |
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Wash it off as soon as you're out of mosquito land. |
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Time-Release Deet |
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Some people believe time-release repellents
containing a minimum of DEET can be as effective against Alaska
mosquitoes as full-power DEET, without its harshness. Sawyer
Products offers a controlled-release formula. The 20% DEET
in it is physically captured inside protein molecules, and
as those dissolve on your skin, the DEET is released. And
Travel Medicine, Inc's Ultrathon—which is used by the
U.S. military—is 33% DEET that's in a controlled-release
polymer and should work for 12 hours. |
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Natural Alternatives |
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Many of us are hesitant to rub harsh
chemicals on our skin and prefer natural alternatives. The
reality is they don't work nearly as well for Alaska mosquitoes
as DEET, especially in heavy bug areas, so you're trading
off one form of peace of mind for another. But even Alaskan
river guides who spend weeks in the wilderness have made
the choice to forgo DEET. |
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Citronella has long been the best known natural alternative, and scientists are continually finding more herbs to ward off certain insects. Just be sure when looking at these herbal alternatives that they contain at least 10% of the active, insect-repelling ingredient. One of the better ones is Bite Blocker, an oil-based repellent laced with soybean oil, geranium oil, and coconut oil. Or try Avon's Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard, which contains IR3535, an amino acid. |
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