The summer is the ideal season to organize a vacation with loved ones and friends to unwind. We at 24/7 Local Pest Control adore having access to the outdoors and the beauty of nature. We love to load up the van or RV and go camping as one of our favourite ways to decompress and spend time outside.

When you and your family are grilling out, playing by the pool or relaxing in the backyard, mosquitoes and ticks can easily ruin a fun evening at home. But 24/7 Local Pest Control knows that pesky outdoor pests are nuisances even when you aren’t in your yard. 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, but do you know what to do when you head to your campsite?

Assess your campsite

Just like at home, 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 be able to breed. 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.

Keep insect repellent on hand

Insect repellants line the shelves of drugstores during the summer months. Purchasing 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 repellant that is made with coconut oil compounds. A recent study showed that the fatty acids in coconut oil can be more effective at repelling mosquitoes and ticks than DEET. To avoid spraying sticky sprays, try insect-repellant wristbands.

If you’d prefer a more natural solution, consider using essential oils. These extracts do more than help you smell fresh while outdoors, they can also repel against annoying mosquitoes.! Rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, lavender, mint and tea tree oils are effective repellants. In addition to acting as a repellant, 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 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 khaki colored clothing will make you less attractive to mosquitoes. These pesky pests see dark colors better than light, so stay cool and avoid mosquito bites! When roaming in high grasses or heavily wooded areas, wear long pants tucked into socks and closed toe shoes. This way ticks won’t be able to latch onto exposed skin as you pass by.