Bugs are part of being outdoors, but they do not need to take over your camping trip.
Mosquitoes, flies, ticks and other biting insects are more likely to become a problem when food is left out, water collects around camp or campers are unprepared at the times insects are most active.
Start With Campsite Selection
Where you place your tent and camp kitchen matters.
When possible, avoid: standing water, dense brush, tall grass, piles of leaves, open food areas, low damp ground, and areas directly beside stagnant water.
A campsite with good airflow and some distance from standing water is often more comfortable than a damp, enclosed site.
Use a Proven Insect Repellent
The CDC recommends using an insect repellent registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, following the product label instructions. EPA-registered repellents are proven to reduce bites from mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Use repellent correctly: apply only to exposed skin or clothing as directed, do not apply to cuts, wounds or irritated skin, do not spray directly onto the face (spray on hands first, then apply carefully), wash treated skin with soap and water when you are back indoors, and reapply only according to the product label.
More product is not always better. The CDC notes that a thin, even layer is usually enough when used according to label guidance.
Wear the Right Clothing
Clothing is one of the simplest forms of bug protection.
Bring a long-sleeve lightweight shirt, long pants, closed shoes, socks, a hat and light-colored clothing when practical.
The CDC recommends minimizing exposed skin with long-sleeve shirts, long pants, boots and hats in areas with biting insects.
For tick-prone areas, tuck pants into socks and stay in the center of trails rather than walking through tall grass or brush.
Consider Treated Gear
Permethrin-treated clothing and gear can provide additional protection from mosquitoes and ticks.
According to the CDC, permethrin can be used on clothing, boots, socks, tents and camping gear. It should not be applied directly to skin. Always follow the product label instructions.
You can buy treated gear or treat compatible items before the trip.
Keep the Campsite Clean
Food scraps, open drinks and dirty cookware can attract insects.
After every meal: pack leftovers into sealed containers, wipe the cooking surface, clean grill grates and cookware, seal trash, and store food and scented items properly.
Do not leave fruit peels, cans or food wrappers around camp.
A clean campsite is not only better for bugs. It also helps reduce wildlife attraction. National Park Service guidance emphasizes proper storage of food, trash, cookware and scented items.
Manage Water Around Camp
Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
The CDC recommends regularly emptying, scrubbing, turning over, covering or removing containers that hold water.
At camp, this means: empty water collected in bins or tarps, do not leave open buckets around camp, keep rainwater from pooling on gear, store containers upside down when not in use, and check the campsite after rain.
You cannot control lakes or wetlands, but you can control small standing-water sources around your own camp.
Use Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can make evenings much more comfortable.
Consider mesh tent doors, a bug-screen shelter, a mosquito net, a screened canopy, netting over baby carriers or strollers, and mesh food covers.
The CDC recommends mosquito nets in locations where biting insects are present or disease risk exists.
Adjust Your Evening Routine
Some mosquito species are more active around dusk and dawn, though bite patterns vary by region.
To reduce exposure: cover up before sunset, apply repellent before bugs become active, keep lights away from the main seating area where possible, use a screened space for meals, and avoid sitting near wet grass or standing water at night.
CDC guidance warns that mosquito activity can vary, so campers should use protection during both day and night when mosquito exposure is possible.
Check for Ticks
After hiking or spending time in brushy areas: check clothing and gear, check skin, hairline and behind knees, shower when possible, keep bags closed, and wash or dry clothing appropriately after the trip.
Ticks are not only a hiking issue. They can attach during campsite setup, collecting firewood or walking through vegetation.
Final Takeaway
Keeping bugs away is not about creating a completely insect-free campsite. It is about reducing bites and making your camp less attractive to insects.
Use repellent correctly, cover exposed skin, store food, remove standing water and create a clean, screened space for meals and evenings.
CampCore tip: The best bug-control system is a layered one: clothing, repellent, clean food storage and smart campsite setup all work better together.