Camping Pests - Herbal Insect Repellents For Campers

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 repellent, which is harmful to the environment not to mention your own skin and health. The good news is that there are many herbal insect repellents 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 repellent 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.

Homemade Herbal Insect Repellent

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:

Combine the leaves and the lemon or orange peels in a pan with water, boil these into an extremely strong tea. Cover and let stand overnight and then drain the liquid into a jar and mix half and half with witch hazel. Place in a spritz bottle for use.

For those who prefer oil based repellents simply heat the orange and/or lemon peels and leaves in oil (heat together but don't let the oil start frying the ingredients) let set overnight and then pour into a sterilized jar.

For even more pest protection try hanging small sachets of basil from low tree branches to help keep flies from invading your camping area. ?

Pests don't have to ruin your camping trip, using natural and herbal insect repellents can make your camping trip a lot more enjoyable.? Now aren't you just itching to pack up and hit the road?

Gary Youngblood is a camping enthusiast and believes that camping clears the mind and lifts the spirit. Pack up your tent and get out there! Go to Go to http://www.highcountrytents.com to check out a great line up of camping tents.