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Best Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Away When Camping

Best Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Away When Camping

When you’re out in nature, the last thing you want to deal with is pesky bugs. Not only can they be a nuisance, but some of them can also carry diseases. The good news is there are a few natural ways to keep bugs away when you’re camping.

What is the list of common camping bugs?

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are tiny, flying insects that can be found worldwide. They are known for their itchy bites, which can sometimes lead to malaria or West Nile virus. Mosquitoes live in warm, humid climates near standing water, ponds, or marshes. To prevent mosquito bites when camping, it is essential to use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing.

mosquito bites hand

Flies

Flies are one of the most common camping bugs and can be a real nuisance. There are a few different ways to keep them away naturally. One is to hang up some fly paper around your campsite. Another is to make a fly trap out of a plastic bottle. You can also try spraying your campsite with a mixture of water and essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender.

Flies

Ants

One of the most common camping bugs is ants. They can be a nuisance, getting into your food and crawling all over you. There are a few things you can do to keep them away.

First, make sure to keep your campsite clean. Ants are attracted to food and garbage, so if you don’t have anything for them to eat, they’ll be less likely to bother you. Second, try to keep your food in sealed containers. If ants do get into your food, they’ll be less likely to get out again if it’s in a container with a lid.

Closeuo view of an ants nest

Ticks

Ticks are one of the most common camping bugs and can be found in wooded or grassy areas. They attach themselves to your skin and can cause serious illnesses, including Lyme disease. To avoid ticks, wear long pants and shirts when hiking or camping in areas where they are present. Inspect your body for ticks after spending time outdoors, and remove them promptly if you find any.

Tick on human finger against dog

Spiders

There are a few different types of spiders that you might come across while camping. The most common include the black widow, brown recluse, and hobo spider.

These spiders can all be found in wooded areas and can be dangerous if they bite you. It is essential to be aware of these spiders and to avoid them if possible. If you are bitten by one of these spiders, seek medical attention immediately.

A cross spider or garden spider in its spiderweb waiting for prey

Bees

Bees are one of the most common camping bugs and can be a real nuisance. There are a few things you can do to keep them away from your campsite:

  1. Try to avoid using sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions.
  2. Keep food and drinks covered when not in use.
  3. If you see a bee hive, try to avoid it altogether.
Bee-fly close-up on a leaf.

Natural Ways to keep the bugs away

Avoid camping in buggy Areas.

One of the worst things that can happen when bugs are swarming is camping. Not only are they annoying, but some of them bite and can leave you with itchy welts. To avoid this, it’s best to camp in areas that are less likely to be buggy. If you’re unsure, ask the ranger station when you arrive. They’ll be able to tell you which areas to avoid.

Keep a clean campsite.

One of the best ways to keep away bugs when camping is to clean the campsite. This means disposing of food properly, wiping down tables and chairs after every meal, and ensuring all dishes are washed after eating. It’s also essential to ensure no food is left out anywhere before going to bed or leaving the campsite.

Wear Full Clothes

One of the best ways to keep bugs away when camping is to wear full clothes. This includes long pants, long sleeves, and a hat. Bugs are less likely to bite through clothing than they are to bite exposed skin. If you get bitten, wearing full clothes will also help prevent the bites from getting infected.

Keep your tent zipped.

To keep bugs from getting into your tent, close the tent behind you when you enter and exit it. Keep your cooler closed when you’re not getting something out, doors to your car and trunk closed, and most importantly- zip up tight! Also, do a check for pests before going inside.

Check for Ticks Frequently

To avoid tick bites, it is essential to check for ticks and wear clothing covering the body regularly. If a tick is found, it should be removed as soon as possible with small tweezers. It is also essential to bring a first aid kit outdoors to treat any bites or scratches.

Keep the campfire going.

One of the best ways to keep the bugs away when camping is to keep the campfire going. The fire’s smoke will help repel many insects, including mosquitoes. In addition, the fire will provide a source of warmth and light, making it an essential part of any camping trip.

Wear a Headnet

When camping, it is essential to protect oneself from bugs. One way to do this is by wearing a head net. Mosquito head nets are made with no-see-um mesh, which is better at protecting one from a wider range of critters, including gnats and flies.

Avoid using scented toiletries.

Scented toiletries can attract bugs by providing a breeding ground for pests. There are many great unscented deodorants and body care products out there that can help keep bugs away. Staying off the pests’ radar is the best way to keep them away!

Don’t keep food in the tent.

When camping, one of the best ways to keep bugs away is to avoid keeping food in the tent. Bugs are attracted to food, so you can help prevent them from getting inside by keeping them outside of the tent. Additionally, be sure to clean up any food that is spilled inside the tent so that bugs are not attracted to it.

Other Ways to Keep the Bugs away while camping

Use a DEET spray

To keep the bugs away while camping, use a DEET spray. You can use the spray directly on your body or clothing, or you can spray the surrounding air. For a homemade recipe, mix white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with water to make a spray.

Use permethrin to treat your clothing.

Permethrin is a prescription cream or diluted spray that can treat clothing to protect against insects and arthropods. When applied correctly, permethrin is safe to use and effective against ticks and other crawling creatures. Permethrin should be applied before wearing the clothes or coming into contact with other fabric items.

Use Citronella candles

Citronella candles are effective at repelling bugs and can be placed around your campsite to keep it bug-free. The Cutter Citro Guard candle is one of the best citronella candles on the market. It smells pleasant and will keep bugs at bay for up to 40 hours.

Use essential oils

Several essential oils can be used to keep bugs away while camping. Some of the most effective include eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass.

Add a few drops of each oil to a diffuser and enjoy the benefits all night long. You can also create your own bug spray by adding a few drops of essential oils to water in a spray bottle. Be sure to shake well before each use.

Use a bug zapper

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, and sometimes they can bring diseases. When camping, it is crucial to keep the bugs away. One way to do this is to use a bug zapper. Bug zappers use ultraviolet light, which attracts mosquitoes, and then the electricity kills them. Bug zappers last a long time and are hygienic.

Mosquito coils

There are many ways to keep bugs away while camping, but one of the best is to use mosquito coils. These coils can be placed around your campsite’s perimeter and will help keep mosquitoes away. They can also be placed inside tents to help keep bugs from getting inside.

FAQs

What are the best essential oils for keeping bugs away when camping?

The best essential oils for keeping bugs away when camping are Geranium, Catnip, Sage, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Clove, Citronella, Basil, Mint, Lavender, and Cajeput.

What are some of the most effective natural repellents for keeping bugs away when camping?

There are a few different ways to keep bugs away when camping; some are more effective than others. One of the most effective natural repellents is to use essential oils. You can either diffuse them in the air or apply them to your skin. Citronella, lavender, and lemongrass oils are all great options for keeping bugs at bay.