Monday, May 9, 2011

Bug Repellent

From a Journal of Zebulon William Jacobs:  He was with the “out and back” wagon trains, as a teamster at age 19.
August 2, 1861  I fixed the mules’feet, mended harnesses and played laundress.  In the evening I went to meeting, but the mosquitoes were there first.  The mosquitoes sang at the opening, sang during service, and at the closing, and finally sang all night.  Tried to sleep, but they pulled me out of bed.
August 4,  1861- Went to the river to have a bath.  We found mosquitoes there too.  They very soon got rid of us.  I then went to meeting.  The meeting was well attended.  The mosquitoes came in clouds.  The people soon went in disgust to their tents but not to sleep.  No, no that was impossible.

Don't forget the mosquito repellant!  There are a couple of recommended repellants.  Clothing soaked in Permethrin is effective for several washings and repels ticks as well as mosquitos.  A repellant with a high percentage of DEET is most effective.

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