Tuesday, March 12, 2019

BITING INSECTS

ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK



BITING GNATS emerge late March through June.  These are tiny evil biting flies and may swarm around and pester you when the air is still.  They hide in sagebrush and bushes when the wind blows.

BRINE FLIES are non-biting flies that cover the shorelines. These flies are harmless and move away when approached.

MIDGES are non-biting flies that swarm in columns along the causeway Spring through early Fall. They splatter on your windshield while driving onto the island.  You'll see them in the Springtime once the temperature reaches 70 degrees.

MOSQUITOES are present during the warmer months, from Spring through early Fall and may carry the Zika and West Nile disease.

CONCLUSION: 
Wearing longer clothes and having less exposed skin may lessen bug bites.
  
Some of the ingredients of Insect repellent have Deet, and Picardin.  Natural repellents have Citronella, Lavender, Lemongrass, Eucalptus and Peppermint.
Some people with Asthma are allergic to Citronella.

Deet can damage synthetic clothes such as rayon and  not damage wool, cotton or nylon.  
Picardin won't hurt your clothes, but may be harder to find in the stores.

Mosquitoes are attracted to darker clothing, smelly socks and carbon dixoide. 

Bicycle riders on the Causeway often cover their face with a handkerchief to keep bugs out of their mouths.  

Afternoon winds keep the bugs down, and may be a great time to visit.