Mosquitoes: they’re the worst when camping. Well, they’re really the worst anywhere, but when camping, there’s really nowhere to retreat from their bloodthirsty onslaught except your tent. Since most people go camping to actually enjoy the outdoors around them, spending the weekend in your tent isn’t exactly an option.
So what can you do? There are certainly a wealth of mosquito repellents on the market to choose from, but if you’d rather stay away from harmful chemicals, nasty odors, and a possible allergic reaction to whatever ingredients may be in commercial repellents, there are a few natural alternatives. Let’s take a look at just three natural ways to repel mosquitoes when camping.
1. Fresh Herbs
It’s a well-known fact among gardeners that a nice variety of herbs will repel mosquitoes naturally, including rosemary, basil, lemongrass, citronella, and catnip. While you’re obviously not going to be planting a garden at your campsite, these plants are readily available for purchase at most home and garden stores, particularly in summer when mosquitoes are the worst. Placing a few pots of any of these herbs around your campsite can act as an effective barrier, and if you want to kick it up a notch, throw a bundle of these herbs on the campfire or barbecue for a wider reaching effect.
2. Neem
If you’d feel more comfortable with a protective barrier on your skin or clothing, look into neem. Native to India, all parts of the neem tree have long been used as a natural pesticide, and with the added benefit of being much safer to use topically than many commercial repellents, it makes a great natural way to repel mosquitoes for virtually anyone. While the leaves themselves can be rubbed on the skin for a repellent effect, there are many products on the market made with neem for use in the absence of the plant itself. You can learn a lot more about neem here.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Whether you drink it with water, add it to salads and sauces, or rub it right onto your skin, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic natural way to repel mosquitoes when camping. You can pick it up at virtually any grocery store, and besides repelling mosquitoes, apple cider vinegar has a number of other health benefits as well! Keep a bottle in your camp gear so you’ll have this powerful mosquito repellent when you need it.
Related article: 5 Plants Mosquitoes Hate
Featured Image from Towfiqu barbhuiya/Unsplash
