Hello! I’ve been to the BWCA 3x (over a decade ago) and always treated my clothes with permethrin. In the last 7 years I have developed some health issues that seem to be linked with chemical usage and many other things. I leave for Ely on Saturday going in at #8 Moose River South. We are braving the two mile portage into Cummings Lake. If I don’t treat my clothes with permethrin would a deet free spray be sufficient? I certainly don’t want to get eaten alive portaging two miles.

We have always gone in during August and don’t recall having too much of an issue with mosquitoes or ticks (flies on the way out of one trip were nasty though). Any advice on this topic as well as tried and true deet free sprays would be helpful. We will be on the water for seven days. Thank you for your advice.

A little warm, but chemical free. Bugshirt . I live outside of Ely and have worn this just about every day this year.

Banksiana: "A little warm, but chemical free. Bugshirt . I live outside of Ely and have worn this just about every day this year."

I worry too about bug sprays, I can't believe they are harmless to humans but I'm also a bug magnetic. I always carry a bug suit (pants and coat) any time I'm outdoors, mine is completely mesh I got from cabelas many years ago. It has a hood and face cover but I prefer a head net. I do treat my pants with permethrin but only to the knees. (ticks) I also carry bug spray designed for use on children, but only as a last resort.
I consider my bug suit as important as a rain suit.

I just don’t like the idea of wearing a piece of clothing that if a bug lands on it, it dies. Something about that. So I share your concerns.

Honestly, we are exposed to so many chemicals that adding one more probably won’t kill you. The cumulative effect of all of them is the problem.

I’m a DEET guy and surprisingly, you don’t use it much when camping. A head net and proper clothing can keep repellants from being used.

I think DEET is not going to kill me but I do know some people have had a severe allergic reaction to it.

No Permethrin for me. (Skull and crossbones emoji)
Tom

I'm a permethrin believer. Never even seen a tick since I began using it. One of the guys who was going to go on this year's trip couldn't be convinced, but now is is a lyme disease long hauler.

And, I really can't believe that people still use DEET. It has melted way too many nylon and plastic items of mine in the past. Picaridin is a replacement that is every bit as effective, and at only 10%.

schweady: "I'm a permethrin believer. Never even seen a tick since I began using it. One of the guys who was going to go on this year's trip couldn't be convinced, but now is is a lyme disease long hauler.


And, I really can't believe that people still use DEET. It has melted way too many nylon and plastic items of mine in the past. Picaridin is a replacement that is every bit as effective, and at only 10%.
"

I agree 100%. Deet will kill your gear with the slightest overspray.

Just sprayed my tripping clothes w/permethrin for a Canadian trip starting next week. I have done this routinely for most of the trips and can say it has worked well for me. And I do have a small bottle of Ben’s 30% Deet as backup.

The data I have reviewed indicates permethrin safe and I have had good success. Mosquitos do not land, they hover so do not die. It can be unnerving when they are swarming. A bug net shirt/hood is also a must in intense situations.
I used Deet once, way scarier than permethrin. I did stand in the smoke until my clothing was saturated before I learned about permethrin.

Serious answer. Wear closed shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeved shirts, a hat, and don't use bug spray at all.

deerfoot: "Just sprayed my tripping clothes w/permethrin for a Canadian trip starting next week. I have done this routinely for most of the trips and can say it has worked well for me. And I do have a small bottle of Ben’s 30% Deet as backup."

+1, but just know that it won’t keep those pesky ankle biters away. Next time, I’m just going to wear thicker socks

AdamXChicago:
+1, but just know that it won’t keep those pesky ankle biters away. Next time, I’m just going to wear thicker socks "

Or light, loose gaters. If the cloth is away from your skin, the 'skeeters can't reach you either.

Banksiana: "A little warm, but chemical free. Bugshirt . I live outside of Ely and have worn this just about every day this year."

I bought an Elite Original bug shirt and pants many years ago. We took a trip to the Adirondacks and the black flies were so thick we could not eat until after dark. I did not receive any bites. The guys with me using the bug spray were covered. BIG fan of the original bug shirt and pants.

Also, I don't know why people still use deet when Picardin is available. It is just as effective as Deet without the side effects, and can be used on children.

ockycamper: "Also, I don't know why people still use deet when Picardin is available. It is just as effective as Deet without the side effects, and can be used on children."

Folks must be finding out: my all-time favorite and proven effective is currently $6.25/oz. Yikes! Avon Bug Guard Plus Picaridin 10%

AdamXChicago: "

deerfoot: "Just sprayed my tripping clothes w/permethrin for a Canadian trip starting next week. I have done this routinely for most of the trips and can say it has worked well for me. And I do have a small bottle of Ben’s 30% Deet as backup."

+1, but just know that it won’t keep those pesky ankle biters away. Next time, I’m just going to wear thicker socks "

Over years I have adopted what my Canadian friends suggested and use: thick wool socks with pants legs tucked in.

I also find that picaridin is more effective against flies than DEET.

I’ve used permethrin soaked clothes for years and love it. Another think I don’t think people have mentioned is it’s effectiveness against ticks. Id much rather get something from permethrin then end up with lymes which is no joke.

TaylorRN: "I’ve used permethrin soaked clothes for years and love it. Another think I don’t think people have mentioned is it’s effectiveness against ticks. Id much rather get something from permethrin then end up with lymes which is no joke."

Pretty sure that protection from ticks is the top reason for most folks' use of permethrin.

schweady: "Pretty sure that protection from ticks is the top reason for most folks' use of permethrin.
"

Yes! That's what turned me on to it. I use it every year.