How to Keep Bugs Away When Camping

Insects are the eternal bane of any enthusiastic camper. Mosquitoes and other bugs seem omnipresent when camping, and little can be done to avoid them completely. You can, however, take certain steps to keep the bugs away when camping and reduce their ability to ruin your good time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Citronella candles
• Insect repellent
• Netting
• Garlic
• Skin creams with citrus or coconut oil

1. Avoid wet areas with a lot of stagnant pools or tall grass. Bugs breed in such conditions and love to feast on any creatures in reach. Look for sites with good water drainage while camping, and don't pitch your tent anywhere near standing water.
2. Cover any exposed skin with long-sleeved clothing, hats and bandannas. Not only does it keep mosquitoes and other bloodsucking bugs away from you, but it also prevents ticks from attaching themselves to your flesh. Some ticks carry Lyme disease, which is a considerably greater concern than a few mosquito bites.
3. Avoid scented personal products when camping. Fragrant perfumes in deodorant or skin cream are beacons for the local bugs. Leave them at home, and you will be less troubled by insects on your trip.
4. Keep cool. Bugs are attracted to copious amounts of sweat, and while physical activity is a natural part of camping, the less you perspire, the more the insects will leave you be.
5. Burn citronella candles at your campsite. Their scent helps repel mosquitoes and flies.
6. Wear insect repellent, such as those made by Off and Cutter brands. Place it on exposed flesh, and reapply it after you have been hiking or exerting. It's a low-maintenance way to keep the bugs away.
7. Use netting or similar fabric around your campsite and tent. You can also wear netting around your head and face, which is much less ponderous but will still keep the bugs away.
8. Eat garlic, as its scent makes for a natural insect repellent when secreted through your pores.
9. Use skin creams with citrus juices or coconut oil. Bugs hate both substances. You can also use coconut soap when you go camping, which has the same effect.
10. Take a lot of vitamin B. Like garlic, it secretes through your pores and tells the bugs to find someone else to munch.

Tips & Warnings

• Sunscreen sometimes makes for a decent insect repellent, even if you don't need it to protect against the sun. It often contains zinc and coconut oil, both of which work to keep bugs away.