Aerosol
Nothing spoils a vacation by a body of water in summer as much as mosquitoes and midges. While the fisherman catches fish, insects hunt the fisherman. Means for protection from annoying bloodsuckers on fishing is offered a lot.
Perhaps the most popular and simple – aerosols. When choosing them, pay attention to the period of action: the longer it is, the more concentrated the composition. And increased efficiency in this case is a disadvantage. Saturated compositions act up to 8 hours. But they are not recommended for women, children and people prone to allergies. Children’s sprays are milder and safer, but work only for 2 hours.
To avoid unpleasant side effects from contact of the chemical with the skin, it is easier to use an outdoor candle. Such a candle can be placed near you on the pier or on the shore. The burning time is up to 5 hours, so it may be enough for more than one fishing trip. Minus – will not be effective enough in strong winds.
An analog of candles – pyrotechnic fumigational means: spirals and sticks. Their smoke reliably expels harmful insects. If you put a smoldering spiral in front of the entrance to the tent, then after a while you will see a decent pile of dead mosquitoes at the threshold (tested in camping trips). And at night you will not hear a nasty squeak with a guarantee. Minus: the wind can carry away the saving smoke. Besides, leaving slow-burning elements unattended for a long time (overnight) is not so safe.
To the most modern and safe means of protection from mosquitoes on fishing are insect repellents. These are gas-powered mosquito repellent devices like the Garden Repeller from Thermacell. Or on batteries like the Raptor Kit.
Heating elements act on the plates or liquid in the cartridge, causing the gnat repellent to vaporize. Such devices even in the presence of wind protect the area up to 20 square meters. They have an attachment so that they can be attached to a backpack or belt when camping.
Thermacell developers create formulations that are harmless even for allergy sufferers. In addition, you can choose from a variety of scents, from neutral to the smell of fresh leaves.
Interior decoration, lighting fixture and protection from annoying insects are mosquito lamps, for example, Outdoor Lantern. The model is also produced under the Thermacell brand, because it works on gas cartridges on a similar principle to the Garden Repeller. The lamp can be placed on a dacha veranda, put next to you on a night fishing trip. This practical invention drives away up to 98 percent of mosquitoes and is safe for humans.
If you don’t trust scented products, use an anti-mosquito net. This is a lightweight cape that is convenient to take with you both on fishing trips and picnics. Such nets have cuffs – tucks on the sleeves, neck, bottom. On the zipper to the hood can be attached to the face protection. Minus: the hands will remain open, the mesh from the face will have to be removed if you decide to take a bite. Well, the appearance of a person in such a cape – practical, although, perhaps, not everyone will seem attractive.
For hunters and professional fishermen can fit antimosquito suits. The fabric of such jackets and pants not only protects from bites, but also from the wind. At the same time it breathes well, protecting from overheating. It helps to camouflage, thanks to protective colors.
A panama with an antimosquito net will protect you from sun rays and mosquitoes. Nets in such models can be removable. Fasten with rivets, on the zipper. There are tucks at the bottom.
And finally, for fashionistas Spanish brand Buff creates stylish bandanas with insect impregnation Insect Shield. The impregnation is harmless to humans and can withstand about 70 washings. In addition, such an element of equipment protects from ultraviolet light. It is made of breathable fabric, removes excess moisture. Has antibacterial treatment. Bandana is also a transformer and can be worn in different ways (as a scarf, scarf, arafatka, etc.).
What to do if all means of protection from mosquitoes forgot at home?
There are many recipes offered in the people. There are even such extreme suggestions as rubbing fish oil or tincture of vodka with garlic (5 cloves per 50 grams). But such aromas will scare away not only insects.
To avoid risk, you can use oil of eucalyptus, anise or vanilla. True, with caution, since natural remedies can also cause allergies. And in a large concentration, leave burns on the skin. In addition, if you forgot a spray or candle from mosquitoes, it is unlikely that you have a vial of vanilla with you.
You can drop the oil into the fire, but the effect of the drug will dissipate along with the odor.
Insects are afraid of the aroma of juniper, spruce or pine cones (you need about 20 pieces). Juniper twigs or spruce cones thrown into the fire, will give not only protection from mosquitoes, but also a cozy aroma. True, the radius and duration of action of such a remedy is small.
You can rub the body with leaves of bird cherry, mountain ash or basil. Some fishermen use lamps with camphor oil.
Each lover of outdoor recreation has its own experience of protection from insects. And what means from mosquitoes do you consider the best?
Conclusion
Type | Specificity | + | – |
Aerosol | Applied directly to the person | – availability | – Possible allergic reaction on skin contact- Caution for children and pregnant women |
Street candle | To be placed near a person | – Does not need to be applied to the skin | – Not effective in strong winds |
Spirals and sticks | Placed indoors or near a person | – Do not need to be applied to the skin- Highly effective | – Smoke may be blown away by wind- Smoldering objects should not be left unattended |
Mosquito repellent devices | Battery-operated or gas-powered. | – Protects up to 20 square meters even in windy conditions- Safe – Can be attached to a belt or backpack | |
Mosquito lamps | Combine mosquito repellent device and lamp | – Keeps out up to 98% of mosquitoes- Safe | |
Mosquito-impregnated outfits | Protects specific body parts | – Effectiveness- Safe for humans | – Not always aesthetic appearance (except for bandana) |
Author: Bob Nudd is an expert fisherman with over 20 years experience and winner of many competitions.