What's the bug situation like currently?

[Kelly]

I'll be arriving on Isle Royale on Thursday (first time!) and am curious about the current bug situation. Does anyone have any info?

[Ingo]

Hey Kelly, welcome! I'm about 3 wks out from my trip and was wondering the same thing. But I know that the skeeter and fly populations change quickly and vary immensely from place to place, so there's really not much to worry about, just be prepared. My advise is ALWAYS take a headnet regardless--it's like an ounce or two of insurance. I've always taken them, but never had to use them. On the other hand, I've read of folks being offered $50 on the trail for theirs because the bugs were so bad--they said "NO". In the past I've usually taken 100% DEET and needed it at times, especially in the evenings. This year I'm going to treat my clothes with Permethrin and take Picaridin instead of DEET. Mostly because it doesn't melt plastics and ruin stuff (like an expensive camera). I've used Picaridin a few times and it seems to work well, but haven't had serious enough bugs to really test it. Does seem to keep the ticks off anyways, but at least that's not a concern on I.R.

[Kelly]

Yeah, I was hoping someone could tell me that the bugs hatched last week and now they're all gone. Or something like that.

I think I'm as prepared as I can be: headnet, Picaridin, nylon pants (since I've heard that mosquitos can't bite through), and a tent. I wish to see them, but not experience them.

I picked Picaridin over DEET for the reason you mentioned. I wanted to try Permethrin, but I read that it's toxic to aquatic life.

Yes, not only is it my first time on Isle Royale, it's my first time backpacking, so there's been a lot of reading and little experience.

[Ingo]

Yeah, I was hoping someone could tell me that the bugs hatched last week and now they're all gone. Or something like that.

Exactly what we all wish for! But sounds like you're prepared for whatever they bring.

[Rafiki]

The bugs hatched last week and now they're all gone.

[Kelly]

The bugs hatched last week and now they're all gone.

If only.

[Richard1961]

The bugs hatched last week and now they're all gone.

I think the Goshawks ate them all. Richard

[Rafiki]

If only,

Hey just telling you what you wanted to hear Kelly per your request

I think the Goshawks ate them all. Richard

HA HA HA those pesky goshawks

[daviddklb]

Hey, me and some friends just got back from the island. The bugs are out, but they are not oppressive. I used very little bug spray on this trip, and the headnet stayed in the pack.
i found that if you keep moving on the trail, they won't bother you there at all. pretty much only when you stop.

[greener]

Any updates on the bugs??

I've heard ticks are really bad this year in the Boundary Waters area..

[Ingo]

Last week at Chickenbone, Hatchet, Todd: no flies to speak of, mosquitoes moderate, mostly in the evenings. Not near head net quantity, just need to keep the bug dope handy.

No ticks on the island--at least not any kind that bother humans.

[Rafiki]

Still waiting to hear more about what happened to your friends wrist Ingo. Hopefully he or she is alright and whatever happened was not too brutually painful or tramatizing to the extend that he or she would not want to visit the island again the account of the mishap that took place