A rather cruel twist of fate decided that the camping season largely coincides with the period when mosquitoes, midges, ticks, gnats, wasps and other stable flies are most active. They buzz, swarm, crawl and get in campers’ hair – sometimes literally. Here’s what you can do about it.
Every camper will recognise the following scenario. The sun is shining, you have just pitched your tent in the most idyllic spot and suddenly you find yourself trapped in the middle of a cloud of midges. Or: it’s bedtime, you come back from a final toilet visit, crawl into your warm sleeping bag, turn off your headlamp and… bzzzz, the buzzing of mosquitoes. Camping in summer, it is impossible to avoid insects. But you can make camping life more bearable with these tips.
Choose the right camping spot
We recently pitched our tent at a campsite in Estonia, separated from a cow pasture by a narrow, brackish stream. In no time, swarms of mosquitoes, clouds of midges and hordes of gnats attacked us. A spot next to the water seems like a good idea – if only for the sake of the pretty pictures – but realise that you will have to share it. Insects like mosquitoes love standing water – it’s where they deposit their eggs.
It’s better to pick a place away from standing water – next to a fast-flowing, for example, shouldn’t be a problem. Also avoid low-lying, damp areas or places with lots of wet grass or puddles. Ideally, pitch your tent at a higher spot, with the back of the tent in the wind – midges, in particular, hate anything more than a faint breeze. Sunny spots dry faster after rain, it takes longer in the shade.
Keep your tent closed
Always close the doors of your tent, even if you just go to get something. There is only one thing more annoying than a mosquito outside your tent: a mosquito inside your tent.
Use DEET (or alternatives)
Time for the No Shit, Sherlock Award: a mosquito spray with a high DEET content works wonders. Spray generously on clothes and skin and read on the package how often to repeat. The higher the DEET content, the more protection – although more than 50 per cent is of no additional use.
Some campers dislike the chemical smell of DEET. They can make their own mosquito repellent based on essential oils – think citronella, lavender or eucalyptus. Put ten drops in a bottle of water, shake and you’re done. Such alternative mosquito sprays can, of course, also be bought from shops.
Vinegar (white or apple cider) is also said to work. Insects don’t like the smell. You and your campmates possibly don’t either. Finally, there are also wristbands that emit chemicals. These are often not very effective – they only protect part of your body – and are thus only useful in combination with other methods.
In our experience, none of the alternatives can match old-fashioned mosquito spray with DEET. Well-known brands include OFF! and Care Plus.
Avoid perfumes…
Using scented hygiene products and toiletries while camping attracts mosquitoes. Examples include scented soap, shampoo, aftershave, deodorant, hair care products, perfume or cologne. Does that mean you shouldn’t wash throughout your camping trip? Far from it! See also the next point. But rather choose neutral, fragrance-free soap or deodorant.
…and body odours
If you get overheated during the day and consequently sweat excessively, you will attract insects more quickly. You can take a shower at a campsite, but even during a multi-day wild camping hike, you will regularly find opportunities to freshen up. Jump in a lake at the end of the day or, if necessary, use antibacterial wipes. Apply odourless deodorant afterwards and put on fresh clothes.
Wear appropriate clothes
Mosquitoes are especially active at dusk and dawn. Particularly during those times, wear long-sleeved shirts, sweaters and long trousers. This does not mean you are fully protected – mosquitoes are so ferocious that they’ll sting right through clothes – but it does help. Some outdoor sports brands impregnate their clothing with repellent; spraying DEET yourself is also possible.
Avoid dark clothes while camping – these attract mosquitoes. Leave your black and dark blue outfits at home and opt for light colours. Or did you think it was a coincidence that tropical outfits are invariably beige? Wear shoes with socks rather than sandals or flip-flops – especially at times when insects are most active. Protect your neck with a buff. And in the worst case, you can put a mosquito net on your head – not stylish, but effective.
Make a campfire
Smoke keeps flying insects at bay. No better way to experience a mosquito-free evening than by lighting a campfire. Throw herbs like sage and rosemary into the fire to irritate the critters even more – after all, they started.
A barbecue, lanterns or candles have a similar effect. Citronella candles are even better – citronella repels insects; the smoke enhances that effect. Citronella-scented tea lights fit in the backpack of the biggest weight freak. Some campers even ‘smoke’ their clothes over a campfire to make them repellent. Feel free to try, but keep it safe.
Cook a dish that insects hate
Mosquitoes detest the smell of onion, garlic and citrus fruits like lemons and oranges. You can cook with these ingredients or rub them on your skin. Mosquitoes will naturally stay away – although, in the case of garlic, your campmates might too. Because mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 of your breath, among other things, it helps to eat mints and use mint-flavoured toothpaste.
Keep the camp clean
After a long walk or bike ride, you’re not the only one hungry for dinner. Certain uninvited six-legged guests do not pass up such a snack. Open packages or dirty dishes, especially at night, are an open invitation for insects, an all-you-can-eat buffet. Clean up, wash dishes, get rid of crumbs and other food leftovers, close packages and don’t leave waste uncovered.
Go camping (without mosquitoes) in Antarctica
Does none of the above work? Maybe you should start camping in winter. Or on Antarctica. (Say hi to the Belgica antarctica, the only insect on the South Pole.)
This blog post first appeared in Dutch on Kampeertijd.