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http://www.omniture.com --> Email Story to a Friend June 19, 2006 Since You Asked We are planning a hike at Mount Thielsen the weekend of June 30. I know there can be a mosquito problem in that area. I do not know how or who to contact to get more info about the insects. Could you please help me? — Shirley H., Central Point The universe runs on certain inviolable principles, Shirley. The sun comes up in the east, water seeks the path of least resistance, and there will be bugs in the high country at the end of June. You've heard the term "eaten alive," yes? Winter's generous snowpack in the Cascades means there's lots of standing water in the mountains right now. Mosquitoes need no more than a teacup of water to lay their eggs, so this year could be one of the worst in recent memory for bugs. John Twyman, with the Umpqua National Forest's Diamond Lake Ranger Station, said mosquitoes there this year are bigger than any he's seen since he lived in Alaska. You may also encounter tiny little biting bugs called "no-see-ums" that can make you equally miserable. Some people are far more sensitive to their bites than others. Insects tend to be most active around dawn and dusk, but with so many you can expect to be pestered all day long. June and July are typically the worst months for waterborne insects in the mountains. Some hikers choose to stay out of the high country until August or even September rather than fight them. Of course, you can go whenever you want, but, as the Boy Scouts say, "Be prepared." That means carrying ample DEET-based repellent. Make sure it has DEET, one of the few chemicals that really works. If you want to minimize your misery, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, sturdy boots and socks. Otherwise you'll have to slather the bug dope over every centimeter of exposed flesh. You may also want to invest in a head net to keep the little buggers from hovering around your eyes, and flying into your nose and ears. [email protected] Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Casino Reviews