Originally posted by ThatTimGuy:

Neither should be your first choice for hitting skeeters. If you see them before you aggro them, a wooden arrow from any bow will do the job. If you see them rush you or hear the whine, a parry with a decent shield will stop them for a moment to get a free slap with a one-handed weapon.

This!

also, what kind of armor are you wearing into the Plains? Good armor (and HP) will stop a hit or two. Maxed iron...maybe. Maxed silver...probably. Maxed Padded (with Black metal weapons)... definitely!