I'm headed out to do some hiking in Wrangell St. Elias NP in
Alaska in late July this year and have heard a few nasty
stories about the mosquitoes out there in the summer. Just
how bad are they and is a head net really necessary?
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You'd only need a head net if you wanted to breathe.
I've been to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward and Denally. I
had no problems at all!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hear if you go much earlier (May) there aren't nearly as
many bugs.otherwise, it's supposed be impossible.
I was in Wrangell-St. Elias in mid-July a few years ago.
The mosquitos were the worst I ever saw anywhere. I distinctly remember seeing my hiking companion walk past me in a grey haze of mosquitos flying all around him. But don't let this put you off. The mosquitos were not really difficult if you are resonably well-prepared. They really weren't a problem at all. We did not wear head nets. We got by fine with heavy clothing (sweatshirts and jeans) and plenty of insect repellent on any exposed skin. Without the insect repellant you might be bled dry! The weather was not so hot that the heavy clothes were uncomfortable. If there is any breeze at all the mosquitos virtually disappear but you can never count on this. I recollect that the gnats were much more annoying even if they did not bite.
Depending on the season and location and a ton of other
variables, you might have a fine trip and few bugs. DO NOT
COUNT ON THAT. You and any friends that you are hiking with
go out and buy a complete top and bottom bug suit - and one
of those helmet head gear things too!(those you can get at
army surplus for reasonable price) Your suit will usually
have a cap attatched - don't be cheap - buy the headgear,
helmet thing too. Make sure the netting on your tent is in
good shape. And you even may want to look into buying a bug
throw net which you can suspend with ropes - almost becomes
a bug screen tent, nice for cooking by your stove, next to
your tent. If I sound paranoid it is because I have been on
several hikes in that wrong time of year and thats just in
the US cascades and the Coastal range in BC. I have also
been eaten on a trip to Alaska. Believe me those little -
or not so little, winged bastards can make a good trip,
bad. Why risk it. Hey the buggers were able to bite through
my long sleeve shirts and pants! bring repellant too. Look
at Johhnys post above too. Remember you have been warned!
okay....i grew up and live in the north and i suppose i am
used to mosquitoes. i tree-plant with them all summer..so
here is what i advise:
take insect repellent (do not bother with any bug suits and
head nets - they are more uncomfortable than the bugs!!) - i
plant with deet (98% deet - "deep woods") because i am with
them everyday. but as it is VERY bad for you i would suggest
some natural or less potent repellant.
if it turns out to be as hot as last summer, you will not
have to worry about mosquitoes or horse flies because they
hate hot weather. they thrive in moist dark areas - so when
you set up camp, choose a dry location - away from rivers,
swamps etc. hike in light coloured clothing (as they are
attracted to dark colours) and apply repellant on exposed
skin. DO NOT WEAR SCENTED DEODORANT OR PERFUME OR ANY
PRODUCTS THAT GIVE OFF A SWEET SMELL. when i am planting or
climbing/hiking, i tend not to put on deodorant (or use an
unscented crystal) since you are out in the woods anyhow and
who cares if you smell.
just do not get freaked out about mosquitoes - they are not
as bad as people make them out to be...they are food for the
frogs and spiders!!
have a great trip!
L.
I am in far norther Alberta, Canada as I write this and I
have to say the mosquitos are awesome. I have never seen
anything like them for size and aggression. And, I have
heard there are worse: black flies and mosquito hawks... of
course the locals could be shitting me but I don't sit
outside in the sun anymore. There were a few weeks after
the snow melted that there were no bugs at all, but now the
rain is here, bug city. I would be prepared as advised
above.
You won't need that mush bug spray unless you love marsh
land!