Keep Bugs at Bay While Camping

Camping trips offer a cherished escape into nature, allowing us to break away from the hectic pace of daily life and reconnect with the simplicity and serenity of the outdoors. It’s a chance for families to come together, individuals to find peace, and friends to make lasting memories amidst the beauty of the natural world.

However, sharing the wilderness with insects can be challenging, often deterring even the most enthusiastic campers. There is no such thing as bug-free camping!

But fear not, as there are numerous effective strategies to keep these pesky bugs away. In the upcoming sections, you’ll discover over twenty reliable techniques that seasoned campers use to ensure their outdoor adventures remain enjoyable and pest-free. After all, it’s often the smallest actions that can have the most significant impact on your camping experience. 

Know Your Enemy When You Go Camping

If bugs bother you, you’re not alone. Many people think of creepy, crawly things when they hear the word “bugs”. Some people even avoid the outdoors because of them! While you can’t completely avoid bugs in nature, you CAN learn how to have fewer bug problems.

Campers often have to deal with bugs, especially in summer. But what types of bugs? You might find mosquitoes, flies, bees, spiders, ants, ticks and more. Mosquitoes are the worst! Their bites itch and can even spread disease.

Ways to Keep Bugs Away: Campground Selection 

Selecting an optimal campsite is key to minimizing bug encounters while camping. Look for sites on elevated ground with good natural drainage to avoid mosquito-prone areas near stagnant water. Avoid standing water like the plague.

Cleanliness is also crucial; heavily used sites with leftover trash and food remnants tend to attract ants and other insects. 

For an insect-free experience, choose less trafficked spots that are clean and ideally catch a natural breeze, which helps keep flying pests away. Adding portable fans can also replicate this breeze, further helping to deter insects.

Choose the Right Bug Spray  

While enjoying the great outdoors, encountering insects is inevitable. To enhance your camping experience, investing in a good insect repellent is essential. DEET-based sprays are highly effective against insect bites. However, they come with a strong scent and can be harsh on fabrics.

There are alternatives that are odorless and gentler on materials, though their effectiveness may vary. This article will look at various repellent options. It will help you find the best fit for your outdoor adventures, ensuring you stay protected from mosquito bites and irritations.

DEET

It’s earned its reputation. Yes, it needs careful handling, but it’s the most reliable way to stop bugs from ruining your trip. Science backs this – the CDC approves it, and millions of people use it safely. The trick is to choose the right strength and use it correctly.

Strength matters: You don’t need the most concentrated DEET. 10-35% works great! Application is key: It wears off, so reapply as the label directs. Safety first: DEET can damage stuff. Keep it off gear, and NEVER spray your tent. DEET isn’t magic, but it’s the closest thing campers have to a bug shield!

Repel Bugs with These Alternatives

Beyond DEET, there are other great repellents. Picaridin works almost as well for mosquitoes and ticks, and the bonus is you can even use it on fabrics!

IR3535® blocks insects’ senses too. It protects against ticks and mosquitoes, although it doesn’t last as long as DEET. The upside is, IR3535® is safe for everyone in the family.

Want even more protection? Permethrin is the answer. It can be sprayed on clothing, tents, and even your skin. The big perk of permethrin is how long it lasts – about two weeks on a tent! For an in-depth look at bug repellents that keep away mosquitoes read my article, DOES ANYTHING ACTUALLY WORK TO REPEL MOSQUITOES? 

Good Hygiene Will Keep Mosquitos at Bay

Mosquitoes love your natural scent – the smellier, the better (to them)! That post-hike funk is basically a mosquito magnet. The same goes for those strong perfumes and deodorants trying to hide the smell.

So, what’s a camper to do? Experts say a lightly-scented deodorant is fine. But your best bet for less mosquito attention is a quick rinse-off with plain water, followed by a change into fresh clothes. 

Keep Them Away With a Good Campfire

Using smoke to repel insects is an ancient technique, evident from old artwork depicting the burning of greenery. This method remains effective and also provides the perfect excuse for lighting a campfire, essential not just for warmth and cooking, but also for keeping bugs at bay. The smoke helps deter mosquitoes and flies, making your camping experience more enjoyable.

If additional lighting is needed, citronella candles are an excellent choice. Their strong odor is great for driving pests away, and they can be easily distributed around the campsite in small jelly jars. For a more high-tech solution, consider lanterns with built-in insect repellent features. These devices release a chemical that keeps bugs at a distance, enhancing your protection.

Remember, while smoke and citronella can reduce the presence of bugs, complete protection often requires the use of bug spray, especially on any exposed skin to prevent bites. 

A Clean Campsite Helps Fend Off the Bugs

Keeping your campsite clean is a crucial strategy for minimizing bug disturbances, especially in your tent area. While mosquitoes may be drawn to human sweat and breath, other bugs are attracted to food remnants. Therefore, a tidy campsite is essential for keeping bugs at bay.

By taking simple steps such as disposing of your trash nightly and securely storing your food in bear boxes or coolers, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting bugs. These practices not only help maintain the cleanliness of your camping area but also prevent potential bug infestations during your outdoor adventures.

