How Can You Avoid Pests In Your Camping Vacation?

Posted: January 23rd, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Outdoor Activity | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

For the entire family, camping can be a fun and inexpensive outdoor vacation. It provides fresh air, stunning views and a chance for the family to bond. There are some downsides to vacations in the great outdoors though; pests can be a nuisance and even a danger so come prepared and know what to avoid.

Wasps are a species that includes yellow jackets and bees and they’re common in warm climates. In trees and under overhangs is where they would nest in the late spring and early summer. They will sometimes nest in the ground which is particularly hard to see and therefore more of a danger. Things they are attracted to would include sugar, cooking meat, and other human odors like hairspray and perfume. They may not be aggressive, but it can make for a painful situation if a nest is upset.

Keeping an eye out for nests that look like honeycomb cells is the first thing you should do. There will usually be a few flying around the outside. The wasps will fly away without harm to you if you were to knock down a small and newly developed nest. But you shouldn’t bother a nest that is large and has many layers and you need to stay away of it will lead to you getting stung. Pack a can of wasp spray if you are particularly afraid or allergic of these pests.

Your camping experience can also be ruined by another common pest known as the mosquito. While wasps will sting you as a defense mechanism, mosquitos will sting you to feed off your blood. Aside from being more annoying than harmful, you can also only contract a disease or an illness in the remote areas.

Usually, nothing will be available at the campsite so you should bring supplies with you and remember that there are many products available to repel mosquitos. The most effective for repelling these pests are sprays and lotions that contain deet. Less effective all natural sprays as well as lotions are available as well. Citronella candles also help to deflect them but should be used along with topical products to ensure the least amount of contact.

Ticks are best avoided by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts especially if you’ll be brushing against foliage and they are most common in wooded areas. More annoying than anything else are ticks but there is still a chance of contracting Lyme disease.

Stay away from dark, dank, secluded areas since dangerous spiders prefer these as dwellings. Most people will not intentionally come into contact with any spider but be especially careful if you see a Black Widow, Brown Recluse or Violin Spider.

Taking a vacation in the great outdoors is certainly enjoyable but be aware of the pests that can dampen your trip.

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