Taking 2 of my daughters to BW for 6 days end of May. I have been looking at head nets, hats with nets on them, bug coats, repellents. I have heard that even 100% deet will not keep the black flies away for very long, and I want the girls to enjoy the trip. I see bug nets that just fit over your head and some that have a hoop to keep them away from your face. What really works without too much discomfort.

I've used Muskol as my main insect repellant, the regular head nets work, just put them over your hat and they're cheaper then buying the ones with the hoops in them.

One of the good things about going at the end of may, is it will likely be chilly enough where you will be wearing pants and sweatshirts or at least can get away with wearing them.

Black Flies- Bounce sheets
Skeeters-100% Deet
Gnat- bounce sheets

I am dead serious!! you use on bounce sheet(laundry softner sheet)(ask your wife) an ty it to your belt loop and it will keep most of the bug away but you still also wear repelant. we use it all the time in SD. Bounce also keeps out mice, if you stick a sheet in your cabin room at the lake in the corner it will help keep out the mice.

I use two things everywhere I go from Canoeing the BWCA to Turkey Hunting in Arkansas... Bite Blocker, an all natural repellant, and Ultrathon, spray repellant... and bugs, black flies, mosquitos... nothing bothers me...

To fishinbuddy,

Be careful if you use 100% DEET on your daughters if they are young.

I used it on my kid when he was 10 or 11, and he had a reation to it.

WindLaker

Thanks for the warning WindLaker. I will be cautious as they are very delicate :). I did find a hat that has a head net attached and it has a draw string to reduce the hat size down to fit them.

Now if I could just speed up time so I could leave.

During the day, in my experience, the bugs aren't really intolerable, if your in the sun you get the flies, if your in the shade you get the skeets. Its not so bad, but at night I wear long pants, long sleeve shirt bug net and if its really bad spray a small amount of 100% DEET on my ankles, this year Im wearing boots so I wont need the DEET at all. Bug nets are great, I would really not go up there without one unless Im planning on staying for a while. I would stay away from the DEET as much as possible.

I use 100% DEET, but don't get it on "plastic" clothes, it will melt them. Just put it on hair and outside of clothes, that should keep most of them away.

One bummer about headnets, they get real hot (might not be a problem in May). But black flies are out during the hottest part of the day and are on shore. So go fishing during the day, and you won't have bugs.

I have heard that the bounce sheets really work well from other people as well...

Does anyone know how long they last for? do you just pack 1 for the week trip or do you bring the whole pack?

I use this a repellant made from oil of Eucalyptus (koala bears eat the stuff). My grandmother picked it up when she was in Australia. Good luck finding some here in the greatest country in the world. Thanks to the troops! Works great on everything.

I too usually dont use too much bug spray. Usually long sleeves, pants, and a bucket hat with a headnet (not the rimmed kind, the bucket hat works for a rim).
Does anyone know how much things like bugspray and sunscreen scent affect fishing? I have tried to stray away from bugspray for this reason, I would rather have a few bugbites than no fish.

Also, when are these black flies bad? I usually go about the 3rd weekend in June (fathers day weekend) and dont have much of a problem. Millions of flies that look like big houseflies but they dont bite, they are just annoying.

From what I have seen, black flies start hatching as soon as things begin to warm up, generally around the middle of May. Nasty little critters if they hit a good spot. Have seen two women that were given a black eye by a single bite. Having a hat with a bandana hanging down in back has seemed to help keep them off, as well as block the sun. The mosquito head netting has worked for me when things were getting bad.

I'm not much bothered by insect pests. Blackflies are the worst for me (during their season) and I basically stick to long sleeve shirts, full pants, socks and shoes, sandals, whatever.

When I was a kid my dad "tortured" me (he's from Florida backwoods) and used to make us camp without any insect control beyond our hands, clothes and woodsmoke. I do use deepwoods Off if I am desperate. I spray my hat with it and rub a little bit on my neck and behind the ears. the rest of my hide is pretty tough.

Andy

In Nature There Is Order...

