Quick Dolly Sods question--Bugs?

[jwright]

I just got the go ahead for my first trip to Dolly Sods. I'm heading out this week (Wed-Fri).
I need a bug report, has anyone been out there recently?
It looks like temps ~65/44 nearby.
Is it bug net season yet or will I be OK without a net?
Thanks and feel free to join me.

[wsp_scott]

Not a lot of help, since I haven't been recently, but was there a couple of years ago in the end of June, no bugs at all, so hopefully no problem this early.

[jwright]

Thanks.
hate...the...bugs.....

[NJHiker85]

I was there a few years ago about the same time of year. Some sites were somewhat buggy others were not.

[Gqgeek81]

I was in Grayson Highlands 5/2-5/4 and only saw some gnatts.
Back home in Raleigh I noticed if I stop moving while in Umstead I get a few mosquitoes showing up but just one or two at a time, not even worth digging out the spray yet.

[WV]

If nighttime temps are 50° F. or below, you won't need a bugnet. (Wisdom from Oh-No, who knows.) If you camp where gnats aren't blown away, and there are gnats (there may not be), borrow a trick from Bear Chaser and keep a lit cigariilo nearby. You don't need to puff on it any more than necessary to keep it lit. This is real safety advice - do it when you're cooking or using a knife to baton wood. Brushing bugs out of your eyes or ears is done on reflex regardless of what you're holding in your hands.

[Gqgeek81]

I find wearing glasses makes me mostly immune to the annoyance of gnats. One of the very few benefits.

[climbing.kevin]

I was just there for the first time from last Friday to Sunday. It is a little buggy, but it wasn't swarming with mosquito . I would bring a bug net. It was buggy during the day, but not bad at night. I too hate bugs with a passion, so I coated my outfit (socks, underwear, and hat included) with permetherin and it helped a lot i think. Also bring a pair of swim trunk or synthetic underwear so you can go swimming at the waterfalls there.

Also I would bring sunscreen and a boone hat or umbrella. I got sunburnt on the back of my neck. Some places have no trees/shade for a mile. Also trekking poles are needed so you can maneuver through the swampy flooded bogs.

[Demeter]

I have never used a bug net in the Sods, Seneca Creek, or Roaring Plains. And i go a lot in the buggy season. The gnats go away at night. Or maybe it's all the garlic

[jwright]

Thanks everybody. Looking forward to some cool evenings.