If you asked hikers and campers about the least favorite things about their trips, mosquitoes would definitely be near the top of the list. No one wants to be itchy and inflamed all over, and these tiny pests seem to have an uncanny ability to find us no matter where we’re hiding.
When you’re packing your camping gear, don’t forget to include mosquito repellent! No one wants to be dealing with mosquitoes while they’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. Luckily, there are a variety of mosquito repellents available that can help keep these pests at bay.
Why it’s important to repel mosquitoes
Believe it or not, mosquitoes are found to be one of the world’s deadliest animals. These small, pesky insects transmit dangerous diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and dengue fever. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), vector-borne diseases, transmitted by mosquitoes among other insects, are responsible for the death of nearly 700,000 people each year.
With such high stakes, it’s important to take measures to protect yourself from these disease-carrying pests. Luckily, there is plenty of ways to do so. In this article, we’ll list some of the best mosquito repellents for camping to keep in mind for your next trip into the great outdoors.
What is a mosquito repellent?
A mosquito repellent is a substance that you apply to your skin, clothing, or gear that helps keep mosquitoes from landing on you and biting you. These products usually contain chemicals that mosquitoes find offensive, such as DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
In addition to chemical, or natural repellents, there are also mosquito repelling devices, such as bracelets, fans, and even lanterns that can help keep these pests at bay.
Here at Northwest Outlet you can find a selection of insect repellent products, from mosquito repellent devices, DEET pump sprays to head nets.
Mosquito Repellents for Camping
Mosquito repellent bracelets
Mosquito repellent bracelets are a popular and convenient way to keep mosquitoes away. These bracelets usually contain natural mosquito-repellent oils, such as citronella, lemongrass, or eucalyptus oil. They are especially convenient for kids, who may not be able to apply mosquito repellent to their skin properly.
Insect repellents for clothing
Clothing treated with permethrin, an insecticide, can also help keep mosquitoes at bay. You can buy clothing that has already been treated with permethrin or treat your own clothing with a spray-on repellent. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
Repellent creams and sprays for body
The most common type of mosquito repellent is a cream or spray that you apply to your skin. These products usually contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully and reapply as needed.
Hammock nets
If you’re planning to sleep in a hammock, be sure to bring along a mosquito net. These nets can be placed over the hammock to create a barrier between you and the mosquitoes.
Head nets and Bug jackets
Have you ever seen a beekeeper in their gear? They’re wearing a head net and a full bee suit to keep the bees from getting to their skin. While you don’t need to be quite that protected, head nets and bug jackets can help keep mosquitoes off of your skin. These products are especially great if you’re going to be in an area with a lot of mosquitoes, such as a marsh or swamp.
Head nets are like a veil that you can wear over your head to keep mosquitoes from getting to your face. Bug jackets are cloaks that you can wear over your clothing to create a barrier between you and the insects.
Lanterns
There are also mosquito repellent lanterns available that help keep these pests at bay. These lanterns usually contain a small fan that circulates the air and a mosquito-repellent cartridge.
Mosquito coils
Mosquito coils are another popular way to keep mosquitoes away. These coils are made of mosquito-repellent chemicals that are burned in a small, metal holder. The smoke from the burning coil helps keep mosquitoes away.
Mosquito repellent devices
A mosquito repellent device is a great alternative if you don’t want to have your skin coated in bug repellent. There is a variety of mosquito repellent devices available that can help keep these pests at bay. These devices usually contain a small fan that circulates the air and a mosquito-repellent cartridge.
For example, the ThermaCell E55 has proven to be quite effective at repelling mosquitoes. It has a rechargeable five-and-a-half-hour battery that lasts long enough to odorlessly keep a bedroom-sized area mosquito-free for an entire evening. Heat for the lithium ion battery activates the highly targeted repellent, allethrin, a synthetic copy of a repellent found naturally in chrysanthemum flowers.
Mosquito repellent aerosol spray
This type of mosquito repellent is a great choice if you want something that you can easily apply to your skin. These products usually contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully and reapply as needed.
Candles and torches
Citronella candles and torches are a great way to keep mosquitoes away. These candles and torches usually contain citronella oil, which is a natural mosquito repellent. Be sure to place the candles and torches around the perimeter of your campsite to create a barrier against these pests. Some people may find the smell of citronella oil too harsh, so be sure to test it out before using it.
