Don’t bug me, don’t bite me

July 12, 2010 | Updated: June 17, 2015 | By Elizabeth | Reply More

Don’t bug me, don’t bite me!

I don’t care how beautiful a place is – if there are bugs swarming around, I can’t exit fast enough.

I remember when I was walking the Milford Track in New Zealand and we stopped for lunch on the last day – sand flies came out of nowhere and flew in my face every time I tried to take a bite of my sandwich. Even though I was hungry, I packed up and walked the rest of the trail without eating.

Don’t Bug me, don’t bite me clothing

Since then, I’ve discovered “Buzz Off” clothing made by ExOfficio. These garments are treated with insect repellent that remains effective for 25 washings. My favorite pieces are the socks because they save my ankles from mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and other malicious pests. I also have a great Buzz Off shirt and some comfortable lightweight pants.

I bought my Buzz Off gear at REI, but it’s also sold at L.L. Bean, and directly from ExOfficio.

Don’t Bug me, don’t bite me patches

I understand that some folks would rather suffer a few – even more than a few – bites, rather that wear clothing treated with insect repellent. That’s when the all-natural Dont Bite Me! patches become the protection of choice.

These transdermal patches contain Vitamin B1 (thiamine) which is absorbed into the bloodstream and is then secreted through the body’s pores. The odor isn’t offensive to humans, but mosquitos and other biting insects definitely don’t like it – and stay away.

There’s no risk of poisoning with Vitamin B1. In fact, it’s good for the nervous system, digestion, muscles, and heart. The patches also contain aloe, which is well known to be useful in treating burns and skin inflamation

So before you go hiking in New Zealand – or try to enjoy a barbecue in your backyard this summer – consider investing in one of these options, and tell the bugs to buzz off.

Have fun!

Elizabeth Hansen