Have you ever tried sleeping under the stars, only to spend the night swatting away bugs? Dealing with insects can turn a fun camping trip into an uncomfortable experience. Whether this is your first camping trip or you’ve been camping many times before, knowing how to keep bugs away while camping will help you enjoy nature more. I’ve spent many nights outdoors and learned the best way to keep bugs away while camping. Here are 9 tips that really work.
Table of Contents
1. Pick the Right Spot
Choose your camping spot carefully, it’s your first step in keeping bugs away. Set up your tent on higher ground where there’s a nice breeze. Stay away from puddles and standing water where mosquitoes like to breed.
Look for spots where you can feel the wind, as bugs have trouble flying in moving air. Try to avoid setting up near old logs or thick bushes where bugs live. If you can, pick a sunny spot, most bugs prefer dark, wet places. This simple choice can mean fewer camping bugs bothering you during your trip.
2. Use Natural Bug Sprays
Looking for a natural way to keep bugs away when camping on a budget? Try using common household items and plant oils that bugs don’t like. Plants like lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, and peppermint naturally keep insects away without costing much.
You can also put dried herbs like sage and rosemary around your campsite or throw them in your campfire – the smoke helps keep bugs away. These natural options work well, especially if you’re camping with kids or don’t want to use chemical sprays. If you prefer a more modern solution, you might want to research the best outdoor bug zapper for your camping setup.
3. Know When Bugs Are Active
Bugs are more active at certain times of the day. Most mosquitoes come out during sunrise and sunset. Many flying insects stay hidden when it’s windy. Plan your hiking and meals for the middle of the day when fewer bugs are around if you want to keep bugs away while camping.
Try to cook before it gets dark, the smell of food attracts insects. Knowing when bugs are most active helps you plan better and enjoy more of your camping trip.
4. Protect Your Tent
Learning how to keep bugs out of tent spaces is important for good sleep. Start with a tent that has no holes, even tiny ones can let bugs in. Put a ground cover under your tent to stop bugs from coming up from the ground.
When you go in or out, do it quickly and close the zipper right away. Think about bringing a screen room for extra protection during meals. Keep bright lights away from your tent at night since they attract flying insects. A well-kept tent becomes your safe space away from bugs.
5. Wear the Right Clothes
Your clothes can either attract or repel bugs. Wear light-colored clothes that aren’t too tight but cover your skin. Surprisingly, dark colors and flower patterns attract more bugs. Tuck your pants into your socks and wear closed shoes.
You can also spray your clothes with bug repellent that lasts through several washes. Sports clothes that protect you from the sun often help keep bugs away too because of how tightly they’re woven.
6. Store Things Properly
One of the best ways to practice bug-repellent camping is to store your things correctly. Bugs like the smell of food, sweet drinks, and scented products. Keep all food in containers that seal tightly and never bring food into your tent.
Clean up right after meals and keep trash far from where you’re camping. Even things like scented deodorant or soap can attract bugs – bring unscented versions instead. A clean campsite means fewer bugs.
7. Smart Lighting Choices
While you need lights when camping, you can be smart about using them. Use yellow or orange bug lights instead of white ones, bugs aren’t as attracted to these colors. Put lights away from your tent and where people gather.
Consider using headlamps with red light settings for nighttime, as these attract fewer bugs. Some camping lanterns come with built-in bug repellents, which can be worth buying if you camp often.
8. Chemical Repellents
Another best way to keep bugs away while camping is to use regular bug spray, especially in places with mosquitoes that might carry diseases. Sprays with DEET or picaridin work well and last long.
Put them on exposed skin and outer clothes, but not under your clothes. Remember to spray again as directed, especially after swimming or sweating a lot. While natural options are good, sometimes regular bug spray is the safest choice. When camping with a baby, you’ll need extra precautions against bugs. Choose child-safe, DEET-free repellents and keep chemical sprays away from your infant’s space. Consider using screened areas and natural repellents around baby’s sleeping and play areas.
9. Make a Protected Area
Create a space where bugs can’t get in for cooking and hanging out. Bring a screen tent or pavilion to make a bug-free zone for making and eating meals. You might want to put citronella torches or candles around your sitting area to keep bugs away while camping.
Some campers like to put rope soaked in essential oils around their site. While these take extra time to set up, having a place where bugs can’t get to you makes camping much more fun. While you need lights when camping, you can be smart about using them. When camping without electricity, opt for battery-powered yellow or orange bug lights instead of white ones, as bugs aren’t as attracted to these colors.
Our Final Words
To keep bugs away while camping doesn’t have to be hard. By using these tips, from choosing the right spot to setting up protected areas, you can have fewer problems with insects during your outdoor adventures. Different camping places might need different combinations of these methods.
The key is to plan ahead and take steps to control bugs before they become a problem. With these tips, you can focus on having fun outdoors without constantly dealing with unwanted insects.
Remember, we don’t want to get rid of all insects, they’re important for nature. Instead, try to create a comfortable space that lets you enjoy camping while respecting the outdoors. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove bugs from my tent quickly?
Use a battery-powered fan to blow them out, or direct them toward the door with a flashlight. Don’t use bug spray inside the tent.
Do citronella candles actually work?
Yes, but only in calm weather and enclosed spaces. Use them with other methods like bug spray for best results.
What kitchen items work as natural bug repellents?
Coffee grounds, vinegar-soaked cloths, and dried herbs like rosemary and sage work well. Essential oils like tea tree and lavender are also effective.