Best Bug Spray?

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, what do you guys use for bug spray and does it work? I just about got carried away by black flies yesterday and I'm a big guy so that's sayin' something :). I first tried some organic non-deet crap that's supposed to be good for kids and pets too but the flies just laughed at that (no ****, I think I really DID hear them laughing) so next I doused myself in Deep Woods OFF and that worked marginally better.

[J Francho]

Anything with Deet.

[12poundbass]

A second vote for anything with DEET. Not sure if its true but I've been told it helps prevent poison ivy from irritating your skin too.

[NYWayfarer]

I am happy this subject came up.

 

I am the person, you know the one, who when at a backyard gathering has black flies and mosquitos flocking to them. My friend actually used to joke that he would stand by me as I was attracting all the bugs so he was safe from them. I also swell up from most of these bites so I take my insect repellent seriously.

 

After doing some research I realized that the best way to stay bug free is to "layer" your defense. I start with soap that has eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil in it. both are natural insect repellents. I use shampoo with tea tree oil another natural insect repellent.

 

Other soaps, body washes and shampoos contain scents that can actually attract insects. My cologne wasn't helping so I ditched that and only wear it on special occasions. The best bug spray in the world is not going to work if you go out of the house reeking of Polo, Cool Water or Drakkar!

 

For bug spray I use the Fairy Tales brand I found when my son was younger and I was trying to avoid using anything with DEET on him. Their Bug Bandit spray contains a lot of the essential oils I mentioned above plus citronella. I also use their Rosemary Repel hair conditioning spray. Its basically bug spray for your hair.

 

Sometimes I will use Deep Woods Off Sportsman if I need maximum protection. Usually when I know there are ticks about.

 

I am happily bug free in the hot summer months using this method.

 

 

[J Francho]

1 minute ago, Finesse Wayfarer said:

The best bug spray in the world is not going to work if you go out of the house reeking of Polo, Cool Water or Drakkar!

 

LOL, popped collars attract bugs, too.

[WestBranch]

Dryer sheets work great for black flies. I tuck one my hat band in back.

[OkobojiEagle]

Avon makes a sun screen/ bug repellent combo lotion that works pretty well for me... no Deet.

 

 

oe

[Catt]

6 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

Avon makes a sun screen/ bug repellent combo lotion that works pretty well for me... no Deet.

 

 

oe

 

Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition™ SPF 28 

[scaleface]

The only thing that has worked for me is DEET . 

[Brett's_daddy]

I've heard Ben's 100 works great but it's close to 100% deet so I'm not sure how often or thick I'd apply it.

[12poundbass]

1 hour ago, UpTheHill said:

Dryer sheets work great for black flies. I tuck one my hat band in back.

Heck I carry those around without even knowing it. 

[Jar11591]

I've literally never found a bug spray that works. 

[MacBassin]

Just remember to wash your hands really good. The guy that wrote "the high probability fisherman" has some pretty good statistical evidence that sunscreen and deet on a lure ruin the bite for at least 90 mins.

[NHBull]

Heck, Black flies are the NH state bird!

 

100 % deet  on your hat, collar long sleeves, socks.

 

i also wear my sun neck gator.

 

woodmans make a good product

[Lures'n'Liberty]

If the bugs are out and about, it's a great excuse for me to enjoy a couple cigars. The bugs don't care about the quality, be they your favorite $10 cigar, Black and Mild or Phillies Blunts. 

[Attila]

The original Muskol used to work really well, now I use Deep Woods Off and it does the trick.

[NHBull]

6 minutes ago, Lures'n'Liberty said:

If the bugs are out and about, it's a great excuse for me to enjoy a couple cigars. The bugs don't care about the quality, be they your favorite $10 cigar, Black and Mild or Phillies Blunts. 

No man should have to smoke Black and Milds.....pm me your address and we can change that ?

[Lures'n'Liberty]

4 minutes ago, NHBull said:

No man should have to smoke Black and Milds.....pm me your address and we can change that ?

LOL!!! Isn't that the truth! Trust me, they know me well at the local cigar shop and I buy quite a bit from Thompson's Auction site. This probably isn't the thread for it but my go tos are anything by Drew Estates or Thompson's Nitro brand. I like the Nitros for fishing as I'm not scared to drop one in the drink. 

[wdp]

Invest in a Thermocell. I've had good results with mine even on hot summer evenings at dusk when the skeeters get really thick. 

 

I always have bug spray with around 40% DEET as backup tho. ?

[Brett's_daddy]

1 minute ago, wdp said:

 

Invest in a Thermocell

 

I see those all the time...always wondered if they actually worked or were just a gimmick.

[wdp]

Just now, Brett's_daddy said:

I see those all the time...always wondered if they actually worked or were just a gimmick.

They work pretty well if not too windy. Had a buddy who was big time hunter recommend it. They're not too bad money wise either if you can find the refills on sale at WalMart. 

[jbmaine]

Bite-blocker

 Best stuff I've ever used.

                Jim

[spsmith713]

http://tickwarriors.com/product/bioud-insect-repellent-clothing-treatment/

 

I'm trying this, made 30 mins from me.

[Crestliner2008]

I use a two-prong approach to fighting bugs. First thing I do is treat ALL my clothing (pants, socks, jackets, hats) with Permethrin spray. Dick's carries it. Most effect tick repellent there is. It's NOT an actual repellent however; rather it's an actual insecticide that kills the crawly buggers.

 

Step two is if I'm going into the brush after bass along a wooded shoreline, I always use a DEET pump spray on any exposed flesh. That includes ears, back and front of neck and the OUTSIDE of hands. Do NOT use DEET on the business side of your hands. It will not only repel fish, but will damage the finish on your rods and tackle (lures included).

 

There ya have it. Been using this approach for 4 seasons now. Have not had a tick bite - period. The skeeters may buzz around, but they will not land. Works for me.

[david in va]

DEET