Touring - Mosquito-proof fabrics

Some cottons are tightly woven enough to prevent mosquito proboscises from passing through. I don't know how to identify these cottons, though. Is it a matter of thread count? Will 300tpi do it?

Also, what about other fabrics?

Surely, many coated-nylon fabrics and similar synthetic fabrics would work. What about others though (especially cool, summer fabrics)?

Does anyone know more about light and cool mosquito-proof fabrics?

kevlar

Sounds comfy, nick. Sure does.

Niles, I live where the mosquito is our state bird. I am highly doubtful that ANY breathable fabric is capable of containing their small razor-like syringe from completing it's task no matter how densely woven the material is. I'm assuming you're looking for something off-bike, since the object of containment doesn't make sense unless you address the entire body.
Here's a link, but beware the claims.
http://www.bugshirt.com/

Ontario has its share of mosquitos too. Other that not tour when they are at their worst, here is what I do.

Dress in loose layers, so they can't poke you
Spray DEET on your clothing (test a section first; it can dissolve paint)
Spray DEET on any exposed skin and repeat often when sweating
Don't wash as much. They love perfumes and scents.

ride fast then they cant catch you

Oiled Canvas should work

Has anyone tried clothing with built-in bug repellent like this: http://www.rei.com/product/706711 ?

here (http://www.newstarget.com/001586.html) is an interesting article in relation to DEET


"Even the EPA says that DEET should not be frequently used -- in other words, they're saying it's okay to poison yourself just a little bit, but not too much. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one application of DEET per day for children. Once again, this is a position that says it's okay to poison your children just a little bit. The Duke University Medical Center has concluded through laboratory rat studies that long-term use of DEET kills brain neurons"


anyone use soybean oil?

check out the herbal alternatives too here (http://www.allterrainco.com/insect_repellent.html)

I was changing a flat at dusk along a deserted back road when I heard the hum of the tires of a four wheel drive truck approaching. I looked up figuring with 8 miles left back to the car I'd thumb a ride to beat the coming darkness. To my great surprise there was no truck. What was there were mosquitos. And my sweat covered body was black with them. No place to run, no place to hide. I quickly completely accidentally disassembled the skewer and lost one of the springs. Next I couldn't get the tire bead to break from the rim. Then the spare tube had a leak. It went down hill from there. Slowest tire change in history. Oh yeah, that was a fun ride.

To answer your question I kayak and canoe regularly in bug infested areas. I have a bug shirt with netting for the face. It works well however, if it's pulled tight over the skin the little buggers can still find home. Still, there are some areas that I will not venture without it.

Interestingly, only the females bite. My wife is not amused.

http://www.sacattack.com/items/378

http://www.sacattack.com/items/377

http://froogle.google.com/froogle_url?q=http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xt_kc.aspx%3Fkc%3DWFROG7%26pg%3Dp%26bn%3D17846%26plp%3DEx_Officio_BUZZ_OFF%25C2%25AE_Shorts_--_Packable_-_For_Men%26cm_mmc%3DPaidPlacement-_-Google-_-WFROG7-_-Ex_Officio_BUZZ_OFF%25C2%25AE_Shorts_--_Packable_-_For_Men&fr=AO-TU_vICAk43G-LSnshHvopq8x9iNdupLdfox6TumjFqqTTusLlnMsAAAAAAAAAAA&gl=us&hl=en

FWIW As an alternative to DEET I have had good results from a mosquito repellant made with lemon and eucalyptus. The eucalyptus also helps warm acing muscles which is a good thing after a day of hard riding.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm

Anyone think this thing might actually work: http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/17-0329 ?

I haven't been able to find it yet, but last year the mags were talking about a new Cutter repelant that is as effective as the better DEETs, but has no DEET. I'm keeping my eyes open.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/beauty-personal-care/new-mosquito-repellent-705/overview/index.htm

I don't know of any Mos proof cotton. I realize they make a bug jacket out of something of the sort, but I have never used a normal cotton fabric that worked as such. MEC.ca has the bug jackets.

no see um mesh stops all critters not sure if you can get it in a net but wouldnt be surprised if you could

I know that you can treat your own clothes with permethrin. You may want to check, but I think permethrin kills mosquitos on contact. Sawyer sells either a spray on version or one where you soak the clothes. The soaking can work for 6 weeks, depending on a variety of factors (store it in a dark garbage bag between uses).

The net won't stop you being bitten though, it has to be separated from your skin, any cloth will do that. YOU can use little foam blocks to make a two layer netting that drapes over your body, but doesn't allow you to get stung.

I have a bug jacket that is made out of green cotton netting like cheesecloth, one soaks it in a preparation of citronella, and it repels bugs for an extensive period of time, days or weeks. I haven't seen them for sale for a while though.

There's always this....

http://images.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/IMG/IMG016/42-16440679.jpg

I really hate the little blood suckers. Nothing works except deet and that stuff is bad. My wife thinks its great they leave her alone if I am around. I try to ride fast enough to keep them at bay. I think that someone should invent a pill so the little guys are not attracted to me. After spending a few weeks in the far north I wondered that if I was not there to give blood would the bugs still live?