Top 5 Ways to Stop Bugs from Biting You in Minnesota!
1. Permethrin
This truly has been a game changer in the outdoors for us, we wouldn’t go into the woods without it. Permethrin drastically reduces the number of insects we encounter in the outdoors. It is by far the most effective repellent out there. Permethrin is not meant to be sprayed on your skin like most repellents people are used to. While getting it on your skin won’t kill you, it can cause irritation and discomfort. It is instead meant to be applied to your clothing and gear and then allowed to dry. The product is harmless to humans once it dries. Please note that you need to spray this on your clothes or gear well BEFORE you go out into the woods and it needs to dry for at least 24 hours. Please read the directions on the bottle carefully as this product’s application requires planning, spraying, and drying BEFORE you go out. Permethrin is typically good for around 6 weeks or up to 6 washes of your clothes. We have a designated set of camping clothes that we spray 2 times during the camping season.
Bonus tip: You can also buy pre-treated clothing that lasts even longer. This clothing is typically more expensive.
2. Mosquito head net
We have borrowed these head nets to multiple people who have joined us camping and they couldn’t thank us enough for the nets. It is something not a lot of people think to bring. They make a huge difference and will allow your hands to be free instead of constantly swatting bugs off your face. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone traveling to the Boundary Waters in the summer or backpacking through a wooded trail. A wide brimmed hat is recommended to go along with the mosquito net so your net stays off your head making it impossible for mosquitoes to bite your skin through the holes.
Bonus tip: The hat will also protect you from the sun!
3. Topical insect repellent
Even when using permethrin and a mosquito head net, you will have some exposed skin that needs protecting. One of the best ways is protect exposed skin is topical insect repellents. These are what most people are familiar with, the spray or lotion that you apply directly to your skin. We aren’t big fans of sprays that contain DEET, even though it is an effective repellent. DEET can ruin plastics, including clothing and gear made from synthetic material. I accidentally sprayed a bit on my rain jacket once and noticed my wrist turning blue as the DEET was breaking down the blue rain jacket. An alternative formula to DEET that is safe for gear and synthetic clothing is picaridin, which comes in spray or lotion form. There are also many natural alternatives to DEET, however, we find these natural repellents to be slightly less effective and need to be reapplied often.
Bonus tip: Some essential oils can be used to make a natural homemade topical insect repellent.
4. Long sleeve shirt and pants
If you are not a fan of the topical insect repellents, the next best thing is to cover as much skin as possible. We prefer a lightweight long sleeve shirt made from merino wool or a synthetic material. Both are moisture-wicking so when you sweat that moisture will evaporate quicker and not stay against your skin reducing the chance of hypothermia when temperatures drop. We also prefer lightweight, quick-drying hiking pants. They breath well and some zip off to convert to shorts if your legs just need a breather. Anytime we see people wearing short sleeves and shorts in the woods, we always notice that they are swatting at bugs or picking off ticks a ton more than ourselves. We tend to wear long sleeves unless it is incredibly hot or humid and always wear pants on the trail. Do yourself a favor and cover your arms and legs when in the woods, your body will thank you!
Bonus tip: Tuck your pants into your socks or if you want to look more official and also keep debris out of your boots on the trail, grab a pair of gaiters. It’s not creating a new fashion statement but the bears aren’t judging your looks!
5. Smoke
It may not be the most enjoyable on this list, but smoke from a campfire is a very effective natural insect repellent. We wouldn’t recommend sitting in the smoke for a prolonged time and inhaling all of that, but don’t shy away from the occasional waft of smoke that the breeze brings towards you. That bit of smoke from the fire can turn a torturous night into a tolerable night by keeping those pesky, buzzing critters away. Plus, if you are like us and go a few days in the wilderness without a shower, smelling like a campfire is quite a bit more enjoyable than some other smells. So the next time you find yourself out there without proper bug protection, turn to your emergency kit and strike up a fire.
Bonus tip: Apply mud to exposed skin if you don’t have access to other repellents and can’t start a fire. This will greatly reduces the number of mosquito bites.