I usually don't pull out the Bug repelent unless it's an emergency. If you put some leaves and stuff in your fire to make it a little smoky (just don't accidently call in the medivac), that helps alot, also if it's not too cold out, campsites on windy points usually seem to be pretty bug free, And since the skeeters usually only eat around dusk and dawn, spending those parts of the day in your tent or out on the water fishing will help. I had a terrible ordeal with bugs my first trip into the Bdub, and the smokey fire trick was one of the first things I learned.

The insects that drove us nuts in July were what my Canadian friends call stable flies. They look like a ordinary Southern Wisconsin housefly but smaller. They attacked out ankels unmercifully while we were in the canoe. No amount of deet or back woods Off lasted more than a few minutes. They just came back and attacked. I'm getting my wife to make me a pair of nylon ankle gaiters to keep them off or I'm going to buy into the BWCAW Boy Scout idea and buy a pair of Viet Name jungle boots and wear those out there.

If your ankles are getting chewed, either tie off your pants and stuff 'em into your boots (using blousing cord if you pants don't have pullcords) or blouse 'em (same notation). If the flies can bite your ankles, ticks can crawl up your leg.

We call those "sand flies" here. I know how annoying they can be. Even though there pretty darn quick, I try to kill as many as I can and leave their corpses as a warning to the others :)
There have been many times I wished for a fly swatter to be within reach... hmmm... they don't weigh that much.

I find they thin out if you get into the wind and away from shore.

Hex

P.S. Skywalker_128 if your still interested in the eucolyptus oil, there is one similar product available called Olbas(sp?) which can be found at Co-ops and natural food stores. I find it effective on the back of the neck when the blackflies are really bad... it also makes a nice foot rub at the end of a long day.

get a mosquito net "house" from somewhere. look up insect netting on the web. It is a net for beds that you can hang on a line, looks like an upside down funnel. About two pounds, spreads out to about a 15 diameter circle, 8 feet high in the middle. You can cook under it, watch stars, etc. Best thing I ever took into the woods. Compact and yet spacious for 3 or 4 no problem.

I have steps for my bug protection. First I tend to wear long sleeve shirts and pants that are quick drying and cool to wear. Mosquitoes are unable to bite through it. Then I'll step it up with some bug dope around my neck and ankles, but I don't really care for the stuff. If there still bothering me I'll put a cheap bug net on. One that can scrunch up small. Usually I'm fine just with my clothing that the bugs can't bite through and in the evenings when they do get bad it means it's time to head to the sack.

I am convinced that when the bug repellent "doesn't work", it is not that it is not working but that the constant hum of mosquitos is creating the feeling that you are getting swarmed.

Does anyone know if the Bounce sheets will attract bears?

BUGSHIRT.COM

IT'S ALL YOU NEED.

quote WallyMN: "Does anyone know if the Bounce sheets will attract bears?"

I was researching the black fly season and the search function brought up this thread.
Just so happens, I was also sorting through old issues of BACKPACKER mags a few days ago and the Bounce was specifically mentioned as a very bad item in bear country. It is heavily perfumed and will catch a bears curiosity by way of acute sense of smell.
I realize this thread is very dated but the most of the info is still quite valid.

I have used many products too, including 100% DEET. Why? Because the mosquitoes and black flies are not my friends. Anyway, I came across an all natural product by All Terrain. It is Herbal Armor, and it works great, smells good, doesn't destroy your clothing, or synthetics, and doesn't make you sick.

I do do one thing, I take a small 2oz with me with a 1/4 DEET and use it during the horrific invasions. Usually in the early AM and late PM.
All Terrain Herbal Armor

quote WallyMN: "Does anyone know if the Bounce sheets will attract bears?"

HAHAHAHAHAAHAAAAA! i have no idea. interesting question.

quote mjmkjun: "

quote WallyMN: "Does anyone know if the Bounce sheets will attract bears?"

