Dealing with insects

[Gorgiewave]

Hi folks,

I'll be on the AT from PA to MA in August and I've become less and less worried about bears and more about ticks and other insects.
What insect repellents do you recommend, either for skin or clothes? Would you recommend an insect net helmet thing (what's its proper name?) or a net for the tent?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Sarcasm the elf]

Start with a wide brimmed hat and a bug head net (I'm not sure the proper name either). This will keep the bugs out of your face, but more importantly it will stop them from driving you crazy by constantly buzzing around your ears.

You will definitely want either a tent that is screened in, or a separate bug net to sleep under.

The most popular insect repellents that I've seen on the trail are ones that use 30% DEET.

[Don H]

Use Permethrin on your clothes. You will be in prime tick country and Lyme disease sucks.

Defiantly have a tent with bug netting.

I couldn't hike with a bug net over my face.

[Jim Adams]

DEET...period!

[Don H]

DEET...period!

Why just DEET?

[coach lou]

I always carry the head net! I also use 'Ultrathon', has plenty of DEET.......doesn't seem to melt plastic like 100%:eek: