Gary Salmi
Whether venturing out to climb cliffs, hike through mossy verdant forests, or paddle the Salish Sound, the Pacific Northwest offers breathtaking beauty and adventure. And with the warm days and cool nights of late summer comes a surge in bug activity. These bugs can be a nuisance, and pose real health risks.
Here's your guide on the most common bugs encountered during late summer outdoor activities in this region, how to protect yourself, and the possible repellents to keep them at bay.
Bug types
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes, which commonly swarm in early summer, are active throughout the warm months. They are typically found
in forests, wetlands, and near lakes and rivers. They lay their eggs in still bodies of water, which can be as simple as
an open can in the backyard. Their risks are itchy bites and diseases like West Nile virus.
Ticks
Ticks are warm weather creatures and typically found in grassy areas, wooded trails, and underbrush. There is a risk of ticks carrying and transmitting Lyme disease.
Flying scourges
Flying scourges include flies and midges (no-see-ums) of any type. These are typically seen near water bodies, especially in late summer evenings. Certain species present risks of minor bites; black fly bites in particular can be painful and cause allergic reactions from their saliva.
Bees, wasps, and hornets
These bugs are seen generally in meadows, forests, and near flowering plants. Most encounters with individual bees are non-events. Typical solitary bees are foraging though their presence needs to be noticed, especially if they become tangled in clothing, as their defense mechanism is to sting. The worst situation is to approach or disturb a nest or hive, which can cause the colony to attack. Be mindful when flying collections are seen in an area. The risks are painful stings and allergic reactions (anaphylaxis in severe cases).
Spiders
Spiders live everywhere: rock crevices, under logs, tents, and (too often) in pesky webs at face level across trails. Some can present risk from their bites. Drier/warmer areas may have venomous species like black widows.
Clothing & gear choices
- Use repellent on person, clothing, or vicinity. Combine permeation-treated clothing with a DEET or picaridin spray for maximum protection during hikes or climbs.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks or boots, and a hat.
- Choose light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily. Pack tweezers for tick removal.
- Use bug netting for head coverage while traveling and tents at camp.
- Avoid fragrances (lotions and perfumes) that attract insects.
prevention & aftercare
- Stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass.
- Check yourself and your gear for ticks every few hours.
- Keep food sealed and away from sleeping areas.
- Avoid disturbing nests or hives.
- Shower and change clothes immediately after returning.
- Wash gear and inspect for hidden bugs.
- Treat bites with antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream.
Bug repellent options
- DEET based sprays (20–30%): effective for mosquitoes, ticks, and flies, and have long-lasting, strong protection.
- Picaridin sprays (20%): effective against mosquitoes and ticks. The sprays are less greasy and an odorless alternative to DEET.
- Natural repellents such as lemon and eucalyptus oil are eco-friendly and effective against mosquitoes, but have a shorter duration.
- Permethrin-treated clothing is effective against ticks and mosquitoes. Apply only to clothing and avoid skin contact.
- Thermacell devices disperse allethrin to treat small areas such as campsites or static areas. These devices create bug-free zones.
- Note that some bug sprays can harm local wildlife. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles when using repellents by rinsing off bug spray before entering the water.
Late summer in the Pacific Northwest is wild, beautiful, and sometimes a little bitey. But with the right precautions
and gear, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures without becoming a bug buffet. Respect the environment, stay
vigilant, and pack smart - your skin will thank you. Just don’t forget your bug spray.
To learn more, visit Washington State Department of Health's informative pests webpage.
