It’s a proven fact. Mosquitoes cause 100% of mosquito bites across the nation. With the weather getting warmer, they’re back and they aren’t going away anytime soon. We can all look forward to sitting around the campfire this Summer and being forced to squash bug on our arms, legs, neck, face and any other exposed parts of our bodies. It’s not fun. But there are a few things we can do to minimize getting bit by these disease carrying insects. Here are a few things I’ve learned:

  1. Get rid of their breeding grounds. When you pull up into a campsite, take a few minutes to walk around and get rid of any puddles you standing water that you see.
  2. Install a screen around your awning or gazebo. Screened-in areas have significantly less mosquitoes and still allow you to spend your evening outside.
  3. Purchase a bug zapper. Sure, it may be bright, but gosh, it’s fun to watch those little buggers get zapped!
  4. Try citronella. By placing citronella candles around your seating area, you’ll ward off a good chunk of those pesky biters.
  5. Use a spray-on repellant. Nothing works better that a coat of OFF to keep from getting bitten. But you may want to take a shower at the end of the night to avoid having your RV smell like OFF for the rest of the trip.
  6. Carry a fan with you. If you are RVing during the hot summer months, more than likely you’re already carrying a fan to keep cool. Post it up outside where you and your family are sitting and you’ll blow the mosquitoes away from you. A good gust of wind will keep them searching for blood elsewhere.
  7. Try something new! I’ve heard that the clip-on repellants work well. I’ve also heard that fabric softener sheets, rubbed on the skin and clothes can have an impact.

What have you tried and what works for you?