OmPi's Adventures

So when you combine these two things, a bit of a sticky situation can be the result, namely how am I going to address one without caving on the other. Outside of Food and Gear how to prevent bugs from biting and thus infecting me has been one of the top items I have been researching and I feel I have found some solutions.

DEET - The chemical option! While the EPA continues to suggest that DEET does not present a health concern to the general public I know I don't like it, it makes me feel funny and knowing that the skin is highly absorbent the idea of lacing my body with it for months on end doesn't appeal to me. As well if you read through the EPA's "Using DEET products safely" you will see that on the AT it will be nearly impossible to use DEET safely according to their advice. This will be a last resort that I will pick up on the trail if all else fails me.

Foods & Diet - Whether science or old wives tales some suggest certain foods and vitamins (i.e. onions, garlic, various herbs and spices, Apple Cider Vinegar, Marmite, B12, bananas, beans, and citrus especially grapefruit) will repel bitting insects. For me seeing as most of these items are common in my daily diet I'm hopeful that it will be helpful on the trail. Some of these items may help you on your inward journey as other hikers may also be repelled.

Essential Oils - My secret weapon for the trail is a natural Essential Oil based bug repellant that is still being formulated and tested but I can and will share some of the possible essential oils going into the mix. Rose Geranium (This lady swears by it for her and her dogs in the fight against ticks. Dogs Naturally Magazine references it as well as an effective preventative.) Wellness Mama whom I love and adore has her own suggestions for a Homemade bug spray using Citronella, Clove, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Cedar, Catnip, Lavender, and/or Mint Essential Oils. I figure I have a good few months in the FL Mosquito season to test my concoction before giving it a real go on the trail.

Permethrin - Another Chemical Option! While I am hesitant still of using it regularly I think for the trail I will soak some of my gear in this as another preventative. The biggest reason I am compromising on this item is because it has been shown to be much more effective against ticks (LYME DISEASE INFECTING BASTARDS) than DEET with much less of the toxic side effects. Not to mention this is applied primarily to gear, clothes, etc through soaking then drying rather than directly onto my skin. I know I know if its on my clothes and my skin is touching my clothes it is bound to have some transference, but I am willing to accept the effects because the results appear to be top quality. I will probably leave the bottle in my bounce box and send it to myself along the way as applications usually last a few weeks it seems.

Bug Gear - There seems to be lots of different bug gear out there which I'm sure will be helpful for mosquitos and black flies as apparently they get pretty bad on the AT in certain states. Anyway still trying to figure out if the excess weight will be worth having more than what I have in my arsenal already. If anyone has insight on this as well as suggestions I'd love to hear it.

What about you all? What are your plans for dealing with bugs, chemicals or anything else along the trail. Share your insights in the comments below.