Which compounds keep mosquitoes away?
DEET
DEET is the most common and effective mosquito repellent. It’s been used since the 1940s and is still one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away. DEET works by masking the scent of human skin, making it harder for mosquitoes to find you.
Picaridin
Picaridin, also known as icaridin, is another effective mosquito repellent that is growing in popularity. It’s also been found to be effective against ticks, fleas, and other pests. Picaridin works by interfering with the mosquitoes’ sense of smell, making it harder for them to find you.
Lemon and eucalyptus oil
Lemon and eucalyptus oils are a natural mosquito repellents that can be just as effective as DEET and picaridin. The oil works by masking the scent of human skin and repelling mosquitoes.
Natural mosquito repellents
There are a number of natural mosquito repellents that can be just as effective as DEET and picaridin. These natural repellents usually contain essential oils, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, or citronella oil.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural way to keep mosquitoes away. These oils usually contain compounds that mosquitoes find offensive, such as citronella, lemongrass, or eucalyptus oil.
You can buy essential oils at most health food stores or online. Be sure to dilute the oils before applying them to your skin.
Mosquito repelling plants
There are also a number of plants that can help keep mosquitoes away. These plants usually contain essential oils that repel mosquitoes. Some of the best mosquito repelling plants include: lemon balm, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, basil, peppermint, garlic.
Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away from Your Camp
Prevent mosquito bites
In addition to using mosquito repellent, there are other things you can do to prevent mosquito bites. These include wearing long sleeves and pants, staying in well-ventilated areas, and avoiding being outdoors during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn). Use mosquito nets to cover your bed and any other areas where mosquitoes might be able to get to you.
Keep your campsite clean
Another way to reduce the mosquito population around your camp is to keep your campsite clean. This means disposing of any garbage and food scraps properly. It also means picking up any loose leaves or branches where mosquitoes might lay their eggs.
Reduce standing water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. So, one of the best things you can do to reduce the mosquito population around your camp is to eliminate any standing water. This includes removing any stagnant water from flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, and gutters. If you can’t remove the water, consider covering it with a screen to keep mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
Put up mosquito traps
Mosquito traps are devices that attract mosquitoes and then trap them so they can’t bite you. These traps usually use CO2, heat, or light to attract mosquitoes and then capture them in a net or on a sticky pad.
While mosquito traps won’t completely eliminate all the mosquitoes in an area, they can help reduce the number of bites you get. However, have in mind that the traps are not nearly as effective as repellents.
Mosquito repellent FAQ
How to apply mosquito repellent
When applying mosquito repellent, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label. In general, you will want to apply the repellent to any exposed skin, such as your arms and legs. You may also want to apply it to your clothing.
Be sure to avoid contact with your eyes and mouth, and wash your hands after applying the repellent. If you are using a spray-on repellent, be sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area.
When to use mosquito repellent
You will want to use mosquito repellent any time you are outdoors in an area where there are mosquitoes. This is especially important during the summer months, when mosquitoes are most active.
You may also want to use repellent if you are traveling to a country where there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria or dengue fever.
How long does mosquito repellent last?
The length of time that mosquito repellent will last depends on the type of repellent you are using. Chemical repellents, such as DEET and picaridin, usually last for several hours. Natural repellents, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, may need to be applied more frequently.
What are the side effects of mosquito repellents?
Most mosquito repellents are safe for most people when used as directed. However, some people may experience skin irritation or other side effects. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor before using repellent.
What is the best mosquito repellent?
The best mosquito repellent is the one that works best for you. There are many different types of repellents available, so be sure to find one that is right for your needs. DEET and picaridin are two of the most common and effective chemical repellents. Lemon eucalyptus oil is a popular natural repellent.
When it comes to mosquito repellents, there are a variety of options to choose from. DEET and picaridin are two of the most common and effective chemical repellents. Lemon eucalyptus oil is a popular natural repellent. You will want to use mosquito repellent any time you are outdoors in an area where there are mosquitoes. This is especially important during the summer months, when mosquitoes are most active. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label and avoid contact with your eyes and mouth.
That’s it, everything you need to know about mosquito repellents for camping! Do you have any tips to share? Don’t hesitate to let us know.