Camping is perhaps one of the best ways to spend time with nature. Unfortunately, nature is home to some of the most annoying bugs you’ll ever encounter. Is it a tough ask trying to find out how to repel mosquitoes while camping?
Everyone that’s had time in nature can surely relate to the eerie buzzing of mosquitoes around your head. These pesky bugs are enough to drive anyone mad. But fortunately, we don’t have to put up with them.
How to Repel Mosquitoes While Camping?
Even though mosquitoes are tiny, they are known to be quite harmful. Female mosquitoes feed on human blood. To do this, they inject their saliva loaded with complex proteins that allow them to penetrate the skin. This secretion is what causes those irritating bumps after they bite.
However relentless and annoying mosquitoes may be, they need not get in the way of you enjoying a camping trip. As you prepare for your next camping trip, here are a few tips on how to repel mosquitos while camping.
1. Camp Site Location
When looking for a camping site, you need to consider the surrounding environment. Pick a spot located away from stagnant water, such as puddles and pools. These make for excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Find a space that is dry and preferably on higher ground.
You can also find a site next to a river. Just make sure it has a current flowing with it. However, if you notice any puddles around, it would be best to find another spot. It’s also essential to keep the site as clean as possible since mosquitoes are attracted to trash and leftover food.
2. Campfire
A fire is necessary for any worthwhile camping experience. But how can you repel mosquitoes using fire? Flames keep away mosquitoes, ensure wild animals don’t attack you, and even allow you to cook your food.
Mosquitoes don’t like smoke, which is why fire is a camping necessity. To enhance this effect, throw in some sage that’ll give mosquitoes a run for dear life.
A campfire masks other scents. It also makes it difficult for the mosquitoes to breathe, so it is sure to keep those pesky bugs at bay through most of the night. Just remember to put it out.
3. Candles
Just like a fire, candles also produce smoke that affects the mosquitoes’ ability to breathe. While scented candles are known to make your space smell like a tropical getaway, they could also act to deter mosquitoes. Citronella candles have been acclaimed to work effectively against the bugs.
Citronella is a natural ingredient derived from plants. Its oil is extracted and mixed with wax to make candles. The scents released while the candle burns are sure to repel any mosquitoes around it. You can keep the candles in a mason jar to keep them from going out and placed around the site.
4. Herbs
Herbs are not only suitable for cooking. They’re also a natural solution on how to repel mosquitoes while camping. Some people plant them in their gardens to keep insects from attacking their produce. They also come in handy while camping as the scents released deter mosquitoes and other bugs.
Some of the most common herbs used to fend off mosquitoes include;
- Lavender.
- Rosemary.
- Eucalyptus.
- Mint.
- Sage.
You can rub the herbs against your skin or toss them in a fire to get the scent out in the air. Some of these herbs are used to make essential oils that you can also use to repel mosquitoes.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils have garnered quite a lot of attention. They have countless health benefits for both children and grown-ups and are a creative way to repel mosquitoes.
If you want a natural repellant that you can make yourself without harmful chemicals, essential oils are your best bet. They are made from concentrated extracts from herbs and plants. One has to dilute them as they often come with such strong scents.
To know how to repel mosquitoes while camping, you’ll need a spray bottle, a cup of water, some rubbing alcohol (or vodka), and, if available, some witch hazel. Add in 10-20 drops of your preferred essential oil, give it a proper shake, and voila, your very own mosquito repellant. Some common essential oils include;
- Rosemary.
- Basil.
- Catnip.
- Citronella.
- Mint.
- Lemongrass.
- Sage.
- Cedarwood.
- Eucalyptus.
Essential oils are an excellent way to repel mosquitoes while still keeping things natural. Just make sure to give it a good shake before using it.
6. Mosquito Coils and Diffusers
If you’ve been wondering how to repel mosquitoes while camping, then consider mosquito coils. Coils are infused with pyrethrum extracts and pack a powerful punch against most bugs. An average coil can burn for up to seven hours, ensuring you get the peace you deserve in the outdoors.
Similar to coils, diffusers also emit a different pesticide known as metofluthrin. Diffusers come equipped with a battery-operated fan that spreads the pesticide over a limited area. They could last for up to 12 hours and are reported to have a success rate of 84-100 percent in fighting mosquitoes. Placing them around your tent is sure to repel any mosquitoes.
If you choose to get these products, consider the active ingredients to ensure that you aren’t allergic. This will help prevent any complications while you’re outdoors.
7. Bug Spray
If you’re looking for a quick guarantee on how to repel mosquitoes while camping, then good ole bug spray should do the trick. The active ingredient in most conventional bug sprays is DEET. However, most health-conscious campers don’t like DEET. It has a pretty strong smell and can affect your skin’s complexion.
Despite these critiques, bug spray is pretty effective against most bugs, including mosquitoes. So, even if you have some reservations, bug sprays could come in handy when combating those nasty bugs.
You can apply bug spray on your clothes and even your tent as the smell is enough to deter even the most determined mosquito. Just make sure to find a waterproof one and avoid inhaling the stuff.
8. Vinegar
If you’d prefer to keep it all-natural, then vinegar is an excellent option on how to repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes and other insects don’t like overpowering smells. Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar work quite well as mosquito repellants.
Make a solution by mixing water and vinegar, pour it into a spray bottle, and there you have it. You can spray it inside your tent, as well as on your skin clothes. However, if you don’t like the smell of vinegar, this might not be suitable for you.
