Whether hiking with the troop, backpacking with friends, or camping with family, summer is a wonderful season for Scouts to unplug and spend quality time with the people who matter most to them. But as anyone who enjoys exploring the great outdoors can tell you, the worst part is dealing with those pesky insects that love to bite! To help you make the most of your adventures this summer, here are five easy ways you can prevent insect bites on your next campout.

1. Wear Bug Repellent
2. Avoid Standing Water
3. Sleep Under a Mosquito Net
4. Wear a Head Net During a Hike
5. Make a Campfire

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Use insect repellent or bug spray to prevent insect bites when hiking the trail or relaxing at camp. Concentrating the repellent on your ankles, legs, and wrists is best as these are areas of the skin that mosquitos and other bugs bite most often. The safest and most effective repellents contain DEET or diethyltoluamide (say that three times fast). DEET has been used for over half a century to prevent insect bites, and the EPA has approved the chemical for people of all ages.

Mosquitoes breed (and thrive) in standing water because they need it to hatch their eggs into larvae. The best way to avoid mosquitoes, especially if you’re at a week-long campout, is to pour out any water that may have collected in a pot, bucket, or gear. It would be best to avoid puddles on the trail and avoid camping in marshy areas or spots with lots of leafy debris. You'll also want to stay away from areas with tall grass, as they typically are home to ticks!

If you want to keep mosquitoes away from your campsite, we recommend using a Thermacell Mosquito Repellent. These mats emit a scent-free repellent that lasts up to 12 hours of bug-free comfort. You can place these unscented repellent mats around the camp to create a 15-foot zone of protection for you and your fellow Scouts.

There are several ways to avoid insect bites while hiking or camping, like using bug spray or steering clear of standing water on the trail, but how do you keep the critters away when trying to get a good night's sleep? The best way to shield your skin from insect bites while getting the rest you need to feel recharged on the trail is by sleeping inside a bug net. Although there are plenty of bug nets out there, what you should focus on before you buy is determining what kind of bug shelter best suits your outdoor needs: will you be sleeping on a cot at summer camp or in a sleeping bag under the stars? Do you prefer the comfort of a hammock at night? There are mosquito nets specifically for hammocks too! When it comes to finding the right net, you will want something that gives you protection but also enough room so you don't feel like you're trapped in a tight space.

Have you ever explored a nature trail or sat down to read a book at camp and felt like bugs just had the desire to fly straight into your face? It almost feels like you’re under attack! We’re used to wearing hats and bandanas to shade our skin and keep us cool in the heat, but we rarely consider a head net when exploring the outdoors. Thankfully, Coghlan’s makes an ultra-fine mesh head net that you can wear over your favorite hat and other headgear to experience the outdoors with peace of mind.

The reason mosquitoes thrive in woods and wetlands is because these areas protect them from the sun. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn or dusk when the temperature isn't too hot. Try building a campfire if you want to keep the mosquitos away when the sun goes down. Mosquitoes and other insects generally dislike smoke and will avoid the flame's heat! You can gather your crew around the campfire, roast some marshmallows, and share stories without having to worry about those pesky little bugs. 

From insect repellents and mosquito head nets to bug screen tents, mosquito nets, and fire-making kits, Scout Shop has everything you need to keep the insects away from your camp! For hiking gear, camping equipment, and much more, visit ScoutShop.org—the official online retail store of the Boy Scouts of America!