How to Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping

Mosquito-Proof Your Campsite

A camping trip is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends and de-stress. Here at Mosquito Joe®, we love getting outside and enjoying nature. That’s why packing up the car — or RV — and going camping is one of our favorite ways to unwind and spend time outdoors too.
Whether you and your family are chilling by the campfire, grilling out, playing by the pool, or relaxing in the backyard, mosquitoes and ticks can easily ruin your fun time. But Mosquito Joe knows that pesky outdoor insects aren’t confined to your backyard. While you might be familiar with how to make sure mosquitoes and ticks don’t impose on you and your family when you’re in your backyard, you might not know the best ways to deal with them when you decide to take the family on a road trip. We’ll explore how to keep mosquitoes away while camping so you and your family can spend less time trying to avoid these pesky biters and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Away While Camping

Camping is a great way to experience nature, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with each other. However, troublesome mosquitoes can quickly turn a great camping experience into an itchy and uncomfortable one. Luckily, there are effective methods of mosquito control for camping that you can deploy to the good times rolling. We explain the best ways to keep mosquitoes away while camping, the types of insect repellent to keep on hand, and even the best type of clothing to wear.

Steps to Mosquito-Proof Your Campsite

Mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, dense vegetation, and warm environments. By taking measures to mosquito-proof your campsite, you can significantly reduce their presence and likelihood of annoying you.

Here are some of our top tips for campsite mosquito control.

Assess Your Campsite

When considering how to keep mosquitoes away while camping, the number one thing to look for is standing water. Mosquitoes breed there, so make sure to eliminate any standing water from your campsite. A bottle cap full of water alone can breed over 300 mosquitoes. By removing stagnant water, you will ensure that more mosquitoes won’t appear.

Additionally, set up your campsite away from marshy areas, slow-moving rivers and streams, leaf debris, and heavily wooded areas. These landscapes are more attractive to mosquitoes and ticks; mosquitoes prefer damp areas, while ticks like taking shelter in shady spaces and areas with tall grass.

Choose the Right Equipment

If you’re roughing it and spending your camping trip in a tent rather than an RV, having the right tent works wonders for keeping mosquitoes at bay. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a tent for your next camping trip:

1. Purchase a tent with fine mesh screens. These screens have a tight weave that will keep mosquitoes out while still allowing for proper ventilation.
2. Choose a tent with a rainfly. A rainfly not only offers protection against the elements but also provides an additional layer of protection against pests. Ensure the rainfly extends beyond the mesh screens for added protection.
3. Consider a mosquito-proof entrance. Some tents are specially designed with entrances with double zippers and mesh layers. You can also get a tent with built-in bug repellent.

Keep Campsite Bug Repellent on Hand

Insect repellents line the shelves of drugstores during the summer months. Purchasing a bug spray that contains DEET will keep mosquitoes from biting while you’re pitching your tent, hiking, or biking.

For even more protection against these pests, pick up an insect repellent that is made with coconut oil compounds. A recent study showed that the fatty acids in coconut oil may be more effective at repelling mosquitoes and ticks than DEET.

You might also consider using essential oils. These extracts not only help you smell fresh while outdoors but can also repel annoying mosquitoes. Rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, and tea tree oils are effective insect repellents. These essential oils can act as a natural remedy for itchy mosquito bites. Check out our blog to learn more about how you can use these home remedies to relieve uncomfortable bites!

Wear the Correct Gear

If you plan on hiking, horseback riding, or fishing on your camping trip, be sure to pack and wear clothing that will protect you from mosquitoes and ticks. White and light-colored clothing will make you less attractive to mosquitoes. These pesky insects see dark colors better than light, so stay cool and avoid mosquito bites with light-colored clothing. When roaming in high grasses or heavily wooded areas, wear long pants tucked into socks and closed-toe shoes to prevent insects from attaching to your exposed skin.

Minimize Odors

One of the best tips for how to keep mosquitoes away while camping is to minimize odors. Certain odors emitted by our bodies and various camping items are natural attractants for mosquitoes. Here are some ways to minimize these odors:

• Avoid fragrant products – Mosquitoes can be drawn to perfumes, scented lotions, and soaps. Use unscented personal care items on your camping trip to avoid drawing mosquitoes to you.
• Keep your campsite tidy – Keep garbage tightly sealed (or better yet, get rid of it immediately) to prevent odors from attracting mosquitoes. Store food in tightly sealed containers and wash dishes immediately after meals.
• Use natural mosquito repellent – Certain scents naturally repel mosquitoes. Essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender can help deter mosquitoes. Use them as a bug repellent or set up diffusers around your campsite.
• Use citronella candles or torches – Assuming you are allowed to burn at your campsite, these candles or torches can be great for keeping mosquitoes away and provide you with a more enjoyable camping experience.

Mosquito-Proof Your Campsite

Camping can be fun and a great experience for the entire family. Taking the steps outlined above will help ensure your camping experience is memorable for all the right reasons. And when it’s time to relax in your outdoor spaces at home, following our advice can help keep mosquitoes and other pests away. If you’re looking for an easier, more efficient way to keep pests away for your outdoor fun, request a free quote from the local bug experts at Mosquito Joe. Because no matter where you spend your time outdoors, we know how to make it fun again!