Hi Blast,

I've got that covered. I've thrown the mosquitoes a loop and I've gone nuts preemptively.

The problem I've run into is that it would be a waste of weight to bring bug dope (as it would quickly run out). I've tried most of the natural (as in 'found growing') repellents and they seem to be just seasoning.

I've only found two things that work (and 1 requires more testing). The first is the solar powered electronic mosquito repellent from Badlands. It cuts down the bites somewhere from 75-95% (testing needs to determine this figure more accurately). This is the only electronic device I've seen work. I used to try every new device that came out until I gave up. I had to hear from 3 different sources that this thing worked before I bought it this year.

The only natural solution (that I've found to work) is to cover yourself in mud. I'd suggest leaving your back bare to give the mosquitoes a target though. If you don't leave your back clear they go after your eyes/inside your nose. In my shelters at night (primitive) I smoke them out prior to going to bed. I HATE it when a lone mosquito buzzes my ear all night.

I'm trying to get used to accepting the bugs rather than fleeing from them. It is a slow processes. I know some tree planters who 'lost it' and sang "I'm a little teapot" while standing on a stump because of the bugs. A point of note: of all the tree planters I've talked to none have made a point of complaining about the bugs (unless asked). Why? I don't know. Maybe it is like birthing pain and it is forgotten

-NIM