Folks,

I'm an entomologist and I work fora company that develops and sells insect repellent all over the world. I have tested every product and device that you can think of. I've read a few intersting things on this thread.........especially the one about J Crew hair pommade..........not sure if I believe that one.

Many posters are correct, the ThermaCell will work for skeeters but not for ticks or Chiggers (redbugs)

Anyways, my major professor used to say, the only way to avoid ticks and chiggers (redbugs)is to stay out of the woods..............now he was absolutely correct but that just isn't going to work for us now is it?

Best advice for Ticks and Chiggers - one of the first posters mentioned it - a product that has Permethrin as the active ingredient, follow the directions!!! These sprays are meant to be applied to your clothing, NOT DIRECTLY ON SKIN, but if you use it properly its the absolutely best thing out there, there are several different brand names and I won't get into that but find a clothing spray that contains PERMETHRIN.

IF you are chemophobic, or simply do not want to deal with chemicals then the following advice is best - wear clothing that is tight around the ankles and wrists, this will at least help, and when you come out of the field chekc yourself (whole body!) or have someone else do it for you (if you are with the wife or husband this can be fun). You should be able to spot ticks depending on how much body hair you have, and depending on how long the hair is on your head. Most species of ticks will crawl around for quite a while before they imbed. Finally - take a shower each evening if at all possible, this will help the chigger (redbug) situation as well. They also take some time before they imbed. With Chiggers forget trying to pry them out once you geta bump, they are already long gone by then. The bump you feel is a reaction to thier saliva which the inject into you to form a feeding tube (straw) once they feed and back out you get the itchy bump but its too late to do anything about it at that time.

Sorry for the long post but I finally ready soemething here that I can help out on!

For more information on ticks and chiggers in your particular area or state go to the Cooperative Extension Service website of your landgrant university, type in Entomology and search for Tick or Chigger and you'll get some good factual information.

If anyone wants to talk more or needs more info, send me a PM.

Now stop itching and get out there and HUNT!!!!!