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Playing With Mosquitos

Towfer set you straight. A fan behind is the way to go. I've used cage fans on top of my amp and oscillating floor fans and both work well at keeping skeeters and the Alabama state bird (gnats) from choking you while your hands are busy and you can't constantly swat them away from your face.

If you want some additional protection, wet a bandana, wring it until it's damp, then put a goodly amount of Avon Skin So Soft on it. You want it pretty wet but dripping is too much. Anywho, once you get the SSS worked in, roll it Cowboy fashion and tie it around your neck.

Almost forgot. Avoid any foofoo or pit maintenence products if you are working outside. The scent is a bug magnet.
 
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Mosquitos are certainly pests, but...

We played a gig in a gazebo on the local town square this past summer. At the beginning of our set, we noticed a wasp circling about which isn't that uncommon for that time of year. Then, it started attacking. I shook it off my fretting hand once, the LG had it hit him in the head. Apparently the nest was under the boards of the deck. We moved away from the area and were less attacked.

Back to the OP question... I like the fan idea.
 
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There are mosquito repellent devices you can wear around your neck on a lanyard.

Additionally, and while effective this may be a bit excessive, there are repellent treatments sold at outdoors/camping stores that you wash your clothes in. Once your clothes are put through this process, you simply wear them as usual... and they keep the bugs away.

Permethrin soak for your clothes is supposed to last several months even with washing. I just looked it up. Seems pretty neat. I may have to give it a try. Here in Eastern NC, the mosquitos are more than plentiful. This stuff is supposed to keep lots of other insects, including ticks, at bay as well.

Interesting.

Fall hiking around here can be pretty tough due to bugs. I will have to try some of this stuff this summer and see how it goes. I need to read up on how it works with nylon and other breathable fabrics. I wear a lot of breathable pants and shirts.

I also wear a lot of vented hiking shoes. I may try it on them as well.

I'll report back.
 
Fans.

1) Mosquitos are attracted to the "trails" of carbon dioxide animals leave as they breathe. If you blow a fan from behind you it will break up your "trail" and still not dry out your throat.

2) A strong fan makes it hard for skeeters to fly into the air flow. They simply get blown away.

Squirrel cage fan about 6 to 8 feet behind you does the trick and cools you off too.

Yes, I'm replying to my own post.

This solution won't work for everyone. I read a lot here about the Mesa Walkabout fam being too loud. If that's too loud for you a squirrel cage will sound like a freight train. :D
 
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Dryer fabric softener sheets actually do a good job of keeping bugs away. Rub them on your clothes and exposed skin. I have done this several times with good results.

This. My kid tells the story about Marine Corps basic where they were hot outside somewhere dealing with hoards of skeeters and the drill instructor was not bothered by them at all. Turns out he had a drier sheet under his hat. I use them outside alot, really works.