Tips for a bug free summer camping trip

Summer is the time to head to the great outdoors. If you are planning a summer vacation and camping is on the agenda, you are likely to encounter bugs. The most troublesome are mosquitoes, ants, ticks and no-see-ums. Insects can be more than a nuisance, their bites can lead to infection if not treated properly and some carry diseases. Add treatment for bug bites to the first aid kit and follow the tips below to ensure your camping trip is pleasant.

Leave perfumes and fragrances at home.

Insects are attracted to scents, which makes camping in the outdoors the wrong place for fragrances, perfumes, or scented sprays.

Maintain a clean campsite.

Bugs and rodents will be drawn to food that is left out and garbage that is not properly sealed. Be sure to wipe down the eating area and clean up after every meal. Discard leftovers and keep the trash covered and sealed as best as possible.

Wear insect repellent clothing.

For best results, protect your skin with lightweight darker colored clothing including long sleeves and pants. In the summer, this is a challenge because of the summer heat. Companies like Buzz Off offer clothing with insect repellent built in, to offer cool and non-toxic protection.

Stock up on Citronella Candles.

Citronella candles are made from lemongrass oil and are considered a natural, plant-based insect repellent. They are especially effective against pesky mosquitoes. The candles can be used at any time of day when insects are present, but can also be used to prevent insects. Light candles around the campsite beginning at dusk and until you turn in for sleep.

Set up a screen room.

Screen rooms are tents with walls made of netting and are commonly used while camping. They keep insects away and allow for a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the view around the campsite.

Don’t let insects keep you from enjoying the great outdoors this summer. With a few precautionary measures, you will keep the insects away.

Search the EcoShield blog for more ideas about keeping summertime pest free.

Photo credit: Flickr creative commons by A. Malakar.