2014 Bug Level Thread

General discussions on hiking in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
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Don Nelsen
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Location: Vancouver, WA

Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by Don Nelsen » August 17th, 2014, 5:31 pm

Friday (15th) 3 sisters past Green Lakes and around upper Chambers Lake nary a bug until I got back to the TH. One lone mosquito dared to land on me but paid the ultimate price for the effort before it was able to suck any blood.
"Everything works in the planning stage" - Kelly

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do" - Warren Miller

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IslandCougGirl
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Location: Tri-Cities, Wa

Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by IslandCougGirl » August 24th, 2014, 8:02 am

Pretty bad mosquitos from the junction of Pct/Muddy Fork/Bald Mt/Top Spur? down to Lolo Pass. Didn't see or have any biting flies anywhere from Timberline Lodge to Lolo Pass.

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Grannyhiker
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Location: Gateway to the Columbia Gorge

Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by Grannyhiker » August 24th, 2014, 8:46 am

Not bad, but still a bit of a nuisance: Mosquitoes in the Thomas Lake area of Indian Heaven. Don't leave home without your repellent! In the evening, a headnet was at least considered, and I now wish I had put it on!

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xrp
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Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by xrp » August 24th, 2014, 12:38 pm

Timberline Trail from Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park:

No mosquitoes.
Very few, almost negligent, flies.
No biters.

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sprengers4jc
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Location: Vancouver, WA

Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by sprengers4jc » August 24th, 2014, 2:57 pm

8/24- no mosquitos but lots of annoying, buzzing flies everywhere above 3,500 feet on Larch Mountain. I was on Larch Mountain, Oneonta and Multnomah Spur trails. Only Multnomah Spur was fly-free.
'We travel not to escape life but for life to not escape us.'
-Unknown

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Zia
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Location: Salem

Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by Zia » August 24th, 2014, 6:17 pm

8/24 Jefferson Park via Whitewater TH from early morning to late afternoon. Some flies, a few bees, and a few mosquitoes although they never really paid much attention to us.

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sprengers4jc
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Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by sprengers4jc » September 19th, 2014, 6:54 am

Not a hike per se, more of a walk, but dang the mosquitoes were HORRIBLE on the Kiwa Trail at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. I have at least 30 bites on my legs and arms, along with the the back of my neck :evil: . Late September, never figured we would need bug spray there. But we were wrong and now I am cuddling with Cortizone and Benadryl. Save yourself, bring the spray! ;)
'We travel not to escape life but for life to not escape us.'
-Unknown

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kepPNW
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Location: Salmon Creek

Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by kepPNW » September 19th, 2014, 6:55 am

sprengers4jc wrote:Save yourself, bring the spray! ;)
Honestly, mine never comes out of my pack, other than once or twice a year when I find myself in the wrong meadow at the wrong time. (About twice as often as I get out the sunscream, which also rides along always.)
Karl
Back on the trail, again...

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retired jerry
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Re: 2014 Bug Level Thread

Post by retired jerry » September 19th, 2014, 7:38 am

I encountered a few bugs in September on Sisters and Mt Hood. Now we're getting into the good bug season. After we have a good freeze (soon) it'll be even better. I saw some ice at 7000 foot level.

Mostly, I use long pants and shirt. Maybe once a year I'll use a head net. Couple times a year I'll put some DEET on the back of my hands, neck, face.

Probably, for me, DEET has no bad effect and I'm not super bothered by the smell. Especially the small amount I use it.

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