We’re used to the mosquitoes dying down in August up here on the North Shore. But with this year’s late, wet spring, they are still out in full force.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid those pesky mosquitoes:

• Get a good mosquito repellant and use it regularly. The favorite here at Stone Harbor is a DEET-free product named Bull Frog. Don’t let the fact that it is DEET-free scare you off–it works so well that even the DNR conservation officers use it. (If you are in the store, ask Jack about his hike to the top of Eagle Mountain and how it made him a Bullfrog convert.)
• Be smart about your mosquito repellant. Do not apply it to eyes, mouth or broken skin. Ditto skin that is covered with clothing. And be sure to wash your hands after applying the repellant.
• Do not apply permethrin products on your skin. Permethrin can be sprayed on clothing, hats, tents and sleeping bags.
• Avoid bright clothing. Studies show that mosquitoes are more attracted to bright clothing, so opt for earth tones, khaki, or neutral clothing while outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting shirts and long pants when traveling through mosquito territory.
• Ask us about bug shirts. They are great to have in your mosquito arsenal.
• Consider a head net when traveling in heavily populated mosquito areas. A head net barely takes up any space in your pack, but boy will you be glad you have it if you walk into a swarm of mosquitoes.
• Check your mosquito nets and screens for holes. Repair the holes if you can, or apply DEET to any breeches.
• Your mom was right: cleanliness is next to godliness. Mosquitoes are attracted to body odor and sweat, so stay clean. On the other hand…
• Don’t smell like a flower. You just remind the mosquitoes of their favorite food. Sweet-smelling soaps, shampoos, and lotions attract those pesky biters.
• Avoid peak mosquito hours. They are most active at dawn and dusk, so avoid prolonged outdoor activity at those times.
• Garlic keeps more than your sweetie away. Eating garlic may give you some mild protection, both from the odor on your breath as well as the sulfur compounds that you emit through your skin.
• Stay away from damp areas. Mosquitoes love the puddles and shallow pools that can form in the woods.
• Beware of exercising too much in mosquito territory. Mosquitoes are attracted to the extra carbon dioxide you give off when you are breathing heavily. A burning fire can attract mosquitoes for the same reason.
• Try essential oils. The Cook County Co-op here in Grand Marais has great essential oils. Lemon eucalyptus, citronella, garlic, cinnamon, rosemary, lemongrass, cedar, peppermint, clove, cajeput and rose geranium are all known to have insect repelling properties. Try mixing and matching until you come up with a combination that works for you. Or try doTERRA TerraShield essential oil blend. My friend Cindy swears by it! When using essential oils, remember that you need to reapply often and be sure to get every speck of exposed skin.

What’s your favorite protection against mosquitoes?