Bug Situation

[jracfp]

Am backpacking to Skunk Cabbage Meadows this weekend and hitting Tahquitz Peak. How is the bug situation up there? Debating about bringing a tent or sleeping outdoors.

[cab]

I was up to Sam Fink Peak last weekend and the bugs weren't too bad - I only got a couple of bites from black flies, not mosquitoes. However, I don't think I would want to sleep out all night without the protection of a tent.

[zippetydude]

The situation is horrific. I wanted to die. Those gnats had Steve screaming random noises and me waving my hands wildly like a madman. They didn't bite, but they didn't mind dying. They would fly into your eyes, your mouth...and there were millions of them. Please kill them.

z

[sparky]

Lots of gnats, or whatever they are around all the raging creeks on the mountain the last few weeks. Saw thick clouds of them below fuller ridge in the north fork san jacinto river. The cascades were amazing...and a fun scramble. I have never seen so many bugs up there that I can remember. some skeeters up there too last week at caramba. They don't really bother me, except when bathing.

If you have ever experienced the sierra at its wettest....yikes. I'm going to have nightmares tonight LOL. Be glad san jacinto is bug free 99% of the year

Oh and for skunk cabbage and tahquitz....I didn't put on deet last week there, but they were here and there, just not in the big clouds other places had. At caramba I really wish I had brought the headnet...I suggest you take one as they are so light you won't be sorry your brought it if you don't use it.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Agree with Z-dude, the BUGS are heinous -- stopped briefly before the final climb to Little Round Valley to get out my hat and was instantly buried in a swarm of gnats, flies and misquitos -- I think the gnats actually kept the other bugs from getting close. I started swinging and twisting as I tried to apply the DEET to my exposed skin. I probably looked like I was having a psychotic break. Déjà vu of my Wednesday C2C.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Gregory]

It seems the bugs are swarming in places other than Iron Mountain. Last weekend, he black flies and gnats were kind enough to escort me most of the way from trailhead to peak. A week later, my bug bites have pretty much healed, but the memories remain. I was at Big 5 yesterday and purchased a "Mosquito Head Net" for $2.99. The manufacturer is Coghlans, a maker of a variety of outdoor products. This head net is meant to be worn over a hat or other head gear. I WISH I would have had it last weekend! As it takes virtually no space, it will become part of my 10+ essentials. It's good to always good to be ready for bugs since they can really ruin your day. By the way, I was so impressed by those awful black flies that I looked them up and learned that some species of black flies actually are attracted (instead of repelled) by DEET--now that's a scary thought!! I was home this weekend and never more appreciative of the bug-free conditions!!

[WranglerCrew]

Hey all, I'm headed to Caramba this weekend and wanted to know if anyone has been down there lately. Was wondering what the bug situation is. Weather has been so nice that I don't think I'm gonna bring a tent.

[WranglerCrew]

[Hikin_Jim]

Hey all, I'm headed to Caramba this weekend and wanted to know if anyone has been down there lately. Was wondering what the bug situation is. Weather has been so nice that I don't think I'm gonna bring a tent.

The bug reports have all been bad lately, all over. I was out in the San Gabriels last night and the Verdugos Monday night. Bugs were bad in both places.

HJ

[zippetydude]

Must be global warming.

z