While getting away in the great outdoors is amazing, there unfortunately are a few down sides to it too, such as bugs, we all hate them, they come in all shapes and sizes and are equally annoying. There’s nothing worse than when you’re just about to fall asleep and you hear a mosquito buzzing in your ear. To keep the bugs at bay its great go caravanning prepared, so you don’t come home covered in bites.
Firstly, dress for the occasion. Camping and caravanning is no fashion show, I mean we all like to look good, but I’d much rather dress for camping with zero mozzie bites than wear the latest look and being eaten alive.
There are plenty of ways that you can buy reasonable camping attire that won’t break the budget, buy something light that you can stay cool in the summer months that will cover your skin, bugs love bare skin!! BCF is a place that comes to mind, I’ve seen lots of good bug repellent clothing ideas.
Speaking of bug repellent, you really need to remember to take this. I always have some in my car when I take my son to footy training as it’s always swarming with mozzies there. There are a few different types on the market which I’ll go into, but really any is great. You can get aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, arms bands, and sticks. Some are made from chemicals, and some have natural ingredients. One chemical ingredient used in a lot of bug repellents is DEET. It repels insects by producing a smell that drives bugs away and makes your skin taste bad to them. DEET is not toxic to humans when used properly.
As well as personal body repellent there is also other methods to keep the bugs away, in the form of mozzie coils, citronella candles, USB solar rechargeable portable Mosquito Zapper lantern, mosquito barriers you can spray around the camp site and so on, there are just so many options available.
If you do happen to get bitten by a mozzie, wash the area with soap and water, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and itching, maybe apply a mixture of baking soda and water which can also reduce itching, or an over-the-counter anti itch or antihistamine cream.
Another idea to keep the bugs away is to ensure your camp site clean. Put your food away, keep it covered so the bugs don’t get to it, keep your plates, utensils, drink bottles away when not in use, and hopefully your trip will be fairly free of the dreaded bugs and mosquitos. Good luck everyone.