RRC Archives

I will be visiting Red River Gorge in a couple of weeks for the first time. How are the mosquitos and black flies? Any other bugs to worry about? Advice and suggestions welcomed. How is the weather this time of year?

Last weekend was almost completely bug-free. By the time dusk was setting in, there were a couple of the small bitey things that puke onto your skin and make it itch, but during the day I didn't get any bites. Usually it's pretty buggy in the summer, though, so it doesn't hurt to have some DEET bug spray with you. Anywhere from 30% to the hardcore 100% that Meadows carries around works.

Also, it's usually pretty hot and humid around this time of year, but again - last weekend was a beautiful low-humidity weekend with temps pretty much in the 80s and very comfortable climbing in the shade.

No black flies. There are mosquitos but have not been so bad. Spray might be a good idea. Sun facing walls in the afternoon are not good. There are plenty of shaded walls for then. Mornings, evenings are great. Watch for the snakes. Copperheads are known to den and lie out at the base of a few walls. Generally beta on climbs may mention them.

Thanks. I usually carry a bottle of 100% DEET anyway. I will send my son on the route first to check out for snakes.

While the recent weather has been decent, it did get hotter earlier this year than normal. And it's been drier which may have contributed to the lack of mosquitos. I'm only a daytripper, but the bugs during the day haven't been as bad as usual either. I'm talking flies (small and horse), mosquitos and no-see-ums. The wasps, hornets and things that sting and hurt are about normal. Scope out your route good before starting, there may be a surprise or two in some of the holds. Also, seems to be a lot more snake reports this year; though you should always be careful in KY about snakes and spy-ders. Most everything will leave you alone if you leave it alone.

Also, it's my understanding that the big, gnarly, burgandy millipedes have a toxic bite/coating.

Careful where you put your shoes...

Yasmeen, the reason there were no bugs last weekend was because they all decided to feast on me!

if you are overly sensitive to mosquitos, i recommend DEET or some such & hydrocortisone cream for afterwards. haven't really had plms with other bugs.

Spiders and snakes are OK, but the millipedes are SCARY. I believe you are correct about them being poisonous.

We are all going to die of cancer if we live long enough. The smoking will kill me long before the DEET.