Bugs

[ziggy6]

Ok so we're only 9 days away from our trip. Last year we felt we got real lucky with the bugs. We're not sure if it was the wind or the bugs were light but we had it easy last year. Not sure what to expect this year but we want to be prepared.  Does anyone have a report on the bug situation and also what do people use to help combat the pesky creatures?  Thanks and Happy Father's day to all the dads out there.  Ziggy

[Oarin]

ThemaCell works great.

[Jay Thomas]

ThemaCell works great.

Hi Gary,

I looked up Thermacell on the internet. Their web site says that Thermacell provides protection against mosquitoes. So what do you use to protect yourselves from Black Flies? I've read that the Black Fly season is not yet over.

Jay

[Oarin]

Hi Jay, I no longer go up North during the bad black fly time. If they were still around I have a light weight bug suit that Capt. Guy gave me that works great. Deep Woods Off works well too. Gary.

[Canuckbass]

I work outside everyday in bug season, do yourself a huge favour and stop at a Canadian Tire and get Watkins cream in white bottle. I apply once in morning to exposed skin and go bugfree all day long. Works for all bugs.

If using aerosol cans, spray on hands then apply to exposed skin. No reason to spray rest of body. I've had the same can for many year before I switched to Watkins.

And don't touch your fishing lures after applying... wash throughly.

[Goach15]

Ditto for the Watkins cream....used it for years once I found it at Costco...Been at the cottage every weekend since April and once bugs hit started using the Watkins... no issues with black flies or skeeters..rub it on arms and legs and in hair like Brylcream.....stuff is amazing and really lasts ..neighbors running around in bug shirts and the wife and I are in T shirts and shorts...

[Riverrat]

I came back a couple of days ago and talked to a couple of buddies who live there.  They said the bugs are still bad.  The Deer flies showed last Sunday to add to the fun lol.  Thank God for a screened in porch

[CaptainCrappie]

    I just returned yesterday from 3 Seasons Camp.  I will post a full report in a few days.  Those mosquitos and black flies were tough for me to deal with.  Worst I've experienced in 19 trips but this is the earliest June week of those 19 trips.  Camp owner Reggie, told us that the mosquitos and black flies are "the worst" he has experienced "in the 12 years" that he has "owned the camp." I wore a bug suit that unfortunately (the bottoms) had a few holes that were caused by encounters with either sickle, circle, or treble hooks.  Like a bullet wound, the exit holes are always bigger than the entrance holes, and those pesky black flies found their way in. The backs of my calves must have 50 bites! When I noticed a few black flies on the inside of my bug suit, it was too late. I swear that  those black flies can bite thru the mesh of a bug suit if the skin is right up against it!

C.C.

[saltwaterrocks]

Just came back Saturday.  Bugs are EPIC right now!!  Thermocell works for all of them; I hunt bear nearly every spring in Moffet and believe me, they work!!  The problem with Thermocell is the wind can blow the vapors away.  I do like to have one in the cabin and fish house for the fanged invaders.  +1 on the Watkins, heard of it but never used it.  I'm still working out of a bottle of Sawyers Jungle Juice which also works very well.  Even so, I have to defer to Canuck; I think "how is it possible to work outside" every time I go.  BTW, the fishing was great except it was a little hard to get fish SMALL enough to meet the slot...not really a bad problem to have!

[Canuckbass]

Thermocell works great, just don't expect immediate results. If working in a small area it's perfect and after 5 mins you're usually bug free.

[fishtildark]

just returned from Bush Country and will post report but bugs are about as bad as we have had in many years. Agree that thermocell works on mosquitoes but black flies are problematic. citronella candles help a little but seems the flies are best handled by the cigar smoke and a breeze.

[T-Bone]

Yeah...only way to avoid the bugs is avoid the time when the bugs are at their worst.

I swore off every going in early-June again after our trip a few years ago out to Lac Grindstone. I was practically schizo by the time we left and 'controlling' the bug nuisance each day feels like it's a full time job. Not relaxing...

It's just not worth it and fishing isn't any better then versus late-July / early-August when the only bugs you encounter are skeeters for about 1/2 hour each evening and the occasional deer fly zap during the day. Typically black flies are long gone by then. But if you must go during bug season, I suppose the only sure-fire protection is, literally, cover yourself head to toe in clothing that can't be compromised. Again...no thanks.

Sounds like Captain Crappie may subscribe to a later-season trip in the future if possible; your tenor is similar to mine after we got back from Lac Grindstone.

[Robnfl3]

In the same situation here. We are heading up with the family and a first time trip for the older girls.  Ordered the Watkins, I have head nets, citronella candles and a thermo cell. any other suggestions?  Don't want the girls to have a bad first trip because of bugs.

[Oarin]

Get more than 1 Therma Cell. For our camp fires at TBL outpost we set 3 out about 5-10 minutes before we head to the fire pit. Works really well.

[Goach15]

Sitting around  the fire at night we use Off Lanterns ....work well to keep mosquitos away..