A Comprehensive Guide on Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Away When Camping
Camping is an exciting and exhilarating activity, especially for kids. Camping encourages family bonding, and is an opportunity to come together and appreciate nature. The only downside to camping is dealing with the pesky insects that tend to wander around the outdoor environment. No matter how much you plan, insects can show up unannounced, and ruin your fun. This is why it’s important to find ways to naturally keep bugs away when camping.
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Fortunately, there are a many natural ways to keep bugs away while you’re camping. Our family has done a number of camping trips, from large family ones to small overnight trips and via these trips, we have come up with a list of effective natural ways to keep bugs away.
Campfires
Having a campfire is one of the quickest and most obvious ways of keeping bugs away. Campfires generate smoke, which is a natural repellent for flying insects, such as mosquitoes or moths. The heat from the fire is also enough to get rid of some of the bug larvae, such as spiders and beetles that often come from damp environments.
Essential Oils
Essential oils not only smell great but have natural insect-repellent qualities. Citronella is a great essential oil to use, as it has a strong smell that repels insects. Citronella candles are available and are an ideal choice for camping. Alternatively, you can also use patches or bracelets imbued with the essential oil. Cats Claw and Rosemary are other essential oils that works as natural insect repellents.
Dryer Sheets
Campers have found dryer sheets to be effective in repelling insects, such as ants, mosquitoes, and flies. The sheets are fragranced, and the scent serves as a natural insect deterrent. All you’ll need to do is place your dryer sheets with your clothes or in your closet and windows. They are also lightweight, and you can add them to your camping gear.
Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its flavouring capabilities in food, but garlic also has properties that repel bugs. The odor from the garlic is strong enough to deter some insects from coming into close contact. You can use garlic powder or spray around your campsite for a natural bug deterrent.
Soaps
Certain types of soap can be used to make your own natural insect repellent. Soaps such as Ivory, Dr. Bronner’s, and Fels-Naptha can create a soapy shield around your campsite that’s enough to repel smaller insects.
Herbs
Herbal remedies are a great way to keep bug away. Tulsi, neem, and mint are fragrant herbs that are naturally arranged but can be a strong deterrent for mosquitoes and other insects. You can put these herbs around your campsite or burn them in small firepots for an all-natural remedy.
Lemon Eucalyptus
Lemon eucalyptus oil is often used as an insect repellent since it has citronella-like properties. The oil is completely natural, and only needs to be diluted when used and reapplied at regular intervals. It’s best to use this natural repellent in places where the scent won’t be too strong, such as campsites.
Sticky Traps
Using sticky tryps is an ideal way to deal with flies. You’ll need to set up the traps when you arrive at the campsite, and they can work for a few days before they need replacing. This is a great way to rid your campsite of annoying insects without having to use potentially harmful sprays or oils.
Avoid Attractants
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t attract bugs to your campsite in the first place. This involves refraining from using artificial fragrances, such as perfumes and colognes, and avoiding bright clothing. Additionally, you should also be mindful of your food waste, and dispose of it properly.
At the end of the day, using natural ways to keep bugs away when camping is more effective and safer than conventional methods, such as using aerosols or bug sprays. It is also important to be aware of the ecological concerns of using pesticides and insect repellents, when your camping trips take you through natural spaces. By being proactive and using natural repellents, you can protect yourself and the environment from bug bother.
If you are looking for more tips to keep bugs away while camping, take a look at the video below for more ideas.