26
Dec
When it comes to summer travels, camping is the ultimate escape for Aussies. Regardless of how advanced technologically we’ve become, people still love to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Families often go camping to unwind from the stress of modern life and reconnect with each other and nature. Others love the idea of sleeping in tents and swags in a secluded hideaway where their cares and troubles can’t find them. No matter the reason or the occasion, camping can be a great summer adventure that allows us to have fun, appreciate the beauty of nature and make memories with family and friends.
Unfortunately, the outdoors is not all about good things. For many people, bugs and insects can be a deal-breaker that ruins the entire exciting outdoors experience that they have planned. Luckily, there are products you can buy to keep the nagging mosquitos at bay.
Mosquito head nets are an effective way to keep biting insects out of your face and off of your neck while enjoying the outdoors. This repellent for mosquitoes works by creating a physical barrier between you and the insects. An effective head net should be black in colour and have mesh small enough to keep away the tiniest of insects. The closure at the bottom of the head net should have an elastic to help seal off the mesh around your neck. Moreover, it should be compact and lightweight enough to easily and conveniently fit within an overstuffed backpack on a multi-day trip. Compactness ensures the fine mesh doesn’t get ripped during the packing process, preventing a potentially painful breach in your insect protection barrier. Although mesh head nets may not protect your entire body, combining them with the perfect clothing for camping will be of great help.
Covering up your body is one of the best ways to avoid mosquito bites. However, in the sweltering heat, this might not be the most appealing option. A good alternative is to wear insect-repellent clothing, particularly clothing containing permethrin, which is a synthetic chemical insecticide. Although washing can reduce its effectiveness, insect-repellent clothing can remain effective for several months. To keep its high quality, reapply permethrin after about five washings.
When it comes to how to repel mosquitoes while sleeping or how to repel mosquitoes without a spray, bug zappers are the solution. These devices are quite common in camping. They work by drawing mosquitoes and zapping them using a low level of electricity. This reduces the ‘population’ of insects around your camping area while minimizing the possibility of other pests getting close to your campsite. One great benefit of bug zappers is that they don’t pose any health risk. They help you get rid of insect with fewer chemicals and less personal intervention. These devices are also portable, which means you can carry them around the campsite, minimizing the risk of being bitten by insects when you are away from your tent.
An effective bug spray is a must-have. N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, also called DEET, is considered one of the most effective repellent for mosquitoes. The chemical deters and repels mosquitoes and has been in public use since 1957. It is usually sold in the form of lotions and sprays under various brand names, and one of the most popular ones is Bushman. The concentration of DEET ranges from about 5% to 100%, however, higher concentration doesn’t mean better protection. For example, products with 10% to 35% DEET provide good protection under most circumstances. The ones with 50% DEET provide about 4 hours of protection against mosquitoes, while sprays (or lotions) with 100% DEET guarantee only one extra hour of effective protection. It’s important to mention that repellants containing DEET should be used with caution, especially in children. Since they are more sensitive than adults, children may experience irritation or an allergic reaction after prolonged use. However, if used in moderation, and according to directions, insect repellants containing DEET are pretty safe.
If you’re looking for a natural mosquito repellent, try oil of lemon eucalyptus. This oil provides the longest-lasting protection of all plant-based products. Its protection can be compared to products that contain low levels of DEET. However, oil of lemon eucalyptus poses no threats to the environment, and the only potential risk to your health is eye irritation if you apply the product directly to your face. Other natural oils effective in repelling mosquitoes include cinnamon, citronella, castor, rosemary, cedar, lemongrass, geranium, clove and peppermint oils.
In case you get bitten by mosquitoes, the most important thing to remember is not to scratch that spot. Scratching will only make the mosquito bites itch more and make them look worse. Instead, use an anti-itch spray. If you don’t scratch the bite it will go away faster than it would if you scratch it and irritate the spot.
