If you are a fan of the great outdoors, you probably know from experience how bugs and pests can ruin even the most idyllic camping location. Whether it's the noise they make, or the nasty bites they give you, mosquitoes and other outdoor pests can make your camping trip a living hell. Luckily, you are not helpless in the face of these little demons. Don't be deterred from setting up camp exactly where you want by a handful of insects. Follow the tips & tricks in this article to keep bugs away from your tent, and you will be able to enjoy a pest-free outdoors experience. Read on to find out more.
First, before you head out camping, check that all your equipment is in good working order. Set up your tent in the backyard, and check carefully for any places where the bugs could get in - small holes, or maybe the zipper is broken leaving gaps. If you find any such areas, repair them, patch the holes, fix a snagged zipper by lubricating it with oil to see if that will release it.
Our Protech and many of our Apex tents have 360° mesh insect screens that keep the bugs out while letting you enjoy the beautiful sights of the outdoors. All of our other tents have screens over the doors and windows to keep you protected.
You can also opt for an inner tent to add as a barrier to your main tent to help keep bugs out and give you a clean entry area
Next, once you are out in the wilderness, and the time has come to select a campsite, choose wisely. AVOID places that are prone to insect infestations, such as those with standing water (a literal breeding ground for mosquitoes), lots of vegetation (a source of shelter for the same), or the presence of utility light-poles (bugs are attracted to light).
As well as the natural features of your environment, look at the ones that are within your control, ie. do what you can to prevent insects gathering around your tent. For example, avoid eating and drinking inside your tent, as the smell of food will attract bugs 'like a moth to a flame'. Similarly, don't keep bags full of trash around your campsite. Clean your cooking utensils, pans etc and store your food in plastic, airtight containers. As we have mentioned, bugs are drawn to light, so keep lanterns, torches and other sources of artificial light away from your tent opening. Meanwhile, as much as bugs love light, they are to the same extent repelled by fire, so: if you want to keep mosquitoes and other pests away, strive to keep your campfire burning whilst out in the boonies. Be sure to keep tabs on it though, don’t be 'that guy' who inadvertently starts a forest fire!
What products can you buy to aid you in your efforts to create an insect free zone?
First, take along a good insect repellent - most of the commercial ones are very effective, yet also contain DEET, although some people prefer natural forms keep reading for those. If you don't want to be exposing yourself to this substance, then try one of the all-natural home-made ones - there are lots of recipes out there on the internet, so do your own research. In many of these 'natural' bug sprays, substances like eucalyptus oil, citronella, lemongrass are the active ingredients - so not only are they effective in shielding you from mosquitoes, they also make you smell good.
Citronella candles are another good option here. Some outdoorsmen will even go to the lengths of hanging garlic and onions upon their tents as it is thought to keep the insects away!
Wear clothing that can protect you, i.e. if the climate permits, choose thickly woven long sleeve shirts and pants/jeans, with thick woolen socks and heavy boots. If you’re near marshlands or swamp areas it might be good idea to have a heat mesh hat. Bugs are also attracted to bright colors, therefore try wearing brown, green, black, or just plain white.
Your clothing choice as well as deodorant and perfume can also have an effect on insects. Avoid anything sweet smelling: coconut, floral, etc.
They come in variety of standalone versions, or even a bracelet you can wear. Although they won’t stop the very hungry pests, it does provide little extra barrier of protection.
Newer technology that works very well, is a rechargeable Thermacell. They essentially create an invisible bubble scent-free that keeps pests away. It has been proven to be pretty effective against majority of pests.
Cinnamon
Is a natural repellent because of cinnamaldehyde, it’s effective at repelling ants, mosquitoes and other insects. You can make a simple Cinnamon Spray with these instructions:
- Mix: Combine 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon with 4 cups of warm water.
- Steep: Let the mixture steep for at least an hour, like making tea.
- Add: Add half a teaspoon of dish soap and half a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the mixture.
- Strain & Bottle: Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle.
- Apply: Spray around areas where bugs are a problem, like windows, entrances, or eating area.
Eucalyptus
Can repel a variety of insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and other bitting bugs. Eucalyptus oil works best and is known to repel even spiders. You can simply rub the oil on yourself, or make a spray from it - be sure to shake well each time.
Peppermint
Repelling spiders, ants, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks and even some rodents. Once again peppermint oil works best and you can make a spray from it.
Cloves
Just like cinnamon, cloves works in similar fashion. Clove oil works best, but you can follow the cinnamon instructions above to achieve the same result.
Garlic
Although not as effective as cinnamon or cloves, you can once again create a spray from it. We suggest steeping a mixture of all 3.
Coffee
Can be a great natural repellent, you simply need to ensure it's dried out well. Then in a tin can, or directly on the camp fire you burn the coffee grounds like you would incense.
Baking Soda
Doing a 50/50 mix with powdered sugar is an effective way of killing virtually any insect with an exoskeleton. The mixture makes their bodies dry out and die. Simply place it in areas prone to ants, roaches, or other crawling insects.
Borax
Working much like baking soda, except extremely more effective borax breaks down their bodies. You can just put it where they travel, but adding some sugar will bait them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Little harder to find, but DE (Diatomaceous Earth) works just like borax and baking soda by dehydrating their bodies and disrupting their movement.
Soda Bottle Bug Trap
Can make your own fast and easy homemade bug trap by cutting the top of a soda bottle off, then placing it upside down like a funnel (seal it with hot glue or tape). Can just put some juice or cider vinegar is even better (kills them when they fall inside). The basic concept is they’re able to get in pretty easily, but they can’t get out.
Reusable Bug Traps
If you’re not into making one yourself, you can buy some that are built for that very purpose.
Mosquitoes
- Where: Anywhere there’s water—lakes, puddles, wetlands.
- Why Care: They can carry viruses like West Nile, and their bites are super itchy.
- Tip: Use bug spray, cover up at dawn/dusk, and sleep in a screened tent
Ticks
- Where: Tall grass, woods, and brushy trails.
- Why Care: Can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses.
- Tip: Wear long pants, tuck in your clothes, and check your body daily—especially legs, waist, and scalp.
Black Flies
- Where: Near rivers and streams, especially in northern areas like Canada, New England, and the Great Lakes region.
- Dangers: Painful bites, allergic reactions.
Generally don’t spread disease in North America, but their bites can become infected.
Deer Flies
- Where: Wet, wooded areas across much of North America.
- Why Care: Painful bites; can spread tularemia (rare, but serious).
- Tip: Move around—standing still attracts them. Hats and light-colored clothing help.
Ants
- Where: Basically everywhere! Especially near food or trash.
- Why Care: Most are harmless, but fire ants (south U.S.) sting and can cause allergic reactions.
- Tip: Keep food sealed and avoid setting up camp near ant mounds.
Scorpions
- Where: Desert areas—think Arizona, Nevada, and the Southwest.
- Why Care: Most stings are painful but not dangerous. One type (Arizona bark scorpion) is more serious.
- Tip: Shake out shoes and gear. Don’t walk barefoot at night.
Wasps, Hornets & Bees
- Where: Near flowers, food, garbage, or wooden shelters.
- Why Care: Stings hurt—and can cause allergic reactions.
- Tip: Don’t swat at them. Keep sugary drinks covered and your site clean.
Spiders
- Where: Wood piles, tents, and dark corners.
- Why Care: Most are harmless, but black widows and brown recluses (Central and Southern US) can bite and cause serious damage.
- Tip: Zip up your tent, and don’t stick your hand where you can’t see.