What do the locals use for bugs?

[RoK]

I have always been curious what the locals use or has their skin turned to leather and it does not bother them any more. Just kidding, sort of, I know as I get older mosquito bites don’t seem to bother me very much. Every year when we arrive or depart we are always swatting the black flies yet our hosts seem impervious to them. I always forget to ask what they use.

In another post CanuckBass mentioned Watkins as did a few others. I have never heard or seen Watkins before. I think I will pick some up this weekend in preparation for our spring trip. The reviews are all positive. If its so good I am still surprised I have never heard of it. Regardless, I will definitely be getting some.

I have always used Deep Woods which I find to be okay but if we are on land and the black flies are really bad the bug hats also help. Neither one is perfect and have to lift the bug hats to sip beer or puff a cigar.  Oh well, a little swelling here and there is still worth it. Still better than work.

59 days...

[Fort Wisers]

Believe it or not you do build up an immunity to them....

[puckster_guy]

I dunno FW they never seem to stop killing me. I gotta hide on the screened  porch or boat. I hate June

[Jay Thomas]

We have had success in cabin comfort by lighting a Coghlans' mosquito coil before we depart for the evening fish. It's usually burnt out by the time we return to the cabin and there's hardly a mosquito to be found.

While outdoors, if the bugs are really bad, I put on my Squito Wear jacket - I've had it for probably 25 years. I wear old golf gloves to protect my hands. If the bugs are not too bad, I have had success using the Off clip-on repellant system.

Jay

[Jig and drift]

We also use the coils in the cabin but I did try the Watkins last year after reading about it here. Found it on Amazon and it did really work, its a cream not a spray.

[smitty55]

Can't beat a thermocell unit for those calm evenings when sitting on a shoal fishing or around the picnic/patio table. It gives a 15 ft circle of protection.

Cheers

[Oarin]

I agree, Smitty, Jon and I use them a lot.

[Kyle Skelding]

We're up the first full week of June every year, and we always light a coil before the evening fish. Cabin is mosquito free when we return. On the boat we cover up as much as possible, wearing gaiters for the neck and face helps, then load up on the spray for at risk areas like the back of hands and around the ankles. It takes a couple days to get used to the bugs in June, but you get used to it and the fishing is always on fire.

[Flatline]

I like the thermocells too, and also Watkins bug dope (the lotion). bugs will land but not bite.
For those that use Thermocells, if you need extra gas bottles but not the pads, save some $$ and buy them in the beauty section of your local walmart. They are the same refills that are used in hair curlers and way way less pricey.

[michelle]

We use Ungava Cream and Watkins cream..coils and the lanterns around the camp. Also spray my coat with bug spray.

[crunchie]

Uh, Bug Light?

[Inukchook]

We fish. Out on the lake in the breeze works wonders.

[puckster_guy]

 Good one. i find i do the same. Out on the lake I'm fine. Inside my screened porch is also good having a few cold ones. Ya gotta Love it!!!
Tho I gotta wonder how the natives coped in it for thousands of years around here...

[crackers42]

I will be honest you get used to it or almost immune to it after a bunch of years other then two weeks in June

Bat box works well also