I was researching the black fly season and the search function brought up this thread.
Just so happens, I was also sorting through old issues of BACKPACKER mags a few days ago and the Bounce was specifically mentioned as a very bad item in bear country. It is heavily perfumed and will catch a bears curiosity by way of acute sense of smell.
I realize this thread is very dated but the most of the info is still quite valid. "

good answer. good thing black bears want your food, not you!

I have used the 100% DEET, and it was very helpful in Wabakimi, where the little flies were atrocious. (Small and you couldn't feel them slit your skin and draw blood.) It did keep them away, from the spots I had DEETed, but man, they knew where I hadn't. They would fly into my face and then fly up and attack the spot where my hat met my face. That was the place where the bug dope was wearing off first. (I did don the headnet at times, but I hate those things.) At one point I even thought I heard one of them "request a fly-by," like Maverick in Top Gun. Ah, but I digress. Do make sure to spray the DEET spray into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and then apply to your skin. This'll keep the amount more even, and you'll actually apply less than if you tried to get coverage by spraying directly onto the area you want covered.

oh. one word for bug reduction: PERMETHRIN

quote TriTodd: "I have used many products too, including 100% DEET. Why? Because the mosquitoes and black flies are not my friends. Anyway, I came across an all natural product by All Terrain. It is Herbal Armor, and it works great, smells good, doesn't destroy your clothing, or synthetics, and doesn't make you sick.

I do do one thing, I take a small 2oz with me with a 1/4 DEET and use it during the horrific invasions. Usually in the early AM and late PM.
All Terrain Herbal Armor "

I'll second that recommendation. I've been using Herbal Armor for a few years and it works well. Lasts only a few hours, but that's enough, and it's easily reapplied.

I've used Buggins and it works for me. Here's some Info that may help you decide. Also, I always take a cheap head net because when the Black Flies are swarming six inches in front of your face, there's always a desparate few that zoom into your mouth, eyes or nose where there's no repellant.

quote Amok: "oh. one word for bug reduction: PERMETHRIN"

I agree also. Best stuff around.

Sea sumit head net . I wouldnt go any where without it in the summer and i think its impossible to fish at night with a headlight on trying to breath. Unless you can breath bugs. And I agree with the PERMETHRIN its another life saver

I have to ask since were on the topic of black flies and I keep here about these horrible swarms of black flies. When I have been to the BWCA, I have never had a problem with black flies and was wondering what is there season ( So I don't ever go then ;-) )? I normally go in June. or Aug. ... Now Skeeters on the other had is a different story but they were only horrible at night and in really shaded spots. Just a suggesting, I have a tent with screen porch on the front and when the bugs get bad at night me and my kids usually move there and watch the fire. Personally I don't hardly use bug spray( put some on my cap). I do what others have said and put on pants, socks and long shirt ( Its normally cool at night anyway's). I'm going to try that softer Idea.

I'm told that the black fly season is late May to the 3rd or 4th week in June in the BW.

The Black fly-Sand fly-Buffalo gnat (what ever you want to call them) hatch depends on water temperature. The last week of May to the end of June is a good estimate, but it may vary year to year. Last year they had already begun to die back by Memorial Day. It had been a warm spring. Normally they all but disappear shortly after the dragon flies appear.

quote inspector13: "The Black fly-Sand fly-Buffalo gnat (what ever you want to call them) hatch depends on water temperature. The last week of May to the end of June is a good estimate, but it may vary year to year. Last year they had already begun to die back by Memorial Day. It had been a warm spring. Normally they all but disappear shortly after the dragon flies appear.


"

That explains why I haven't been carryed away by the swarms ;-) . I normally go mid Jun or in Aug sometimes. Thanks for the info.

You can also try soaking the underside of a hat bill with 100% DEET. You'll want to use an old hat. Apply liberally. I find it works best on skeeters can hurt with the black flies. The advantage is you don't have to actually apply to the skin, especially good for kids. If the bugs aren't too bad I find it is all I need and don't have to goop up on the skin.