What smell repels mosquitoes the most?
Mosquito repellent creams and lotions mainly contain oils and properties of various herbs that help to repel mosquitoes from human bodies. There are varieties of products on the market that help to control mosquitoes. They keep hovering over dump yards or sewages and can even contaminate our food. They are also the reason for transmitting diseases.
Hence, proper Treatment needs to be undertaken to minimize disease outbreaks. Some of the scents that keep mosquitoes away are as follows:
- Geraniol.
- Lavender.
- Eucalyptus.
- Rosemary.
- Lemongrass.
- Citronella.
- Clove.
How do I stop getting bitten by mosquitoes?
Female mosquitoes feeding on your blood can bring unfavorable health abruptly. A mosquito bite fills itself with the host’s blood and transmits saliva into our bloodstream. This triggers an itching and a slight bump in the skin, which can even get worse and bring high fevers.
Malaria, yellow fever, and dengue are the most common diseases transmitted through mosquito bites. You can stop getting bitten by mosquitoes by following a few steps or methods:
- According to the changes in weather, you can wear long sleeves, full pants, light-colored dresses, and hats which cover the ears or neck portions.
- Lemon Eucalyptus is a bug shield made of plants and is chemical free.
What kind of lotion keeps mosquitoes away?
Appropriate mosquito repellent lotions play a crucial role while spending time outdoors. They help us stay protected from various bugs and ensure good health. Finding suitable lotions can help you and your family keeps out bugs and insects.
Lotions and sprays are beneficial as they penetrate inside the skin and form a layer that protects us from insect and mosquito bites. Oils and herbs from marigold, basil, and Lavender form quite a better product and are better off as starters. These products should also contain some amount of DEET as it is the main ingredient and offers the best protection against mosquito bites and keeps them away due to a stingy smell.
Does vapor Rub repel Mosquitoes?
Yes, Vapor Rub repels mosquitoes as it contains natural elements of Cedar Leaf, a natural mosquito repellent. Not only mosquitoes, but applying bits of it behind ears, ankles, knees, and around the neck can even help repel other bugs.
The main reason is that Vapo rub contains a menthol scent, which instantly acts on mosquitoes and drives them away. The urge to itch after a mosquito bite is suppressed after applying this rub on the affected or bitten portion, as the cooling effect of menthol leaves a cooling sensation on the skin.
Can mosquitoes bite through 2 layers of clothes?
Mosquitoes have a sharp, pinpointed needle-type mouth which helps them to pierce the skin of hosts in search of blood vessels to feed on. Even if one is equipped with heavier clothes, the possibility of getting bitten through two layers of cloth is unavoidable.
Moreover, fabrics such as denim, velvet, and tight kit wool often help to block mosquito bites. In addition, one can even use Permethrin as additional protection as it is applied on the outdoor gears rather than on the skin. Therefore, thick and tightly woven fabrics can prevent mosquitoes from biting.
Do mosquito bracelets work?
With the arrival of summer, the number of mosquitoes also tends to increase. Mosquito bracelets are wearable that tends to ward off mosquitoes as they contain effective materials. These bracelets are more practical as it is easy to wear rather than spraying the lotion on your body.
Many companies manufacture this product due to its widespread use and popularity. The product’s durability depends on the make by different manufacturers, so it varies from one user to another.
Is there anything you can eat to keep mosquitoes away?
Certain foods can be kept to repel mosquitoes naturally, including Garlic, Onions in your diet release a compound known as allicin when consumed. In addition, consuming apple cider vinegar helps to alter the normal body scent creating a peculiar smell that keeps mosquitoes away. Vegetables such as beans, lentils, and tomatoes work similarly, and they contain thiamine which aids in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eliminate any mosquito hiding places outside your home. If you are camping, make sure that the campsite doesn’t have standing bushes or stagnant water. Additionally, sleep inside a tent to keep the bloodsuckers outside. For extra protection, carry along mosquito repellant.
Essential oils are very beneficial to humans as a nutritional additive and even insect repellant. Most essential oils have distinct scents that repel mosquitoes and various other bugs. Peppermint, lavender, basil, rosemary and citronella are common scents you can use to bug-proof your home.
Synthetic bug spray is loaded with harmful chemicals. Nevertheless, there are natural solutions to mosquito bites. You can use essential oils, herbs and even just your campfire to keep them away. Also, maintaining a mosquito-free environment is necessary. Simply clear nearby bushes and drain standing water. This way, they wont have a place to nest and lay eggs.
Final Thoughts
If anything is certain, it’s that mosquitoes are sensitive to scent. Therefore whenever you go camping, do mind how you smell. While some scents may repel mosquitoes, others can attract them.
You would do well to avoid heavily scented lotions, soaps and deodorant while out camping. Strong fragrant scents can make you a mosquito magnet.
Do make sure you have the proper protective clothing and gear when going camping. Long sleeves and pants are preferable. Wear layers if you can. If you’re stepping out of your tent, keep your tent door shut and mind how you use torches and lanterns as mosquitoes are attracted to light.
These are just some of the tricks and tips on how to repel mosquitoes while camping. They will guarantee a splendid experience. So, the next time you want to go camping, don’t let those pesky critters get in your way. Always know that with a bit of prior planning, you could always repel mosquitoes while camping.
