June 2022

[j84]

Planning a trip June 18-21, with the weather so far this year how do we anticipate the bug situation to be at that time? Thanks!

[Ingo]

That time of year, regardless of the winter, I prepare for the worst. Always bring Picaridin and a headnet any time. In June, will also treat clothes and toss in a small bottle of 100% DEET for a last resort. Rarely used, but worth it when you need it.

[Bobcat1]

I dunno about Isle Royale, but here in Ohio and West Virginia the ticks are out with a vengeance this spring! Treating all my clothes, my boots, my tent, my pack with permethrin seems to help, and a home treatment lasts a couple weeks.

[j84]

Thanks. I'm nervous about the mosquitos being a problem. What is the hands down best time to go where bugs may not be an issue, or maybe I'm dreaming and this isn't a thing. Thanks so much!!!

[dcclark]

It's always a trade-off. Little chance of bugs in mid-May, but in exchange you risk freezing nights, rainy days, and even snow. Late September (last boat season) is similar trade-offs.

To emphasize what Ingo said, headnets are the best 1/2 ounce you'll ever bring. They make bug season doable for me. Plus, light but long sleeves and pants.

[Ingo]

A bit of the dream, yes . But don't stress, just bring the dope! In general, June to mid-July they're the heaviest, but it really depends on the recent weather and if there's been a hatch. Some trips I hardly notice (even that time of year), others quite a bit (even later). A headnet is cheap insurance--I always bring one, but maybe used it once or twice. Lakeshore campgrounds on Superior tend to have less than the inland sites, closer to shore the better.

[IncaRoads]

Expect black flies and mosquitoes to peak in June or July. I personally find black flies to be the most troublesome. If you haven't yet met the upper Midwest's major pest, the black fly, you will. In addition to a headnet, I also bring along some rubber bands to seal off my shirt/pant cuffs in an attempt to keep those pesky black flies from tunneling under my clothes.