Maps and Deet - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Two questioms: Where can you apply Deet to protect your legs? im very concerned about ticks. Also, Will i nieed a map? when comming to road crossings will it be marked so that i know the impoartant ones into town? Thanks!

Anthony

#2

well im thinkin your legs but id protect my whole body head to toe. i’ve actually heard rubbing cat nip on you works better than deet. as far as the markings get a app. trail map and companion guide. they’re cheap and worth it. but usually from the section hike i did the trail appears well marked at least south to north. as far as tics go wear a nice wide brimmed hat should keep em at bay and your face from gettin’ fried. gl .

buzzsaw

#3

Hmm…not really sure catnip is a very good idea…I’d stick with DEET, a 30% concentration should be enough… There have been studies conducted on the various repellants, comparing DEET to the “natural” repellants like eucalyptus, lemon extract, etc, but DEET always wins… Also, use Permathrin on your boots and gaitors as well (not your skin!), it is a long lasting repellant for ticks, need to reapply about every 2 weeks… I have heard others talk of Avon Skin So Soft, but tried it one day and was eaten alive!! A head shield made of no-see-um fabric works great against insects in the season when they are thick and laugh at any repellant (you will understand this soon enough), weighs about 1/2 ounce but at least they wont be in your eyes, up your nose, in you mouth, etc…

-xtn :boy

airferret

#4

Check out the Buzz-Off clothing from Ex Officio. Pricey, but not as much as Lyme or West Nile. I found the bandana most effective and worth the $12…YMMV.

Happy New Year.

Lady Di

#5

Companion guide work great. I have used DEET but it is toxic and if you sweatalot,needs to be reapplied and washed off periodically-over time it has to be toxic to your body,especially over 30% concentration. For years, I used nothing and was rarely bothered by insects. But now there is a slight risk of West Nile disease,so its up to you to determine what risks to take. 100% DEET once melted my eyeglass rim and distorted it enough that the lense popped out often. DEET works because it creates a vapor over your skin that distracts chemoreception in biting insects. I eat 2lb. or more of garlic per week and probably have a similar effect to DEET when I sweat. Happy Trails

mike

#6

Companion guide work great. I have used DEET but it is toxic and if you sweatalot,needs to be reapplied and washed off periodically-over time it has to be toxic to your body,especially over 30% concentration. For years, I used nothing and was rarely bothered by insects. But now there is a slight risk of West Nile disease,so its up to you to determine what risks to take. 100% DEET once melted my eyeglass rim and distorted it enough that the lense popped out often. DEET works because it creates a vapor over your skin that distracts chemoreception in biting insects. I eat 2lb. or more of garlic per week and probably have a similar effect to DEET when I sweat. Happy Trails

mike