When you go camping, you can expect to encounter lots of wildlife, some welcomed, and some not so much. And while having a bear ransack your campsite can be frightening, pesky mosquitos can be just as much of a nuisance and can have the ability to ruin what was supposed to be a relaxing camping trip.
More Than Just an Annoyance - Understanding the Diseases Mosquitos Carry
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying critters that leave itchy bites behind on your skin. In some cases, they can actually be dangerous and carry deadly diseases.
In North America, the most common diseases carried by some mosquitos is West Nile Virus and Encephalitis. However, if you are planning on camping abroad, mosquitos in certain countries can carry diseases and viruses such as Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, and Zika virus.
For this reason, it’s best to be prepared before your next camping trip and make sure you have plenty of insect-repelling measures in place.
How to Keep Mosquitos at Bay
While mosquitos are unavoidable when spending time outdoors in the summertime, there are several solutions you can try to help keep them at a distance.
Bug Spray
A spray-on repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or eucalyptus is one of the best ways to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos and other insects.
The downside to this is that it will wear off after a certain number of hours, so it must be re-applied frequently in order to be effective.
Natural Repellents
If you have concerns about potential health hazards of using a DEET based insect repellent, there are several natural products you can use that can also be effective.
Here are a few natural options.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Having been in use since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the most commonly used and effective natural insect repellents. In fact, it has even been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an ingredient in commercial mosquito repellents.
Try creating your own repellent by mixing 1-part lemon eucalyptus oil and 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel.
Citronella
Citronella is another essential oil commonly used to repel mosquitoes and is often found in the form of candles. When formulated correctly, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection from mosquitos for up to two hours.
Lavender
When crushed up, lavender flowers produce a scent and oil that is off-putting to mosquitos and will deter them from coming after you. Plus, besides just preventing mosquito bites, lavender can also calm and soothe the skin if you have already been bitten.
Tea Tree Oil
While Tea Tree Oil is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, some studies have shown that it also works as an insect repellent.
Not only does it repel mosquitoes, but also ticks, bees, bed bugs, fleas, fire ants, and spiders. Tea tree oil can also help ease itchiness and discomfort and reduce swelling from insect bites.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee has proven to be so much more than just an early morning pick me up. If you have set up your campsite near some stagnant water where mosquitos tend to congregate and reproduce, try sprinkling some coffee grounds in the water. Studies have shown that doing this helps to kill off mosquito larvae, preventing them from growing into bothersome mosquitos.
Anti-Bug Clothing
Covering yourself up with clothing is probably one of the safest, most effective ways to make sure you don’t get bitten by mosquitoes. However, just to be safe, you may want to consider investing in insect repellant clothing.
Anti-mosquito clothing has insect repellent woven directly into the fabric and is completely odourless and safe. This is a great option if you are concerned about putting bug spray on your skin.
Mosquito Gadgets
If you’re willing to shell out a bit of extra cash, there are lots of gadgets that use technology to keep mosquitos away.
Insect Trap
An insect lamp trap lures mosquitos in and kills them quickly and quietly without any zapping or buzzing and can protect you for up to half an acre. These lamps also have the ability to disrupt mosquitoes’ breeding cycle, keeping you bug-free long-term.
Bug Zapper
A bug zapper uses a light source to attract mosquitoes and other insects before killing them using electricity.
Ultrasonic Mosquito Repeller
There are some ultrasonic devices on the market that emit high-frequency sounds that are too high for humans to hear but are just the right frequency to be heard by mosquitos and other pests and keep them away.
Campfire Smoke
Camping and campfires go hand in hand, but they actually serve a purpose other than to roast some marshmallows.
The smoke from your campfire is actually repulsive to mosquitos and can help to repel them at night. Just be sure that your fire is completely put out before you pack it in for the night.
Ditch the Perfumes
Any type of fragrance is known to attract mosquitoes, so it’s best to avoid wearing perfume or cologne, or using scented shampoos, lotions, soaps, etc. when you are going camping.
Location, Location, Location
When planning your camping trip, choosing the right location can have a big impact on how many unwanted mosquito visitors you will have.
If you are planning to set up camp near a pond or a lake, there is a good chance you will be spending your trip swatting away mosquitos, as mosquitoes love stagnant bodies of water. Therefore, it’s best to avoid campsites with water nearby if you want to avoid mosquitoes.
Get the Right Gear and Shelter
The right gear can make or break a good camping trip, especially when it comes to unwanted pests.
So, if you prefer hammock camping over sleeping in a tent, but are worried about getting bitten by mosquitos while you sleep, there are lots of options to keep you happy and comfortable.
Investing in a mosquito net for your camping hammock will help keep insects out while you sleep, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of hammock camping – itch-free!
You can also look into getting a mosquito net camping hammock that comes with its own mesh.
Hammock Universe Gear
Here are a few options that we offer here at Hammock Universe that can help keep mosquitos away while camping.
This lightweight hammock is ideal for your next camping trip, as it weighs only 1.2 pounds and can easily fit into any backpack without taking up too much space.
While sleeping in a hammock when camping is ideal when it comes to comfort, without the protection of a tent, you are inviting mosquitos and other insects to interrupt your sleep. Keep mosquitos and other annoying pests away while you sleep outdoors with this practical mosquito net for your camping hammock.
Key Features and Characteristics
Protects from black flies and mosquitos
Works with all non-spreader bar hammocks
Two-way zippers facilitate easy access, both in and out
Combining the comfort of a hammock with the practicality of mosquito-repelling mesh, this mosquito net hammock is a great replacement for any tent, and is incredibly lightweight, so it can easily be taken anywhere.
Key Features and Characteristics
Extremely compact and lightweight
Includes mosquito netting to ensure a restful night’s sleep
Comes with a shock cord so that the mosquito netting hangs above you
Includes the hammock, an attached carry pouch, and carabiners
Think of the Hammock Rain Fly as a cover for your hammock that protects you from the rain and other elements. Made from high-quality, durable material, you can rest easy knowing that you and your hammock are protected from almost anything mother nature throws your way.
Key Features and Characteristics
Ultra light, compact, and portable
Compatible with any hammock
Protects from the elements
Waterproof
Includes RipStop Hammock Tarp, 4 tie-down ropes, 2 stakes, and a carry bag
Specs
Made of Waterproof 70D Oxford Ripstop Polyester
Tarp dimensions are 12 x 9.35 feet
Weighs 1.05 lbs.
Don’t Let Annoying Pests Get You Down
Despite your best efforts, mosquitos can be persistent and still manage to creep in. Try your best to keep them at bay, but don’t let mosquitos ruin your trip if you still manage to encounter them.
At the end of the day, the only thing standing in the way of having a great camping experience is your attitude.
