Bugs

[wren again]

Given the wet spring, how is the bug situation in Virginia? Headnet needed?

[daddytwosticks]

I don't know how it is in Virginia, but here in WNC at lower elevations, they are bad. Biting knats and now skeeters. Have been hearing reports here on Whiteblaze that the bugs are bad down here on the AT. I'm heading out this AM for a short overnight hike over by Standing Indian. I'm bringing DEET, a head net, and sleeping in a bug bivy in the shelter.

[wren again]

Thanks for the info!

[GoldenBear]

I hiked Thorton Gap to Ashby Gap. Mosquitoes were no worse than any other part of the Trail I've been on. I got about five bites on my lower legs in four days of hiking, but that's typical for me.
Note that I use DEET and permethrin as much as I can, and that one day it was QUITE rainy.

[Coffee]

Given the wet spring, how is the bug situation in Virginia? Headnet needed?

Just got back from SNP. Bugs were not too much of an issue along the ridges near Big Meadows and Skyland along the AT but were much worse in the canyons and hollows especially near water (Rose River, Whiteoak, Cedar Run). I was happy to have a bug proof shelter to escape to in the evening along the Rose River.