Biting mosquitoes

by Anthony
(Canada)

Biting mosquitoes attack humans to obtain a blood meal. Biting mosquitoes can be very annoying. For you as a wilderness traveler it can be more then annoying . . .


Good advice to protect you against mosquitoes:

1.
Standing water attracts mosquitoes because it provides the perfect breeding ground for them to lay their eggs. Mosquitoes are poor fliers and a good breeze drives them away.

To find your camping spot, seek hillsides or other open areas that receive a nice breeze. Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest.

2.
Mosquitoes are most active and tend to bite more at dawn and dusk.

3.
Wear loose long-sleeved shirts, long loose pants, socks and a hat to minimize the areas of exposed skin. Choose light color clothing. Mosquitoes like dark clothing.

4.
Campfire smoke drives off mosquitoes. Put a few green leaves or branches onto your fire from time to time.

Detering Ants and Other Ground Crawling Insects

by Nomad
(Louisville,Ky & the road)

My observation has been that ants travel on scent trails that get layed down as they walk. I don't know if this is true of other ground crawling insects but it would seem logical.

If a person has a means to make fire they can burn off the area that they plan to build their shelter/bedding area on. Once the area has cooled a bed smaller than the burned area can be made. The burned odor combined with the ash erases the scent trails.

It will not keep them away forever but it may get you through the night.

"SAFE JOURNEY'S"
Nomad