Keep mosquitoes and other bugs away while camping

With the beautiful weather finally here, so are mosquitoes and other bugs. Mosquitoes are annoying and nobody likes getting eaten alive while trying to enjoy the great outdoors. No wonder everyone keeps trying to find new tricks to keep them away.

Not only are mosquito bites annoying and itchy, they can be very harmful. Mosquito-borne diseases are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some of the diseases include Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria. So try using some of these tips and trips listed below to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away while camping or just enjoying the great outdoors.

Burn Sage

This is a natural bug deterrent since mosquitoes (and ticks) don’t like the smell of sage. Burning sage helps keep mosquitoes away, but the smell will also linger on your skin and clothing as well. Making for an added protection after it is done burning.

Here are a couple different ways you can burn sage:

• Toss sage straight into a campfire to burn.
• Dampen the sage in water, wrap in aluminum foil, poke holes in the foil, and toss into a campfire or place on your grill.

Grab Some Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are just for doing laundry! For some reason mosquitoes (and bees!) don’t seem to like them. Place them under table cloths, close to food, or in the vicinity of where you’ll be. You can also place one in your pocket and get the same results.

Mint

Insects seem to hate the smell of mint. It doesn’t matter if it is a potted plant or your mint toothpaste, they hate it.

Try putting 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle with 8 oz. of water. Shake the bottle well and spritz around the area you’ll be at.

Light A Candle

Mosquitoes don’t like smoke nor do other insects. While a campfire is nice, it isn’t always enough. Try lighting some tiki torches around your camping area. Citronella  candles work well too!

Vinegar

If you can’t handle a strong smell of vinegar, I wouldn’t advise doing this. Grab a cotton ball, dip it in vinegar, and dab yourself. If you don’t want to place the vinegar on your skin, you can always try rubbing it on a picnic table or any other surface in the area.