Isle Royale Forums

Planning a trip June 18-21, with the weather so far this year how do we anticipate the bug situation to be at that time? Thanks!

That time of year, regardless of the winter, I prepare for the worst. Always bring Picaridin and a headnet any time. In June, will also treat clothes and toss in a small bottle of 100% DEET for a last resort. Rarely used, but worth it when you need it.

I dunno about Isle Royale, but here in Ohio and West Virginia the ticks are out with a vengeance this spring! Treating all my clothes, my boots, my tent, my pack with permethrin seems to help, and a home treatment lasts a couple weeks.

Thanks. I'm nervous about the mosquitos being a problem. What is the hands down best time to go where bugs may not be an issue, or maybe I'm dreaming and this isn't a thing. Thanks so much!!!

It's always a trade-off. Little chance of bugs in mid-May, but in exchange you risk freezing nights, rainy days, and even snow. Late September (last boat season) is similar trade-offs.

To emphasize what Ingo said, headnets are the best 1/2 ounce you'll ever bring. They make bug season doable for me. Plus, light but long sleeves and pants.

A bit of the dream, yes . But don't stress, just bring the dope! In general, June to mid-July they're the heaviest, but it really depends on the recent weather and if there's been a hatch. Some trips I hardly notice (even that time of year), others quite a bit (even later). A headnet is cheap insurance--I always bring one, but maybe used it once or twice. Lakeshore campgrounds on Superior tend to have less than the inland sites, closer to shore the better.

Expect black flies and mosquitoes to peak in June or July. I personally find black flies to be the most troublesome. If you haven't yet met the upper Midwest's major pest, the black fly, you will. In addition to a headnet, I also bring along some rubber bands to seal off my shirt/pant cuffs in an attempt to keep those pesky black flies from tunneling under my clothes.