Hey guys, our archery season here in Delaware, starts Sept 1 and runs through Jan 31.. And being i hunt public land the earlier i start the better, but i have had chiggers about 5 times in my life, and if you have never had them believe me they suck lol... So the last few years i haven't started hunting until mid october, when temps drop some and they r not as bad, but would like to start asap next year... So any advice or secrets you guys have to avoid these pests???
Pray that it stays below freezing for a couple more weeks. That should keep the populations at a manageable level for next season
I wouldn't know a chigger if I tripped over one. That's not possible, is it? :D I never even hear mention of them where I live/hunt.
I'm not sure about the scent control aspect, but if you put a dog flea collar around your ankles(outside your boot) you won't ge them. (old army trick) SB
Permethrin spray. Spray it on your hunting clothes, boots, socks, hat everything. Let it air dry and it's good for up to 6 washes of your clothes. DO NOT LET IT TOUCH YOUR SKIN WHEN WET. You can actually see the mosquitoes fly away from you. http://www.rei.com/product/768970 Where are you in Sussex County? I live in Selbyville
Another vote for Sawyers Permethrin, great stuff. We have ticks and chiggers down here and I don't have any problems with them as long as I treat all my cloths with Permethrin. I spray all my hunting cloths down after each wash.
I treated my cloths with Sawyers Permethrin a week prior to turkey season just as I do every year. I haven't had a single tick on me this year! Or a chigger or mosquito bite for that matter.
Yep, same here. I've been out in some thick stuff here during our spring season, and haven't found one on me (and they're BAD around here). I swear by the stuff.
Sawyers as well. And stay away to avoid chiggers, also stay away from Spanish moss (its generally a Southern thing).
Don't know about all that... No more dangerous than any other chemical out there I'd guess. I use Permethrin also, I don't know if it effective on chiggers, but it is on ticks for sure.
It most definitely does protect against chiggers as well as ticks. If you wear light gloves and a face mask and treat them too it'll even keep mosquitoes from biting you. It's why I don't need to carry a Thermacell.
I'll toss in another vote for Permethrin. I use it a lot during the off season months as well when I'm hanging stands, checking cameras, etc. You need to re-apply every few weeks as it does wear off over time or with a few washings. I personally prefer the aerosol to the pump spray. http://www.eders.com/1-sawyer-premium-clothing-insect-repellent.html
Definitely give Sawyers a try. Works great. I used it all last year during spring and summer scouting, without a tick or bug bothering me all year.