Bug spray

[Eve Alexandra]

Is there a bug spray available in farmacias that works better than me waving my stick in front of my face like a windshield wiper?

 

[RJM]

Get some mosquito/bug netting for your head. They make them that hang over a hat.
Not sure how practical and effective walking while spraying poison in front of your face would be not to mention you'll be walking into the poison yourself as you spray.

 

[Xali1970]

A hat and mosquito/bug net, or the good old classic from Oz: a collection of corks hanging from strings. You could while you walk reminisce on your thoughts you had while emptying out the (wine) bottle(s) ;-)

else 100% DEET on the collar of your shirt and on your hat

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Eve, I am surprised to hear of nuisance gnats, flies or mosquitos on the Camino so early. I have always started my Caminos in the spring and have never seen any bugs flying around. I guess it's like the weather and a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

In Europe it is easier to find picaridin based repellents than in North America. These do not smell as bad as DEET based ones or feel as oily. Personally, I have had better results with DEET.

A ten year old Appalachian Mountain Club article:

Picaridin vs DEET: Which Is the Best Insect Repellent? | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

AMC's gear guru pits the two top active ingredients in insect repellents head to head: Picaridin vs DEET.

www.outdoors.org

 

[Camino Chrissy]

In Europe it is easier to find picaridin based repellents than in North America. These do not smell as bad as DEET based ones or feel as oily. Personally, I have had better results with DEET.

A ten year old Appalachian Mountain Club article:

Picaridin vs DEET: Which Is the Best Insect Repellent? | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)

AMC's gear guru pits the two top active ingredients in insect repellents head to head: Picaridin vs DEET.

www.outdoors.org

Interesting article, Rick. It would be nice if there was an update to it now. I don't know who volunteered to test these products, but I wouldn't have wanted to be a guinea pig.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Eve, I am surprised to hear of nuisance gnats, flies or mosquitos on the Camino so early. I have always started my Caminos in the spring and have never seen any bugs flying around. I guess it's like the weather and a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get.

Two days ago I got bit by a black fly while sitting on a rock taking a break. Today it was gnats gnats everywhere. Lol I’m no scientist but I’ve noticed at home that the bug seasons are shifting with climate changes. Of course I own a bug net and it’s at home because it never even occurred to me to bring it. I hate it when that happens. I’ll keep my eye out at the farmacias and see what I can find. I just didn’t know if there was something everyone uses so I figured best to ask first.

Thanks everyone!

 

[J Willhaus]

There is a store in Castrojerez on the square for hikers. He may have a bug net. I have never found the bug repellant works well in Spain for their flies.

 

[Bristle Boy]

I don't think a repellant would work particularly well whilst moving around in an open space. I would take my lead from the Scots during midge season and the beekeepers and, has been suggested, use a netting protector attached to your hat.

 

[Bristle Boy]

And...just to use your windscreen wiper analogy, I wouldn't walk too fast...you've probably seen the state of your windscreen during bug season

 

[DyanTX]

A hiking friend used to put one of those perfumed dryer sheets under her hat to keep gnats and flies away. She swore it worked perfectly. I never tried it.

 

[chinacat]

I used a ‘hat net’.
Worked really well.

 

[RRat]

Is there a bug spray available in farmacias that works better than me waving my stick in front of my face like a windshield wiper?

2018, SJPDP to Santiago, Sep, Oct, 35 days. No bugs. Except the one dinner with the English guy. He was so annoying. But days later saw him again and he saved me a 10k walk when I was lost.

 

[JimG59]

When I saw this thread I immediately thought of bed bugs. Anyone take on these creepy crawlies ?

 

[Bristle Boy]

When I saw this thread I immediately thought of bed bugs. Anyone take on these creepy crawlies ?

Please don't...there are so many threads on this issue I know them all personally by name.

 

[chinacat]

Please don't...there are so many threads on this issue I know them all personally by name.

Bedbugs have names???

 

[Bristle Boy]

Bedbugs have names???

I expect they've been called a few....
As one bedbug licked his lips and said to the other....
"The Camino provides"

 

[David Tallan]

One advantage of wearing a Covid-mask during gnat and noseeum season, I'm finding, is that it keeps them out of your mouth and nose.