Bugs (not crawdads)

[admin]

Most of us have observed fewer mosquitoes in the Delta than in our own backyards by the Bay, but flying insects do come out at twilight and some people seem to attract mosquito bites more than others. We've used citronella candles in the past, but you don't want to breathe the fumes. I came across this page today on the Old Farmers Almanac site and thought I'd share it. Has anyone used any of these products?
http://www.tiny9.com/u/Bug_repellent

Christine Weaver, Doodette
Stink Eye, Laser 28

[Tazman]

Hey Stinkeye, My family and I have spent many years exploring the delta. We kept our first boat at Bruno's Island for 4 years before bringing it up to the bay. Every year we sail our boat to the delta for a week or two. Our favorite anchorage being Little Potatoe (Dan Quail spelling) slough bedroon #3. With regards to bugs, we always try to anchor out from the tules. The last few years we have gone early July where the weather has been colder than usual and quite windy. When the wind is blowing, there is no bug problem. We have equiped Tazman with screens for the hatches and the companion way (bought a comercial netting that works quite well.) We do burn the "bug" candle with limited results but it seems like we are trying to be proactive.

For us: We anchor away from the shore. Hope for a breeze. Have the screens in place. Burn the stupid candle. Use bug spray worst case. Bugs have never been  a big problem but we have always been prepared.

I look forward to meeting everyone during our first Doo Dah.

David and Ruth Sawyer
Tazman

[iliohale]

We have used these:

http://www.off.com/ClipOn.aspx?mkwid=sVMCI7vYe&campaign=Off+Clip+On+-+Brand&group=OFF%21&keyword=off%20insect%20repellent&type=Exact&source=google&pcrid=7729286436&mt=e

the last two years and they have worked well. We turn a couple of these on in the cockpit while outside and then in the main cabin when below, and they really seem to work.

[Lorianna]

Hi Christine! 

I'm one of those unfortunate people that the mosquitos always go after.  I talked to a guy from the San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District and he says they don't tolerate breezes.  So, I agree with Tazman and we'll try to anchor where there is a breeze.  Last year it worked out really well in the "bedrooms".  Failing that, I'll bring along my little battery-operated fan/mister ($9.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond).  I also might have to use bug spray, but I hate the smell, so I won't put it on unless I see the critters flying by.  We also have purchased some mosquito netting from Redwood Trading Post where they sell it by the yard.  If all else fails we are going to try to jury-rig some type of tent protection with the mosquito netting.  We made a cruising companionway hatch cover that has mosquito netting as well. 

Regards,

Lorianna
Catalina 30 "Goose"

[admin]

I agree about the smell of the stuff you spray on yourself. It will keep the mosquitoes away, but unfortunately it will also keep Jonathan away, which is hard to do on a boat the size of ours! The natural botanical ingredients are much preferable to the traditional chemicals, like DEET.

Apparently Avon's Skin So Soft really does work, but the fragrance makes me sneeze.

Christine Weaver, Doodette
Stink Eye, Laser 28

[Tazman]

Avons Skin so Soft works well for keeping the bugs away. Watch out for its' tanning effects. One year I received a blistering sun burn from not washing up the next morning and putting sun screen on.

Tazman

[scwideman]

Bumpy also has screens for the ports and me bought screen material last year by the yard at our local harware store "PINI" and fashioned a few screens for our forward hatch and companionway.  However, I am also going to buy a few double wide baby buggy bug nets for about 10 dollars each.  they have elastice around the bottom so can pull down over an open hatch.  It was suggested that you could weight them down with fish weights pined on the bottoms or buy cheap link chain and glue to the bottoms to hold in place.

also, I read that you could spritz the screens at night to deter bugs from heading in that direction.  We don't use lights that much at night.  Book lights and battery candles to keep the light low.

We also used the bug fans and they did seem to work, but I will try one down below, or hang just inside the companionway.

I also found these patches, I think at REI, that looked like a giant bandage and no smell. 

I was told that mint oil and eucalyptus oil work well in wax burning candles, but I think I am going to try the  products that were mentioned above.  I know I will smell good.

Rich and Shawn

Bumpy

[LaDonna]

A friend always swore by Vitamin B but I just did a little reading and it looks like placebos fared just as well in a double blind study. The CDC recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus, though, for those who don't want to go the chemical route.

[Ardea]

Where can we buy some of those placebos?

[iliohale]

Where else - Costco

[Ardea]

In the 1200 count family sized bottle no doubt.

[admin]

Vitamin B's good for you anyway so it can't hurt to try. I'll add that to my packing list.

[bemewesed]

Can we find lemon eucalyptus in our swag bags?  <3

[admin]

No plans at this point to stuff lemons and eucalyptus into your swag bags. It's a BYOL & E event!

[iliohale]

Anyone read the article in the Chronicle today? Stinky feet attract mosquitoes!! Keep your feet smelling good people!!