That's "can't" hurt with black flies.

quote In8 Hunters: "Black Flies- Bounce sheets

Skeeters-100% Deet

Gnat- bounce sheets



I am dead serious!! you use on bounce sheet(laundry softner sheet)(ask your wife) an ty it to your belt loop and it will keep most of the bug away but you still also wear repelant. we use it all the time in SD. Bounce also keeps out mice, if you stick a sheet in your cabin room at the lake in the corner it will help keep out the mice."

It is not recommended that you use 100% DEET on children.

permethrin

Lot of different brands, I have used spray and a water dilution soak for clothes. Works very well!

butthead

quote butthead: " permethrin


Lot of different brands, I have used spray and a water dilution soak for clothes. Works very well!


butthead"

I tried permethrin on my clothes that last two trips when I went in June. Got a spray can at Cabela's, sprayed my outer clothes good about two weeks before the trip, stored them together in a plastic bag and then wore as normal. I did not have problems with ticks like I had on other trips but felt I still needed some Ultrathon on neck and arms.

quote Amok: "oh. one word for bug reduction: PERMETHRIN"

AMEN! spray or soak EVERYTHING in permethrin, including headnets and the inside of your tent. Even the fiercest bugs will not be a problem. I've used this in northern Ontario where the blackflies are out all season, and it works great.

tents too? Wow. Guess it's not as caustic as a good o'can of OFF. yes, i bring a small waterproof thing of that too --just for those 'shirtless' days. hahahaa. lookout!

quote Amok: "tents too? Wow. Guess it's not as caustic as a good o'can of OFF. yes, i bring a small waterproof thing of that too --just for those 'shirtless' days. hahahaa. lookout! "

I buy it in a quart size and Fleet Farm and mix up my own. Makes over 5 gallons of mix for $16.

I do everything-tent, tarp, head net, and clothes. Soak for a couple hours, wring them out, and hang on the clothes line to dry.

When you are under the tarp its like a screen porch.

If a skeeter follows you in the tent they just disappear.

hahhaa. i'd like that. disappearing bugs. they is D-EA-D with the permethrin! i'll check into that mix at fleet farm, i frequent the one near my house at times. (lakeville)

quote Amok: "hahhaa. i'd like that. disappearing bugs. they is D-EA-D with the permethrin! i'll check into that mix at fleet farm, i frequent the one near my house at times. (lakeville)"

I buy the Insectrin X located in the animal health/farm supply area. It comes in at 10% concentration. I diluted it to .5% I know that others have said that is too strong for soaking. I believe that is what they sell the spray on version for. I have had nothing drop off my body yet. Like I said earlier, a quart costs like $16.

Here is how I do it.

Initial Volume x Initial Concentration = Final Volume x Final Concentration.


If you start out with 1cup at 10%


So,


8 oz (10%) = Xoz (0.5%)
.8 = 0.005x
x = 160 oz


So will have end up with 160 oz total volume. To get this, add the 1 cup of 10% to 152oz of H20.

thanks Kevin! i may dilute your dilution, haha. guess i'll read my bottle of Sawyer stuff to see what they've got it at. it worked for me the past few times at whatever level it's at.

Spray Permethern on all your clothes before the trip and let dry. You could also put all you clothes in the drier with a rag soaked with DEET. Bring bug nets and deep woods off. Also do not let them go in and out of the tent all day long or leave the door flap open.

quote Savage Voyageur: " Also do not let them go in and out of the tent all day long or leave the door flap open. "

If you spray the inside of your tent with permethrin you won't have to worry about leaving the tend door open. The bugs will never enter the tent on their own, and the few that come in as you enter will not bite, and will be dead within a few minutes. It's actually fun to watch the mosquitoes and black flies drop off the ceiling as they bite the dust.

LOL! im wondering how safe it is to be inhaling permethrin. I do like the stuff, but that idea scares me somehow!

Ask any hunter here in KY and they will tell you to spray your clothes and tent with Premethrin a couple of days before you leave. Then use a Thermacell while paddling or in camp. No need for anything else. this has worked for me hunting in September in KY as well as in BWCA.

Agreed!!