Putting the bite on bugs

It’s hard to beat the slap

By DENNIS APRILL, Outdoors Columnist

Strange contraptions that sound like large flying insects, oily chemicals oozing over exposed skin, traps spewing carbon dioxide mixed with a special enticing scent — sounds like the ingredients for a very low-budget 1950s-like horror flick.

Yet, each spring, outdoor enthusiasts go to similar lengths to ward off blackflies and mosquitoes. Some of these rituals are practical, common-sense efforts to avoid getting eaten alive; others are just bizarre.

Take the mosquito repeller that makes flapping sounds similar to a dragonfly, a mortal enemy of the mosquito.

This noisy device, worn on the belt, might be taken as a desperate, if not overly optimistic, effort to keep the winged bloodsuckers at bay. If worn in the city, it might get one a trip to the nearest psychiatric ward. In a study done by a leading consumer magazine, the dragonfly-like sound did little to turn away hungry mosquitoes.

DEET, a chemical compound, is an oily liquid that is effective in repelling biting insects; the problem is that it can be corrosive when used in high percentages. DEET supposedly confuses the sensors of mosquitoes and blackflies so they cannot locate the skin by smell.

Low DEET concentrations are recommended for adults, none for young children who frequently put their fingers in their mouths. Look at the repellent label to find the DEET concentration, which probably is listed by its chemical name N-diethly-meta-toluamide.

The latest in backyard and campground repellents are the ones that use propane torch and scent to lure mosquitoes to their downfall. One such device is Coleman’s Mosquito Deleto.

According to a Coleman company press release, "The trap silently lures mosquitoes by mimicking a host target. The unit emits a combination of heat, a special scent and carbon dioxide that acts as an attraction for mosquitoes."

Eventually, the release goes on to add, "Once lured to the trap, mosquitoes become caught on the adhesive cartridge where they die."

This device retails for $169 (for the portable trap), so you may decide a quick slap of the hand is the better way to go.

I have always been cynical when it comes to the latest insect-control devices, preferring instead to cover up with lightweight clothing that the bugs can’t bite through. Such an outfit also cuts down on the harmful rays of the sun.

When the bugs are really bad, I use a headnet over a wide-brimmed hat, though baseball caps with the netting rolled and stored above the bill are available for under $20.

I have been asked by Coleman to field test their Mosquito Deleto this summer, and I certainly have a couple places in mind to put this machine to the test.

I told the company I would report my findings to my readers, no matter how they turn out, and Coleman accepted that stipulation. Judging by the wet weather we’ve had lately, that report may be out soon.