The speaker is preparing for a challenging 400-mile hike in Alaska during July, which is known for intense bug activity, particularly mosquitoes. Having previously suffered from Lyme disease after a tick bite and been overwhelmed by mosquito swarms on past hikes, he is taking proactive steps to protect himself. His strategy involves wearing long pants and a hooded, long-sleeved shirt for physical coverage, treating his clothing and shoes with permethrin to repel ticks and mosquitoes, using a lightweight bug headnet, and applying picaridin lotion as a preferred alternative to DEET bug spray due to its effectiveness and less unpleasant feel. He emphasizes that these measures are crucial for navigating the rugged Alaskan wilderness and avoiding the severe discomfort and potential health risks posed by insects.