Campy's Tips: Keeping the Bugs Away

It's called the wilderness for a reason. Pests can run rampant and make any camping trip more of a pain than a pleasure. In addition to being irritating and unsightly, some insects can bite, potentially leaving you with discomfort and potential harm.

Don't let the creepy crawlers overrun your campsite and spoil the peace and quiet of your rustic retreat. Before zipping up your backpack this summer, be sure to take these precautions.

Clothing:

You should follow one rule of thumb when camping: whenever and wherever possible, cover exposed skin. You should wear long sleeves, pants and other light-colored clothing, which will help cover exposed skin that insects can bite, but it will also help you check for and prevent ticks. While hiking, especially through dense woods or tall grass, try to stick to the middle of marked paths and stop periodically to check your clothes for ticks. If you must blaze your own trail, be that much more vigilant.

Repellents: 

Having the right clothing may only be able to take you so far. When the bugs are really bad it’s important to use bug repellent. This won’t kill the bugs, but help deter them from you and your campsite. When you use bug repellent, always make sure to follow the label.

If you’re bringing your pets along with you, make sure you’ve consulted with your veterinarian about tick and heart worm prevention to help protect them as well.

Pack a First Aid Kit: 

Keep insects in mind when planning your first-aid kit. For example, tweezers come in handy for removing ticks. Additionally, it is recommended that you stock a travel health kit with, among other things, anti-itch gel or cream for insect bites and stings. 

Store your Food: 

The food you bring to your camping site can also be an attractant for insects. Be sure you keep all food in properly sealed containers in a cooler to help keep the bugs away.

Protect your Pups: 

Your dogs can pick up bugs on a camping trip, too. Before heading out on your vacation, make certain dogs are current on flea and tick medications, after consulting with your veterinarian, of course. This can also decrease your chances of bringing fleas back home.

A camping vacation is a fun way for the family to experience Planet Earth. Follow these tips to help make sure your outdoor memories are happy ones.