Insects in the northeast

[Hummingbird]

This winter, some areas of the northeastern US were very lacking in snowfall, so it is likely that pests such as mosquitos, ticks, and other pests will be VERY BAD this year, from my predictions. Please keep this in mind when outdoors, and apply mosquito & tick spray to avoid any itchy bites and the chance of Lyme disease.

From the sheriff, who happens to be my neighbor, I learned that mixing 1 part water to two parts distilled white vinegar works to repel ticks, and from his and my own experience it seems to work very well, and is dirt cheap. It smells bad for a time, but you get used to it. You can also add peppermint or something else to make it smell better, in addition to adding another layer of scented tick protection.

For mosquitos, I don't really have any tips. I've never had the best of luck with the bug sprays, as I still get bit often, and I end up covered in the nasty stuff. Maybe we can add something to the tick repellent. Any ideas, guys?

[THRAWN]

http://survivalathome.com/5-homemade-mosquito-repellents/

[MacGruff]

Yeah. That works. Although another event that we are being warned about is the Brood 5 of the Ciccadas are going to be appearing within the next month. Them's the critters that have a 17 year cycle...

[KASSRCrashResearch]

If you don't mind a dedicated skeptic chiming in, just remember that the reason a lot of old wives' tales fell out of use is because they didn't work.  For example, I've never seen any scientific evidence that vinegar actually repels ticks. Even with the essential oils that have been shown to have limited effects on reducing bites, they don't last very long (often less than 10 minutes after application) and thus become somewhat impractical in a field setting.

Regarding mosquitos: http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/skeeters.asp

Especially when it comes to critters that can kill or pretty badly mess your day up, it's best to stick to things that have some hard data that says they work.  If you want to back them up with something that MIGHT work, go for it but relying on some anecdote or supposition is a pretty questionable bet. 

[Holding Pattern]

If you don't mind a dedicated skeptic chiming in, just remember that the reason a lot of old wives' tales fell out of use is because they didn't work.  For example, I've never seen any scientific evidence that vinegar actually repels ticks. Even with the essential oils that have been shown to have limited effects on reducing bites, they don't last very long (often less than 10 minutes after application) and thus become somewhat impractical in a field setting.

Regarding mosquitos: http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/skeeters.asp

Especially when it comes to critters that can kill or pretty badly mess your day up, it's best to stick to things that have some hard data that says they work.  If you want to back them up with something that MIGHT work, go for it but relying on some anecdote or supposition is a pretty questionable bet.

Thank you for posting this. In addition, here is the CDC guidance:

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/protection-against-mosquitoes-ticks-other-arthropods

[KASSRCrashResearch]

Thank you for posting this.

Not a problem.  I may not officially be CAP yet, but I still look out for my brothers and sisters.

[Hummingbird]

If you don't mind a dedicated skeptic chiming in, just remember that the reason a lot of old wives' tales fell out of use is because they didn't work.  For example, I've never seen any scientific evidence that vinegar actually repels ticks. Even with the essential oils that have been shown to have limited effects on reducing bites, they don't last very long (often less than 10 minutes after application) and thus become somewhat impractical in a field setting.

Regarding mosquitos: http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/skeeters.asp

Especially when it comes to critters that can kill or pretty badly mess your day up, it's best to stick to things that have some hard data that says they work.  If you want to back them up with something that MIGHT work, go for it but relying on some anecdote or supposition is a pretty questionable bet.

The sheriff has done it on multiple occasions with success, as have I. Works fine.

[Eclipse]

Sunday AM while waiting for breakfast, I had this visitor.

[Hummingbird]

Sunday AM while waiting for breakfast, I had this visitor.

Good shot! These guys eat some of the pests we'll have to deal with

[KASSRCrashResearch]

Sunday AM while waiting for breakfast, I had this visitor.

That's pretty awesome.  I love dragonflies.  It's hard to believe that there used to be ones with a 2+ foot wingspan.  Five bucks says one of those things were probably about as loud as a Cessna 172 at full power. 

[stitchmom]

Permethrin for clothing and bags
DEET for skin