How to Prevent Bugs from Ruining Your Next Outdoor Outing

You’ve just arrived at the perfect campsite, and are getting everything ready to set up your tent. Wait—what’s that buzzing sound? By the time you realize it, you’re surrounded by mosquitoes. The itching starts and it’s too late—you’ve already got half a dozen bug bites. Every camper knows that few things can ruin an outing faster than a swarm of bugs.

With summer hatches just around the corner and Lyme disease already in the news, it’s time to start thinking about insect protection as you plan your weekend outings. But don’t worry—you don’t have to spend the whole season trapped in your tent. Check out these tried-and-true methods for keeping bugs from ruining your weekend in the wilderness.

Do Your Homework

Before you head out for the weekend, do a little research on your intended destination. It might seem like you’ll be surrounded by bugs all summer long, but really, insect hatches come in cycles. Depending on your specific area, there might be a few weeks when the bugs are especially bad, followed by a lull when you’re less likely to be eaten alive. For the best beta on your campsite, check in at your local fly fishing shop or sporting goods store. Anglers keep close tabs on the bugs so they know which synthetic flies will attract the fish, meaning they’ll know what’s hatching and where.

Dress for the Occasion

One of the best ways to prevent bug bites is to keep as much skin covered as possible. Bringing along insect repellent sprays can be a mixed bag in the backcountry, as liquids are heavy and it’s tough to find a spray that’s both effective and safe to have on your skin. Instead, dress in insect repellent apparel.

Craghoppers’ innovative Insect Shield® fabric is treated before it’s woven, so not only is it 99% effective against bites, it also repels pesky bugs all around you (not just on the covered body parts). This permethrin treatment is odorless and safe to wear directly on your skin. You can wash these clothes with everything else, and the best part? The treatment lasts for about 70 washes, versus less than 10 in other products. Some of our favorite items for keeping the bugs off include:

• With 20 pockets and a built-in dry bag, the Davenport vest still manages to have a sleek design and flattering fit.

• The Elgin hoody adds a layer of insect protection without upping the heat. (There’s also a version with jersey material for cool summer nights.)

• Consider the classic safari-style NosiLife Adventure long-sleeve with a vented back to keep you cool in hot climates, or the NosiLife Todd long-sleeved shirt which has the bug protection but is also a little more casual for around hanging out around town,.

• Don’t forget about your legs! The NosiLife Pro Trouser is lightweight and easy to pack, and has an RFID pocket to protect your credit cards or passport while traveling.

Accessorize

A few bug-zapping accessories can go a long way in the backcountry, and you might not even realize that you’ve already got some of this at home.

Wear a baseball cap or sun hat, which not only protects you from sun exposure, but also keeps ticks from settling in on your scalp.

If you’ll be hiking near streams or along potentially muddy trails, consider wearing gaiters, which protect sensitive ankles from being bitten and prevent bugs from flying up your pants.

Bring along a head net, too. They weigh virtually nothing, so doesn’t require much extra effort to bring along, and they’re incredibly useful if you find yourself in the thick of it. Keep your head net accessible so you can pop it on when you’re stopped and vulnerable to bites.

Consider Your Campsite

There’s nothing like a campsite with a gorgeous view of an alpine lake, but during bug season, this sweet spot may come at a cost. While it’s important to camp close enough to water that you can access it for drinking and cooking, steer clear of campsites right on the shore. Mosquito larvae thrive in moist soil, but if you hike and camp in more exposed areas, you’ll find that dry soil and an occasional breeze are key to avoiding pests. It’s also helpful to maintain a super clean campsite: keep food, trash, and other smelly items contained and separate from your tent.

Light Up the Night

As you probably know, bugs are attracted to light—like moths to a flame, right? Once it’s dark, keep your headlamp off whenever you’re not actively using it so bugs aren’t tempted to fly into your face.

If you’re frontcountry camping and weight isn’t a concern, bring along some citronella candles and place them strategically around your campsite. (Mosquitoes avoid these pleasant-smelling candles like the plague.)

Finally, while bugs are drawn to most light, they typically don’t like smoke or fire. If your area doesn’t have a fire ban, keep a small fire going until you’re ready to turn in. As always, make sure your fire is completely out before you hit the hay.

Plan for the Worst

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans for bug avoidance go awry. Come prepared for the worst-case scenario by packing some tent-friendly activities, like a paperback book or a deck of cards. This way, you can stay in your tent a little longer at dawn and dusk, when bugs tend to be most active, without going stir-crazy. You’ll also have the chance to take advantage of conditions you’d normally avoid, like wind, which can be unpleasant but generally keeps bugs at bay.

Post-Trip Check

Once you’re back from your trip, ensure that bugs don’t ruin your next outing by checking carefully for ticks. Ticks can’t handle dry heat, so stick your clothes in the dryer, then wash and dry them again. As soon as possible, do a thorough, methodical check of everyone who’s been in the backcountry, including pets. If you do find a tick, use a fine-tipped pair of tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible, then pull outward in one steady motion. Make sure to clean the area with at least soap and water, but ideally with alcohol. Check with your doctor if you’re worried about or seeing signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.

Originally written by RootsRated for Craghoppers.

Featured image provided by Photo courtesy of Craghoppers