How do you keep the bugs off when running in the woods?

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Replies

  • jldubyah
    jldubyah Posts: 11
    I run in WI, and therefore consider myself somewhat of an expert on this subject :)

    For Mosquitos - Deep Woods Off.

    If it's just gnats and little bugs that are more of an aggravation vs. biting you (sounds like this might be the case), then the absolute best stuff I've found is a product called Buggins. It's available at hardware stores around here, or on Amazon if you don't have it nearby you. I'm not kidding when I say our whole town carries this stuff with them everywhere they go. It smells great and works wonderfully.
  • scraver2003
    scraver2003 Posts: 526 Member
    OMG. Deer flies are the devil. You can't outrun the little f***ers. Deep Woods Off keeps them from landing on me, but they still circle my head. At lease for those b*st*rds, their season is short. Mosquitos have never bothered me while running. Little black gnats have gone up my nose a time or two... but that is more annoying - the deer flies are PAINFUL.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Bugs don't bother me much. The ones that dare to come close I either eat or they're killed by colliding with my face. Take that!

    Be sure to log the calories!
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    I use bug spray because I can't stand being bitten. I use Avon Bug Guard and it is the bomb.

    ETA: it works REALLY well and doesn't have DEET (a harmful pesticide). The active ingredient is Picaridin.
  • Mygsds
    Mygsds Posts: 1,564 Member
    We walk around 15 dogs at a time where we live. Very secluded area with lots of bugs, gnats.... Our vet told us to use absorbine jr... Just any drug store carries it. Works like a charm... Another one is BUGGIT at Walmart.
  • The_Aly_Wei
    The_Aly_Wei Posts: 844 Member
    Skin so soft works just fine for me. Any other bug spray gives me a stuffy nose:/
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    I'll coat down with Ultrathon cream when I'm hiking in a skeeter / black fly area. Does a good job and doesn't stink to high heaven. And hope they don't find my face -- I'll do my ears and neck, but DEET in the eyes is painful, so I don't coat my face.
  • The_WoIverine
    The_WoIverine Posts: 367 Member
    I hate going for a bike ride in the afternoon after a rainy day. There are these "clouds" of bugs that look like tiny flies or winged ants that make my life impossible

    This is how I feel every time I can't avoid running into one of those

    image208948x.jpg
  • misskelli16
    misskelli16 Posts: 11 Member
    I use an essential oil blend called Terrashield. I don't run in the woods but use it when I'm in buggy areas. It works great, has a pleasant smell and is completely natural so there are no chemicals.
  • Skin So Soft. Bugs hate that junk.
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    I hate going for a bike ride in the afternoon after a rainy day. There are these "clouds" of bugs that look like tiny flies or winged ants that make my life impossible

    "You know you're a hard-core biker when you can identify bugs by their taste" (no, I can't take credit for the quote)
  • nevertoooldtodoit
    nevertoooldtodoit Posts: 45 Member
    Vanilla keeps the gnats away. I rub it on with a napkin, especially around my face, neck and ears.
  • handyrunner
    handyrunner Posts: 32,662 Member
    Panty hose over your face, turtle neck, long pants, knee high socks, and gloves. Then run fast.

    Ha..pantyhose over face wont work on the trail but very effective in a suburban neighborhood!