Selecting the Right Tent to Keep the Bugs at Bay

When camping, choosing the right type of shelter is crucial for comfort and protection against insects. A double-wall tent is highly recommended because it combines a protective inner mesh that stops bugs with a nylon rain fly that ensures privacy and shelter from the elements. This design is especially suitable for warmer climates, which often have higher mosquito activity. 

It’s essential to keep the tent zipped up at all times to prevent insects from entering. While the rain fly is beneficial for extra protection, the tent itself offers adequate ventilation and insect barrier even without it.

For enhanced protection, applying an insect repellent treatment to the tent can be effective. Treatments like Sawyer Permethrin Spray are ideal, focusing on the tent’s main body rather than the rain fly, which is subject to more wear from the weather. This strategy ensures a more lasting effect against pests.

Beyond your tent, there are options. Head nets are the most basic add-on for when you must venture out. Bed nets keep your sleeping area safe. Screen tents let the whole group hang out bug-free, but they do limit your freedom to move around.

Clothing Counts

Think like a mosquito: they love heat, sweat, and yes, even your favorite perfume! But when it comes to biting, they need exposed skin. Long sleeves and pants protect, but that’s not always practical in camping weather.

The solution? Two-pronged:

• Timing counts: Mosquitoes go wild at dawn and dusk – cover up then, even if it’s only for a bit.
  
• Upgrade your gear: Companies now make clothes with bug repellent woven right in – no sticky sprays needed! Plus, studies show light colors like khaki confuse bugs more than dark colors. So wear those khakis and keep them away!
  

Using Bug Zappers While Camping

Consider adding a high-quality bug zapper to your camping gear to help keep biting insects away from your tent and relaxation areas. Choose a model that can either stand independently on the ground or one that comes with a chain for hanging. Make sure it includes its own power source, such as a battery or USB charger, for convenience.

Also, think about where you plan to use the bug zapper. If you intend to use it inside the tent, a smaller unit should be enough for those pesky insects. However, if you prefer to place it outside, look for a zapper that is weatherproof to withstand the elements.

Essential Oils as Bug Repellents

For centuries, essential oils have been a natural way to keep insects away without relying on chemical insecticides. Some of the most effective oils for this purpose include lavender, peppermint, neem, tea tree, catnip, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. These oils not only fend off bugs but also offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional repellents.

Applying these oils can be quite versatile. For instance, lavender and peppermint oils can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin or used in air diffusers to create an insect-repelling aroma around your campsite. Neem and tea tree oils are useful when mixed with water and sprayed onto clothing and gear to provide a protective barrier against pests.

Moreover, catnip oil, though less commonly known, is highly effective and can be used similarly on the skin or in sprays. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, specifically recognized by health authorities like the CDC for its efficacy, can also be applied directly to the skin or used in sprays to ensure a bug-free environment.

These natural repellents offer a dual benefit of protection and peace of mind, knowing you’re using safe, non-toxic ingredients during your outdoor adventures. Just be aware, natural bug repellents aren’t quite as effective as other options. 

Keep the Insects Away When Camping FAQ

Q1: What kinds of bugs will I find at my camp? A: The most common campsite bugs are mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, and beetles. Mosquitoes love places with still water, while you’ll find ticks in woods or tall grass. Flies go for food and garbage, and ants and beetles can pop up just about anywhere.

Q2: How do I keep bugs from biting me when I camp? A: The best way to avoid bites is to be prepared. Wear long sleeves, pants, and shoes that cover your feet. Use bug spray with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on your skin and clothes. Try to stay away from buggy areas, especially when they’re most active. If you’re sleeping outside, definitely use a bug net.

Q3: What are some good ways to drive bugs away from my campsite? A: Besides bug spray, there are other things you can do. Candles or oil with citronella and lemongrass help fend away insects. Don’t use perfume or strong scents, as those attract them. Keep your campsite tidy and throw away food scraps and trash since these draw pests. A bug zapper or even a fan can help keep your area bug-free.

Q4: How do I stop ticks from biting me while camping? A: To avoid ticks, dress the same way you would to avoid mosquito bites: long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes. Use bug spray with DEET or picaridin. Check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks often. If you find a tick attached, remove it right away the correct way to avoid getting sick.

Q5: Are there any diseases I could get from bugs while camping? A: Yes, campers need to be careful about Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and others. Ticks and mosquitoes can spread these diseases through their bites. Do everything you can to prevent bites, and if you get bitten and have symptoms like fever, rash, or joint pain, see a doctor right away.

How to Stay (Fairly) Bug-Free When Camping

• Before you go camping, check the weather so you can pack right.
• Bring a bug net or a tent with screens for a bug-free place to hang out.
• Don’t camp near still water or very humid places.
• Keep food and garbage sealed and put away to avoid pests.
• A bug zapper or a fan can help keep your campsite clear.
• Do regular tick checks on everyone, including your pets.
• Remove ticks quickly and carefully to avoid getting sick.