When I first moved to New England, I learned about Lyme Disease and ticks. Then West Nile Virus and mosquitoes came to the limelight. And now Eastern Equine Encephalitis. This last one, although fairly rare in humans, will kill you. Both of these viruses kill birds, and I wonder if that is what's killing the crows.
I don't tolerate bug repellents very well, especially DEET. With ticks, you have a little time to clean up and remove them before they can transfer Lyme disease. Mosquitoes finish their job in less than a minute. I remember slapping a mosquito when my derailleur cable broke towards the end of my ride Sunday. Scary stuff.
3 comments:
Doug, You are likely aware of this stuff for ticks. Most of the guys swear by it. Exposed limbs still vulnerable though.
http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Permethrin-Clothing-Repellent/dp/B007VCRX2S
Permethrin is a neurotoxin that attacks the central nervuous systems of insects "and humans.". The FDA is currently investigating 5 alleged deaths related to the chemical. It was also banned by the FDA for agricultural use in the 80's. Using it on clothing is one thing but on bike clothing the is going to get wet and drip onto your skin and possibly absorbed into your bloodstream is not good. It is nasty stuff. I have no doubt it works though.
I'll take my chances with the Mosquitos over exposing my skin to neurotoxins.
Bob
I used permethrin in our house once when our lab brought fleas to our family room. After a couple days, we vacuumed the carpet, flea problem solved.
As Bob said, I'm a little leary of more intimate contact with the body. Also, I wear almost exclusively spandex on the bike. I've never had a tick get behind the spandex, only on open, exposed skin. So the permethrin might not buy me much additional protection.
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