Bug protection in shelters

[jgillam]

In advance of a GSMNP trip this fall, a friend just asked me what people do to keep the bugs off of them while sleeping in a shelter. Any advise would be appreciated.

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[Two Tents]

I'd take a head net. If you even need one in the fall.

[jgillam]

That's what I was figuring.

I'd take a head net. If you even need one in the fall.

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[Deacon]

Ok to carrying a head net, but in all likelihood you won’t be bothered by bugs since the GSMNP shelters are high (altitude).

I’ve been there in high summer, and fall, and have never had a problem. What flying insects there are always go hide in the evening.


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[HooKooDooKu]

Ok to carrying a head net, but in all likelihood you won’t be bothered by bugs since the GSMNP shelters are high (altitude).

I’ve been there in high summer, and fall, and have never had a problem. What flying insects there are always go hide in the evening.


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Bugs are a problem in GSMNP at all elevations. One of the worst spots is Mt. Sterling Fire Tower at over 5,800' in elevation, and that's higher than most GSMNP shelters.

Bugs are a hit-or-miss thing in GSMNP. The bug problem will vary based on location, local plant life, time of year, and time of day.

However, I've never had a bug problem at a GSMNP shelter after dark any time of the year.

[illabelle]

Ok to carrying a head net, but in all likelihood you won’t be bothered by bugs since the GSMNP shelters are high (altitude).

I’ve been there in high summer, and fall, and have never had a problem. What flying insects there are always go hide in the evening.


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That's been my experience as well. Not really an issue.

[MuddyWaters]

In advance of a GSMNP trip this fall, a friend just asked me what people do to keep the bugs off of them while sleeping in a shelter. Any advise would be appreciated.

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Most people do nothing

[moldy]

Take no action. No bugs on the AT at your altitude in the Fall in GSMNP.

[tdoczi]

Most people do nothing

i once met a german couple who hung some sort of big bug net bag from the ceiling of the shelter and put their sleeping pad in it. it was sort of comical. only time ive seen something like that but if you do find yourself sleeping outdoors regularly and yet somehow completely averse to the idea of a bug touching you, it works i guess.

[SoaknWet]

Just don't sleep next to anyone who smells, odor attracts skeeters! Sorry couldn't help myself.

[MuddyWaters]

Most nets and bivies in shelters, are for mice, not bugs. Bugs not issue

[BuckeyeBill]

This is why I like to sit around and wait until the shelter fills up, then I can put my hammock up and go to sleep without bugs, snorers, farters, meeces and other non humanoid types crawling over me all night.

[BlackCloud]

Citronella candle if you want to carry such a sizable thing. Flame also helps keep mice away but may bother other campers.

[GoldenBear]

> Citronella candle if you want to carry such a sizable thing.

For those interested in science:
https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscie...7/1/24/2996380
"The citronella candle had no effect. We conclude that many of the products that we tested that were marketed as repellents do not reduce mosquito attraction to humans."

Here's what Consumer Reports had to say:
https://www.consumerreports.org/inse...ucts-to-avoid/
"Our tests of two area repellents—citronella candles and a battery-powered diffuser that blows out the chemical geraniol—showed they were ineffective at keeping mosquitoes away."

[Eastman]

I spray all my outerwear and socks down with Permethrin, (which is made from chrisantonums , a Flower) you do it at least 2 hours before you intend to use the clothing, but I would do it days in advance so they are fully dry. You can get it at Wal-Mart made by Sawyer Products, its in a yellow spray bottle. That with some of that new all natural bug spray that has Lemon oil, eucalyptus, and citronella works for me. There probably wont be too many bugs in the fall though. Hope this helps, good luck!

[BlackCloud]

> Citronella candle if you want to carry such a sizable thing.

For those interested in science:
https://academic.oup.com/jinsectscie...7/1/24/2996380
"The citronella candle had no effect. We conclude that many of the products that we tested that were marketed as repellents do not reduce mosquito attraction to humans."

Here's what Consumer Reports had to say:
https://www.consumerreports.org/inse...ucts-to-avoid/
"Our tests of two area repellents—citronella candles and a battery-powered diffuser that blows out the chemical geraniol—showed they were ineffective at keeping mosquitoes away."

This is an outrage! I've been cheated! I shall return to the trade and true bathing myself in DEET. Now I know THAT works...

[BlackCloud]

Tried and True. Yikes.

[TSWisla]

As already mentioned, who cares about insects, the mice are the real issue!

[MtDoraDave]

Permethrin.
Not just for clothes! Mist your sleeping bag, your backpack, etc.
It repels all sorts of bugs, cancelling any need for deet... or so has been my experience

[shelb]

Permethrin.
Not just for clothes! Mist your sleeping bag, your backpack, etc.
It repels all sorts of bugs, cancelling any need for deet... or so has been my experience

I did this to repel ticks... I have NEVER had a problem in shelters (completed about 1000 miles of AT...)