With all the rain and snow this spring it was bound to happen. Mosquitoes. By the swarm.
Because geocachers are often poking about in the breeding grounds for these biting little creatures, it is best to take some precaution before going on the hunt. Here’s a few things you can do to avoid getting bit:
• Wear light colours, including a hat. Long pants are always recommended for geocaching, but a long-sleeved top may help cut down on the bites, as well.
• Spray on the mosquito repellent, like Off or Deep Woods Off if you’re going deep into the bush. don’t forget to coat the back of your neck and knuckles.
• If unsure about applying DEET-based repellent, try some home-remedies. Garlic, essential oils or pure vanilla extract applied to the pressure points of your body may work. Some people swear by putting a Bounce dryer sheet in their waistband to ward off mosquitoes.
• Try to avoid eating sweets before or while caching. It makes your blood more attractive to those who want to suck it. A steady diet that includes lemons and/or garlic seems to work well for prevention of bites.
• Try and choose caches that aren’t bush-based. This may mean no caching on Nose Hill for a month or discovering some virtual caches around Calgary like this one. Why not try something different and head downtown to collect two earth caches including this one?
Whatever you solution, spring is the season of geocaching. Let’s get out there and enjoy it!
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