Let’s face it, bugs are just a part of life, and camping. But you don’t have to let biting insects like deer flies, mosquitos and ticks ruin your next float trip since there are all sorts of ways to keep the bugs away. It’s important to remember that bugs are attracted to fragrant things like scented lotions and foods, especially foods that are sweet. This is why you should avoid using hygiene-products that have a perfume. Be sure to wipe down picnic or campground tables upon arrival as well as after every meal, wash dishes immediately after you’re done eating and store food and trash appropriately. Besides your food, bugs love moist and damp areas. This is why it’s in your best interest to avoid camping near stagnant water, meadow areas or wet grassy lawns. But if you find the bugs are still biting, there are some great products that will keep mosquitos and other biting bugs away.
If you’re environmentally conscious and prefer to avoid aerosol sprays, consider natural mosquito repellents like lavender. Did you know that many different sunscreen products contain lavender oils for added bug protection? Many people consider Avon’s Skin-So-Soft to be the most effective insect repellent that doesn’t contain deet. And for garlic lovers, garlic is another fantastic way to ward off bugs though you’ll have to eat a lot of raw cloves to see results.
In addition to these natural mosquito repellents you can also turn to insect repellent clothing. Granted long sleeve shirts and pants will protect you from biting bugs but there are times when mosquitos can bit through a shirt. And in the middle of a sweltering Missouri summer, who wants to wear extra layers? Enter clothing with insect repellent in the fabric. Several outdoor clothing companies manufacture shirts that let you wash and treat your own clothing so you can avoid putting toxic creams or sprays on your skin.
In some cases sprays, creams and other natural remedies aren’t enough to fight deer flies and other biting bugs. This calls for deet. Though deet sprays and creams are greasy and don’t have such a nice smell, they do a great job at getting mosquites, deer flies and other pests to leave you alone. It’s best to spray deet products on your clothing and a hat and avoid putting deet products directly on your skin.
Another effective and natural way to keep biting bugs away is with citronella candles. Light a few citronella candles around your campsite and you’ll minimize the bugs. Companies infuse citronella oil into candles and distribute them at local hardware and discount stores in spring, summer and fall.
Not only do citronella candles emit a repelling scent and smoke but mosquito coils do too. These coils are pyrethrum-infused and help decrease the mosquitos when strategically placed around your campsite.
Who knew lanterns today were multi-tasking? Check out mosquito repellent lanterns that contain removable cartridges to fight the bugs and keep them away from the lantern and your campsite. Each cartridge lasts up to four hours.
If you plan to do any fishing or hiking on your next float trip, don’t leave home without a mosquito head net. Turn to this trusty head net for intense bug storms you’re likely to encounter in heavily wooded areas or during early evening or morning hours at your favorite fishing hole.
Finally, one of the best ways to enjoy a meal outdoors without having to fight the biting bugs is with a screen room. This tent with screen walls keeps bugs away so you can hang outside and enjoy an evening meal without getting eaten alive.
