For many campers the notion of camping without insect repellent doesn't exist. We dread spraying or smearing smelly insect repellent all over ourselves and our clothes. There is a more pleasant, less expensive solution, if you are willing to do a little cooking, and it's healthier for you and the environment.
There is a group of camping enthusiast that will not let anything stand in the way of a trip to their favorite campgrounds. And for many of these folks leaving home without insect repellant is just not an option, even at the thought of smearing the smelly stuff all over ourselves and our clothes. However, if you are willing to do a little cooking, there is a less offensive and healthier solution that's better for the environment as well.
For some people the mention of a camping trip does not bring to mind long fun filled days under sunny skies communing with nature nor does it bring thoughts of those starry nights sitting around a campfire and telling tall tells or singing campfire songs. Instead their first thought when the word camping is mentioned is of mosquitoes, black flies, and all those other camping pests that are an annoying but a very real part of the campers world.
For some people these camping pests are barely nothing, but for those who seem to be bug magnets, these little insects that are so much a part of nature can ruin what would otherwise be the perfect holiday. These people wouldn't think of setting foot in the great outdoors without being armed with a backpack or trunk load of insect repellent. Therein lays the problem.
It seems to be somewhat sacrilegious to plan a weekend or week in the great outdoors enjoying nature and all it has to offer and then ruining the entire experience by coating yourself with insect repellant, which is harmful to the environment not to mention your own skin and health. The good news is that there are many herbal insect repellants on the market today that will not harm the environment and are good for you as well.
Of course you can always make your own herbal insect repellant and there are plenty of recipes to be found on the internet. Here is one that works on both people and pets, and when sprayed around your tent or on it will help keep those little pests well away from your sleeping area as well.
Ingredients:
Lemon or orange peels or a combination of both (flies in particular do not like citrus)
mint leaves or sage leaves
witch hazel
water
Directions:
Place the lemon, orange peels and leaves in a boiling pan of water and make a strong tea. Cover and let stand overnight and then drain the liquid into a jar and mix half and half with witch hazel. Put this in a spray bottle for handy application on your next trip.
If you prefer oil-based repellants you can heat (don't let it fry!) lemon and orange peels in oil until the fragrance is right. Then let it set over night and store in a sterilized jar.
You can also do a lot to keep flies from swarming around your campsite by hanging little bags of basil in the tree branches in and around your campsite for even more protection.
Don’t let pests ruin your camping trip. Natural and herbal insect repellants will make your camping trip a lot more comfortable and enjoyable.
