I need a good bug control strategy

[kristin6]

I like to do macro photography outdoors in nature, and I like to photograph birds and wildlife. I must be like sweet nectar to the bugs. I am literally swarmed. There can be a tour group standing 10 feet away and those folks look as content as...well...bugs. Meanwhile, its like the Sizzler buffet line on seniors day over by my me. I had read that mosquito's have territories, but I don't buy it. They can follow me 2 miles to my car and invite the whole neighborhood.

I've tried deet wipes, deet sprays, deet lotion. 100% deet. I think that avon garbage actually makes them more veracious. Most day's last year saw me running, not walking, out of the parks within 30 minutes. While I abhor the idea of fogging, I think its about the only time I can shoot for more than an hour.

Does anyone else have this problem? How do you control the bugs?

[Scatterbrained]

Mosquito netting?

[kristin6]

Originally Posted by Scatterbrained

Mosquito netting?

Sure, could make for an interesting filter.

[Scatterbrained]

Originally Posted by kristin6

Sure, could make for an interesting filter.

I actually had a more comical image of the old british explorer with the mosquito netting hanging from the pith helmet. Looking through the viewfinder could be interesting though.

[tonylong]

Heh! I actually think some of us let off odors or pheremones that attract bugs more.

If the regular stuff doesn't work for you, well, gosh, don't know what the answer would be outside of the net!

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by Scatterbrained

I actually had a more comical image of the old british explorer with the mosquito netting hanging from the pith helmet. Looking through the viewfinder could be interesting though.

Essential wear if you're in the scottish Highlands in the summer, although we've given up on the pith helmets - LINK.

[stephen.shelley]

I do the majority of my photography in Everglades National Park where mosquitos attack in swarms during the summer time. I have had them almost turn my hand black where they all landed at once.

I use deep woods off as a base layer on exposed skin. The higher deet content the better. I then wear long sleeves and pants with a bug netting over my head. I got the version that has the eye area open so that it does not interfere with your vision. Lastly I use the ThermaCell mosquito Repellant and attach it to my backpack. I have found this to work pretty well.

The thermacell works great when you are standing still or there is not much wind. However, if you are moving quickly or frequently, it is not as effective. This is were the other methods help supplement the thermacell.

[res]

I have used the netting over the face. The thing I had to do was step back from the camera before shooting. I found the bugs were flying in front of the lens and screwing things up. I run into this a lot shooting sunsets on remote lakes and marshes.

[kristin6]

Originally Posted by stephen.shelley

I do the majority of my photography in Everglades National Park where mosquitos attack in swarms during the summer time. I have had them almost turn my hand black where they all landed at once.

I use deep woods off as a base layer on exposed skin. The higher deet content the better. I then wear long sleeves and pants with a bug netting over my head. I got the version that has the eye area open so that it does not interfere with your vision. Lastly I use the ThermaCell mosquito Repellant and attach it to my backpack. I have found this to work pretty well.

The thermacell works great when you are standing still or there is not much wind. However, if you are moving quickly or frequently, it is not as effective. This is were the other methods help supplement the thermacell.

Originally Posted by res

I have used the netting over the face. The thing I had to do was step back from the camera before shooting. I found the bugs were flying in front of the lens and screwing things up. I run into this a lot shooting sunsets on remote lakes and marshes.

Thanks so much for the advice. I didn't know that they made the netting hats with eye holes. I will look into that. Early morning shoots at the arboretum can be brutal.

[paulccsi]

I can attest to The Thermacell. I've been using one for three or four years now. I use it at night while doing Astrophotography. It works very well at keeping the mosquito's away!!

[Griz]

Duranon works great. Anything with Permethrin as the active ingredient. It's derived from chrysanthemums which is a natural bug repellant.

Spray it on your clothes as your skin oils tend to neutralize it. Spray your clothes then put them in a plastic bag until you're ready to wear them. I've used it while hunting and witnessed ticks die after walking just a couple inches on the fabric. Mosquitoes won't even come close.

[Joe Ravenstein]

Seems to me if you are wanting to catch images of birds and with the knowledge that birds love to eat bugs, go with the no harm to the bugs policy. When still hunting for deer the same suggestion goes they can smell you or more correctly your bug bomb from a long distance. I have seen an electronic unit that repels mosquitos with high frequency sounds for a large circumference around you, I have no idea if deer can hear that or not.

[Hardrock40]

I have used the ThermaCell with good results also. But like the other post, its more for staying put for a period of time. It doesn't spook deer or leave that sticky smelly gunk on your skin.

[sweetlu60]

My advise from Yellowstone is the following:

Long sleeve shirts fully buttoned
Long Pants
Wear a scarf around your neck
Floppy hat to cover your head
Gloves for your hands
Ben's almost 100% DEET, be careful not to get it on plastic, it will destroy it
Finally, look for some clothing that is made to repel bugs. I am not sure of the brands, my wife has a few, you can probably find them at Cabela's or Bass Pro.
You may try other things, such as finding a food substance such as garlic that you can eat a lot of ahead of time to help repel, but that is probably an old wives tale.

[davtackett]

I'm the same way, mosquitoes love me. Eat garlic, that will alter your bug attractive scent. Skin so soft works pretty good and isn't as nasty as deet. I put it on my skin and deep woods on my clothes.