When out for a hike in the national forest or park, the chances of being bit by pesky mosquitoes and other biting insects and bugs is quite high. A mosquito bite can be uncomfortable to deal with – especially since it leaves a mark and can make kids and children cranky. If you’re hiking with kids, you definitely don’t want this.

So, what can you do to prevent bug bites while hiking? Well, there are a few tips you can follow. These are sure to keep the pesky pests at bay and keep you safe and protected throughout the hike. To learn what these are, read ahead for more.

How To Prevent Bug Bites While Hiking

If you fear biting insects, black flies, and adult mosquitos, then the steps given below to help you keep them at bay are sure to be the highlight of your hiking trip.

Here are some of the popular methods used by experienced hikers: 

1. Make Your Own Mosquito Repellant

Most bug sprays can be irritating. They can trigger an allergic reaction in people and cause a rash on the skin when coming in contact with them. This is why it is a good idea to make a DIY mosquito repellant.

This natural bug repellant is better than traditional bug sprays. To make it all you need is a spray bottle, water, and essential oils. Lemon eucalyptus oil is the ideal one for bugs.

Mix a few drops of this essential oil into the water and add it to a spray bottle. Now, this is where the real trick comes into play – spray this mixture all over your clothes. Make sure to get some on your exposed skin such as your arms and legs.

This natural bug repellent is safe, effective, and extremely affordable. You won’t find yourself spending a lot of money on a mosquito repellant from the store anymore.

2. Wear The Right Clothing

Wearing light clothes is always a given for a hike. But so is the need to cover up and wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. A few drops of witch hazel can also be added to your clothes – especially around your neck, sleeves, and ankles.

3. Repellent Patch

There are mosquito repellent patches and stickers that can be placed on your clothing. This tip works great for people who are allergic to essential oils.

Simply peel off the sticker and attach it to your pants or back. The strong and citrusy smell from the mosquito repellant sticker is going to create a protective shield around you and your loved ones. And this sticker can be reused multiple times as well.

4. Mosquito Netting Saves the Day

After a long hike, the plan is to set up a tent and spend the night camping. If this is on the agenda for you as well, then having mosquito netting is key.

This mosquito netting acts as an insect shield. It keeps female mosquitoes as well as bugs away. You can enjoy a good night’s sleep without having to worry about getting bit.

5. A Fly Trap Around Your Campsite

Apart from this, a camp fly trap can also work well in preventing you from getting bit. You can add some vinegar inside a bottle and cover it with plastic wrap. Made holes on the wrap that are big enough for flies to enter.

From then on, watch how many black flies fall victim to the fly trap. This trick works every time!

6. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm works wonders in preventing insects from biting you. This can easily be found at a grocery store near you. Or you can make your own lemon balm by mixing some petroleum jelly with lemon essential oil. Spread some of this balm on your body to smell fresh all day and keep the pesky bugs at bay.

The Final Verdict

With the tips given here on how to prevent bug bites while hiking, you can now experience a pleasant and memorable hiking trip. These tips are budget friendly, easy to follow, and fool proof when it comes to keeping the pesky bugs away. Your kids are going to fall in love with hiking all over again after you give them a try.

That’s not all, you can even follow these tips while fishing or camping as well. If you are interested in learning more about camping, fishing, and hiking, then we have the resources to help you get started. Visit our website and check out our blogs and guides today!