Contents
Dealing with mosquitos
While the mosquito is a part of the ecosystem, it’s probably our least favorite part. Additionally, heavy exposure to DEET has been linked to all kinds of symptoms such as: headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, and is particularly toxic for small children.
Here are some other, more natural options.
Lavender
Lavender not only smells fabulous—but it’s great for repelling mosquitoes as well!
There are a couple ways to incorporate it into your mosquito prevention.
Candles
If you have access to your car, or can bring lot of extra stuff while camping or glamping, you can bring some homemade citronella candles with a few drops of lavender essential oil added into the mix to strengthen it!
Works every time!
Lotion
You can also add about 15 drops per 1 tablespoon to coconut oil and rub it onto exposed skin.
You’ll smell heavenly, and have bite-free soft skin!
Rosemary
A Barbeque Addition
Mosquitos love to strike while cooking, and a great way to keep them away is to add a bunch of rosemary to your grill! Add a few stalks of rosemary to the grill to flavor your food, and keep away the pesky insects. You can also add in a few blocks of cedar to your fire to get a similar effect!
Neem Oil
Applied to skin
Known as the “tree of life”, the Neem tree is native to India, and produces an oil that is a natural insecticide. The best part? It works on humans too! Just apply it to your skin to keep away unwanted bugs.
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Garlic
Consumed via capsule or in meal
Some people swear by eating tons of garlic. Whether you just add it to your food, or take garlic capsules… people say that it helps keep the bugs away. Personally I feel the research is still out on this one… but I’m not one to say “no” to a tasty meal! As a side note… too much garlic may also keep away your loved ones. But everyone needs a bit of solitude sometimes, right?
DIY Bug Keep-Off Spray
Applied to skin
You can create your own natural bug spray with some witch hazel and essential oils. Simply just combine the ingredients in a small spray bottle or mason jar, and apply liberally to your skin! You can divide or multiply the below as needed, I like to make a lot at the beginning of the summer.
Base: Witch hazel (1 cup)
Essential Oils (use at least 4 of these): mint, citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, tea tree (15 drops each)
Stay Covered at the Right Times
Extra layers of protection
Early morning and dusk are peak mosquito times. Conveniently, it’s also when you’re likely to be able to wear longer sleeves and pants. Try to cover up during these times in the day for maximum mosquito armor.
Avoid Perfumes
Keep them off your trail
Artificial smells found in lotions, perfumes, shampoos, fabric conditioners, and strong-smelling sunscreens can all attract mosquitos. Try to avoid these as much as possible prior to your camping trip.
Happy mosquito-free camping!
Phoebe Hodina is a marketing consultant from Evansville, Indiana, USA and is an avid hiker, biker, swimmer, runner, yogi and snowshoe aficionado, you could say that she has a passion for outdoor activities.
In her words: “I’ve been fortunate enough to travel around the world, and have biked major parts of North America. I will never say no to new adventures, and I’m happy to encourage other women to get out and try new things in the outdoors”.
- Phoebe Hodinahttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/phoebe-hodina/
- Phoebe Hodinahttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/phoebe-hodina/
- Phoebe Hodinahttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/phoebe-hodina/
- Phoebe Hodinahttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/phoebe-hodina/
- Phoebe Hodinahttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/phoebe-hodina/
Wow I had no idea there were so many natural alternatives to keeping Mossies away! I never knew of Lavender, Rosemary or Garlic and have never even heard of Neem oil! I am in Bali now and can really use these tips tips! Thanks very much!
Kristie – you.theworld.wandering
I had no idea lavender could keep away the bugs. I hate mosquitoes with a passion and there is nothing to ruin your trip like getting bit. They seriously love me. I also didn’t know lotion was another way to do it.
These tips are definitely worth trying out! Mosquito season is upon us in Korea and I’ll start preparing these natural helpers! Thanks for sharing!
I’m always on the lookout for natural insecticides down here in Australia – especially after a wet year when everywhere we go seems to be having an outbreak of killer mozzies. But my favourite natural mosquito repellant is my partner who is a total mosquito magnet – when he’s around, the mozzies go for him!
Great tips. I’m already getting chewed up and it’s not even May yet. Time to give these a try!
Yeees thank you! Hate mosquitos more than most things haha, this will be bookmarked!!
Yes girl! Say no to mosquitos!!! I love all the natural remedies that you listed as a I find the lotions smell very medicinal. Apparently there are also other new advancements in the field such as bracelets and patches without any aromas or need of application! Perhaps these will be available soon.
These are great tips. I am always worried about mosquitos when traveling. I didn’t know about rosemary and lavender. I know deet is not great for us, but I use a little bit anyway in Zika countries.
This is bookmarked right away, I NEEDED THESE TIPS. As I hate bug spray, I will try out the lavender tip, so long as that wouldn’t attract bees!
Really interesting piece of content!
You have some valid points and it made me curious to discover the rest of your blog!
And gave me some camping inspiration as well.
Coconut oil is just so awesome, I didn’t know about that! Totally hate them mosquitos, I am asian and I feel they have a BIG THING for asians haha
I used to have issues with mosquitoes back home and mum had to spray insecticide in the room regularly – I dislike the after smell. I will inform her about these natural ways to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Wow..I did not know we can use coconut oil to avoid mosquitos. What a great eye opener…I love coconut oil. Will use it on my daughter as it is natural.
I live in Florida where the state bird is the mosquito. Unfortunately, our nights are frequently too warm to cover up – and since we have so many swamps, these pests are a real problem. I haven’t ever heard of neem oil – but that one intrigues me.
Wow, I really didn’t know about all these things. Yes, sometimes I’ve encountered a lot of mosquito sometimes and this will surely be a help. You’re truly feeding me with new knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing! I really appreciate it.
Great tips! I didn’t know about coconout oil and neem oil. I will try them! Thanks
This is excellent. I am from India and whenever I travel to these naturally beautiful places, jungles and all, there are too many mosquitos to combat. This list will really help
I hate mosquitoes!!! For the past 13 years I have worked outdoors during dawn and dusk so I have been attacked relentlessly. It’s horrible. I have tried everything. I also get terrible allergic welts which last for months and months. Anything that can help keep them away is great!
That’s so cool. I’ve just written a post about hiking through the rainforests and a major part of the content was about mosquitos. I always use repellent for mosquitos; otherwise they come and bite me non-stop.
These are awesome tips, I didn’t know lavender was good for mosquitos…! I also didn’t know about garlic and how it was a bug repellent. That is interesting. I’ve wanted to go camping a lot before at certain locations but the whole mosquito thing really put me off. Not any more…