Backpackers, hikers, and campers often use bug repellent to keep insects such as mosquitoes at bay. However, there could be concerns about applying 100% DEET to bare skin, as it is a harsh chemical. There are now several options for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be on the trail, but don’t want to deal with the bugs.
Alternative Bug Sprays to DEET for Backpacking and Camping
Repel insect repellent has a 100% natural option for customers. The Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent uses Eucalyptus as the primary ingredient to repel insects. This chemical comes from the Eucalyptus citriodora tree, and is advertised as being able to keep away mosquitoes. The repellent comes in a 4-ounce pump-spray bottle, and lasts up to six hours.
Another kind of all-natural insect repellent is Herbal Armor Spray. This brand uses a combination of citronella oil, soybean oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, cedar oil, and geranium oil. It is advertised as being able to repel ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and black flies. Herbal Armor also comes in a 4-ounce bottle, and lasts up to four hours.
Using Bug-Resistant Clothing for Backpacking and Camping
Besides bug sprays, backpackers, hikers, and campers can also use clothing that has been designed with a repellent built into the clothing. The advantages are that this can be a clothing layer that has multiple purposes:
- Not necessary to spray on the skin.
- Provides protection from the sun as well.
- Clothing may be designed to ventilate.
- Some clothing may be made of synthetic fabrics, meaning that they can wick away moisture from the body, and if they get wet won’t cause the wearer to lose body heat.
The disadvantage is that eventually the repellent will wash out of the fabric after a certain number of washes. Also, bug-resistant clothing is more expensive than just buying a bottle of repellent. Check with the manufacturer for what kind of repellent is used.
Other Bug Resistant Alternatives for Backpacking and Camping
There are a few other ideas that backpackers and campers can do to keep away insects while not having to resort to using harsh chemicals on the skin. These include:
- Using citronella candles, which can be more practical for car camping.
- Using a bug-net over the head to keep bugs away from the face and neck.
- Having a smoky campfire to keep down bugs.
- Hike when bugs are not at their peak during the day.
- Use a backpacking tent with a fine-mesh door that will allow air to pass through the tent, but not bugs.
- Cover the body so that skin is not exposed.
Backpackers and campers can use these ideas as ways to keep bugs such as mosquitoes and blackflies away, while not having to use chemicals.
Bill Sassani - Bill Sassani is an outdoor enthusiast, educator, and writer with over 15 years' experience.
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