2007-04-22 02:59:12 · 8 answers · asked by Debby R 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Other - Outdoor Recreation
You need to purchase it from a military supply store (not surplus). In the military we use 100% deet. The higher the deet the better. For example "Off" has about 19% Deet as do most formulas. Military deet is 100% deet. I have been in very dense woods and not a single bite. However, extended use of deet on the skin may cause cancer.
2007-04-22 03:04:31 · answer #1 · answered by Illinois-Lawyer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First off, I see that a lot of the recomendations is for 100% deet. Let me tell you this, deet is a toxin and it'll make you sick if you use it for a while. Putting it on constantly over a trip can cause many people to become ill with flu like symptoms. The best non deet bug repellent that i've found is made by Exofficio and it isn't even a topical repellent. It is in clothing items. It is called BuzzOff and you can find it pants, shirts, bandanas, and hats buy Exofficio made with BuzzOff. It is sewn into the garment and chemically bonded so it won't rub off on your skin or wash out in the washer. It will gas out but that takes several years. I used this particular repellent in a shirt i wore in the Sierras in the summer and i had no problem with bugs and mosquitos. They just don't like to come near the stuff. Happy Hiking!!!
2007-04-22 19:25:57 · answer #2 · answered by mikeDJ_LP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When used as directed, Deet is safe. Deet and Picaridin are the only chemical insect repellents recommended by the CDC. Oil of lemon Eucalyptus is also effective, but from what i understand it has to be applied more frequently. Deet will damage/melt nylon or polyester fabrics if you apply it to them, which is a problem since most hiking clothes are made from nylon or polyester. However, i've never had this damage occur because i'm careful not to get Deet on my clothes (and in my pack, i always carry the bottle in a plastic baggie).
you can get repellents containing any of these ingredients at Target, WalMart, or pretty much any sporting goods retailer. Look at the information on the CDC link i gave below to see what precentage concentrations offer how much protection.
the in-clothing treatment somebody mentioned is permethrin. you can buy clothes pre-treated with permethrin (Ex Officio's "Buzz Off" line of clothes) or you can buy permethrin spray and treat the clothes yourself. if you can afford the permethrin-treated clothes then i recommend them. my experience with permethrin spray is that it is not as effective as i wish it would be (i got bitten through my pants & shirt).
oh, almost forgot - the advice to get a headnet is correct. if the bugs there get as bad as they do here (Sierra Nevada), then even with repellent they'll be buzzing in your eyes and ears. wear the headnet over a wide-brimmed hat and the bugs won't drive you completely crazy (hopefully).
2007-04-25 12:26:41 · answer #3 · answered by emma e 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muskol is very good, especially for tics and gnats. I am not sure of the DEET content but 100% DEET is gonna do the best job whatever the brand.
2007-04-22 13:23:26 · answer #4 · answered by Ret. Sgt. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regular Deep Woods Off will work fine. There are only a few mosquitoes there and what I call No see Ums which are a tiny black gnat. I have hiked all over that country
2007-04-23 22:30:13 · answer #5 · answered by Brandon 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
try burts 100% deet or even better jungle formula but get the spray on version also may i recommend a lrge brimmed hat with a mostquito net to keep the flies away from your face
2007-04-22 03:52:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Avon Skin-So-Soft! It's great!
2007-04-22 03:03:45 · answer #7 · answered by NJGuy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
bert's....it is 100% deet, bugs won't touch you. you can get it at any hunting store.
2007-04-22 03:09:21 · answer #8 · answered by Steve 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