seaplane and taku lodge

Question

i will be doing this tour in late july during the early afternoon hours. i've been hearing that the

mosquitoes are quite bad. does anyone know if they are bad all day or in the early evening hours? trying to have a game plan for the little buggers!

Answer

Hi there,

Visiting Juneau in late July is beautiful, but yes, mosquitoes can be an issue, especially in areas near water, wetlands, and forested regions like around Taku Lodge. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your game plan against these little pests during your seaplane and lodge tour.

Mosquito Activity

Mosquitoes in Southeast Alaska are most active during the warmer parts of the day, typically from late morning through early evening. However, they are particularly aggressive during low-light hours around dawn and dusk. Since your tour is scheduled in the early afternoon, you may encounter mosquitoes, but generally the numbers are lower than during early morning or evening.

Peak activity: Just before sunrise and around sunset.
Moderate activity: Midday can still have mosquitoes, especially near water or dense foliage.
Factors affecting mosquitoes: Temperature, humidity, and recent rainfall can dramatically increase mosquito activity.

Tips to Minimize Mosquito Encounters

Wear long sleeves and long pants, preferably in light colors to reduce attraction.
Use a strong insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Consider treating clothing with permethrin for added protection.
Bring a hat with a brim or a head net if you are very sensitive or will be in heavily wooded or wet areas.
Move continuously during hiking or lodge walks – mosquitoes tend to bite more when you are stationary.
Avoid wearing perfumes or scented lotions that may attract insects.

Practical Advice for Your Seaplane and Lodge Tour

Seaplane flight itself is usually free of mosquitoes due to altitude and breeze.
On the ground at Taku Lodge, be prepared with repellent, especially in shaded, forested areas near streams or marshy land.
Early afternoon should be manageable, but carrying repellent in your daypack is essential.
If you plan a short hike or outdoor activity around the lodge, schedule it slightly earlier in the afternoon to minimize bites before the mosquitoes become more active in the late afternoon.

In summary, while mosquitoes are present during the early afternoon, they are usually less aggressive than at dawn or dusk. Being prepared with repellent, protective clothing, and awareness of where the bugs congregate will help you enjoy your tour comfortably and focus on the incredible scenery and wildlife.