How to Avoid Bugs When Hiking

Nothing can put a damper on a perfect hike like bugs. From early spring to late fall mosquitoes, gnats, bees, and other flying insects come out in full force. Ticks and spiders are also extremely common annoyances that can wreck havoc on your hiking enjoyment. There are ways to avoid these annoying critters and have an enjoyable hiking experience.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wear long sleeves and long pants in light colors. Not only are light colors cooler, it is also easier to see crawling insects on lighter fabric. For extra protection tuck your pants into socks to keep insects from crawling under the hem.

2. There is a line of clothing called Buzz Off that is supposed to repel insects. I do not own any of this clothing, but the reviews I have read are all very positive. See the link below for more information.

3. Wear a hat to keep insects out of your face as well as protect you from the sun. An insect screen hat will do an exceptional job of keeping insects out of our face and hair.

4. 
    

   Avoid swampy wet areas in months when insects are rampant. Save these hikes for late fall when the leaves are changing.

5. Use an insect repellent that contains DEET. DEET is very harsh, but it does a great job repelling insects.

6. Take a shower immediately after your hike and check carefully for ticks. Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks so it is important to remove ticks right away.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test insect repellent containing DEET on a small area of skin to check for irritation.

Resources

• Buzz Off Clothing
• How to Make Natural Mosquito Repellent

[ruf1950]

on 6/28/2009 Excellent ideas on how to avoid insects. 5*****

[jenng]

on 6/16/2009 Great article omn how to avoid bugs when hiking 5*

[zabuddy]

on 6/15/2009 I don't know if I'd go as far as wearing a net over my head to go hiking, but maybe that's just me. If the insects are that bad I'm out of there. The bug repellent clothing sounds interesting though.