Need to know how to keep mosquitoes away when camping? Read on to discover the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your campsite on your next trip.
If there is one thing that can really take the fun out of a camping trip, it is coming under attack from mosquitoes. At best, they are annoying – keeping you awake at night with their buzzing and biting any unprotected body part they encounter!
At worst, they can cause serious illness. Viruses like dengue fever, West Nile virus, Zika, and Chikungunya have all been reported in the United States – and are all transmitted by mosquitoes.
So what is the best way to repel mosquitoes while camping?
Here are some very effective methods.
Pick The Perfect Campsite
Mosquitoes love stagnant water. It forms an essential part of their life cycle and is where they live and breed.
So whilst a spot near a pond or lake may be scenic, you will probably find yourself plagued by mosquitoes should you choose it to set up camp!
You should also avoid areas where there are objects that could catch rainwater, those with irrigation canals for agriculture, or areas with very tall grass.
The good news is that you don’t need to avoid water altogether. Water with a strong current – such as a fast-moving river – does not attract mosquitoes in the same way and should be safe to camp beside.
I’d also recommend picking a breezy area if possible. Just remember to face the opening of your tent parallel to the wind – not facing it.
Invest In Mosquito Repellent Candles, Coils, Or Devices
The first line of defense against mosquitoes is to deter them from entering your campsite at all. And there are lots of simple ways to do this!
Burning citronella is ideal for protecting the area around your camp, especially in the evening. These Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks, for example, burn for around 40 to 45 minutes and are DEET free.
For overnight protection, you might prefer to use a citronella candle, like this one from TIKI which burns for up to 35 hours.
If you prefer a smoke or scent-free option, then consider a mosquito repellent lantern. Thermacell lanterns use a heat-activated pad powered by a fuel cartridge to release a repellent chemical, providing a 15-foot (4.6 meters) zone of protection.
Alternatively, you could burn your own essential oils on the campfire. Good natural repellents include lavender, thyme, and lemongrass.
The only problem is that they burn off fairly quickly, so you will need to add them to the fire regularly.
Use Permethrin Spray On Your Clothes And Gear
The best way to keep mosquitoes away while camping is to repel them from your tent and clothing so that they won’t come close enough to bite!
Sawyer Permethrin Insect Repellent is ideal for this and can be used on everything from your pants and socks to your sleeping bags and netting.
Permethrin clings to fabric fibers, lasting for up to 6 weeks or throughout 6 washes.
Once it is dry it doesn’t have any scent, and it won’t mark clothing. This even includes delicate fabrics like silk!
You can safely use Permethrin spray on your dog, too, as it bonds with their hair and is absorbed by their skin. This then gives them protection against mosquitoes, lice, fleas, and ticks for up to 35 days.
Cook And Eat The Foods Mosquitoes Hate
Want to know how to keep mosquitoes away while camping in the most natural way possible? Then make sure you prepare lots of the foods that they don’t like!
At the top of the list are garlic and onions. Cooking them outdoors creates an aroma that is delicious to us – but quite the opposite to mosquitoes. They are deterred by citrus fruits too – and in addition to leaving the peels lying around the camp, you could even use them to rub over your skin!
Mosquitoes are also repelled by the smell of all types of mint, including spearmint and peppermint.
There are several ways to take advantage of this!
You can use strong, minty toothpaste and mouthwashes and keep strong breath mints in your pocket to consume throughout the day. You can even use minty mouthwash as a spray for your skin and camping gear.
Buy A Tent With Mosquito Protection
Look for a tent with a screen room. This Dome Tent from Coleman allows you to ventilate your sleeping area properly, without worrying about bugs.
If you don’t have a tent with a built-in net, then buy a net separately that you can adapt to fit.
Whether you have a mosquito net or not, it is important to keep your tent firmly zipped up at all times. This means closing it every time you go in and out.
Yes, it can be a nuisance – but it is less annoying than being kept awake all night by a rogue mosquito!
Avoid Wearing Certain Colors
The color of the clothes you are wearing influences how attractive you are to bugs!
Scientists recently discovered that wearing red, orange, or black clothing makes you a mosquito magnet.
To help keep them away, they say you should instead wear green, purple, blue, or white instead!
Use A Good Topical Repellent
One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes at bay is to wear long-sleeved tops and trousers. But this isn’t always practical!
So instead you need to choose a good repellent to protect all areas of exposed skin.
DEET sprays are the most effective option. Although they tend to get a bad rap, they are consistently proven to be one of the best ways to repel mosquitoes and have been safely used for many years.
Coleman’s 100 Max Mosquito Repellent is a good example. It is waterproof and offers protection for up to 10 hours.
If you really don’t like the thought of applying a spray or oil to your skin – or if you are looking for an alternative to DEET for children – then try a mosquito repellent bracelet.
These bracelets from BuggyBands are made with essential oils, including citronella, lemongrass, and geraniol.
They are soft and comfortable to wear, either on the wrist, ankle or even in the hair! They are also waterproof and remain effective after swimming.
Avoid Fragranced Products
Fragranced toiletries are best avoided when you are camping. Heavily perfumed soap, cologne, body sprays, and hair care products can be just as attractive to bugs as they are to you.
Fortunately, there are many unscented products made with natural ingredients that will keep you feeling fresh whilst remaining bug-free. Many are better for the environment, too, effectively killing two birds with one stone!
Final Thoughts On How to Keep Mosquitoes Away When Camping
Camping is great fun, so don’t let those annoying bugs stop you from enjoying the great outdoors.
Now that you know how to avoid mosquito bites while camping I hope you feel better prepared for your next adventure.
Need help with camping gear? Read one of the following blog posts:
