Mosquitoes – A threat to backpackers

Mosquitoes are a major threat to the backpacker’s safety. These dangerous insects can beat all rainy days and thunderstorms, added together, in ruining trips for inadequately prepared backpackers.

Swarms of mosquitoes target a backpacker in the wilderness, especially when his hands are totally occupied in a demanding task. The nagging buzz of mosquitoes can drive a backpacker crazy. Most importantly, mosquitoes, act as carriers of dangerous diseases that can even kill people.

A backpacker should never forget to pack mosquito repellents along with all their essentials. Generally, the carbon dioxide that we exhale attracts mosquitoes. Repellents mask that odor and keep mosquitoes away.

Almost all mosquito repellents contain DEET, which is considerably successful in keeping mosquitoes away. Most backpackers do not have any problems with DEET, but a few might get skin irritations. One should (a) use this repellent in moderation, (b) avoid having any clothing on skin coated with the repellent, (c) keep the repellent away from the face and eyes and (d) wash the repellent off properly once he is inside the tent, in order to prevent repellent-related problems. If problems persist one can use a repellent with a time-release formulation or one with a weaker concentration of DEET.

Wearing pants and full-sleeve shirts, and making the lunch stops away from wet, marshy areas, are also going to help a backpacker in staying away from the menacing pests.