Hey,
I'm looking for info on the range of dates people see the mosquito hatch starting in the eastern BWCA. Anybody have data or compiled personal observation on this?

I ask because I'm going on a 12-day solo trip starting 5/25/21 at entry #47 and I'm wondering if I should skip bringing the bug/deet spray (one less thing to carry). I know in depends on the year, but just looking for a range here, or any experienced insight.

Thanks
Anthony

Nevermind about the mosquitos, I found another thread with all the input already. I'll be bringing it and a head net...but does deet really help in deterring black flies ?

AnthonyH: "but does deet really help in deterring black flies ?"

No.


No it does not.

Permethrin, really works.

bhouse46: "Permethrin, really works."

Yes, too bad you can't put it on your face. :)

This year's date is May 23rd. It's the 4th Sunday of May in odd numbered years.

Yes, no way to know. Expect them.

Just take your bug spray and head net and let things fall as they may. Some things you can plan for and others you just have to be prepared for.

I've used Ben's 100 exclusively for 20 yrs... and it has some impact on black flies... bring it/similar.... I would rather pack it and wish I hadn't, than not pack it and wish I had... you can find other lower risk ways to shed a few ounces... plus it helps a lot on ticks

Northwoodsman: "This year's date is May 23rd. It's the 4th Sunday of May in odd numbered years."

Darn it, they found out about my entry date.

I've found that picaridin works well for black flies. Between treating clothes with permethrin, and spraying both picaridin and deet regularly I can usually escape the worst of the bugs. It won't eliminate buzzing around your head entirely but it will cut down on the number that land on you.

Agree on the picaridin. I bought some as a "what the heck lets try this" and it did work. We would have bugs circling us at camp but they never wanted to come close enough to land. We even turned on a LED lamp to attract more and the same thing happened. There was no wind though so your results may vary.

I've used the black fly spray at home but never in the BWCA, it works well enough for a while. You would want to reapply often when they are really bad. 2 years ago I wish I had some because they were so thick we were inhaling them. Smoke was the only thing that worked at the time.