Hiking and Mosquito Prevention

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites when Hiking

Don’t let mosquito bites ruin your backpacking trip. Prevention is better than a cure when exploring the great outdoors. We tell you how to avoid mosquitoes while hiking!

Why You Don’t Need to Let the Bite Stop Your Outdoor Fun

Don’t let mosquitoes prevent your outdoor activities. Many hikers enjoy venturing outdoors during balmy spring and summer evenings. Dealing with nocturnal mosquitoes is something outdoor enthusiasts face.

Don’t let bugs dampen your enthusiasm. It’s time to fight the bite forever. A couple of smart hacks will stop mozzies in their tracks, regardless of what time of day it is.

What You Need to Know About Hiking & Mosquito Prevention

Our breath attracts mosquitoes. It is the carbon dioxide that is attractive to mosquitoes. The proboscis axillary palp in mosquitoes detects the CO2 up to 46 metres away. They will find us even if we are out of sight.
Sweat and body odour attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also detect the lactic acid and perspiration on the human skin. Both are common chemicals our bodies emit when hiking.
Mosquitoes can detect blood hosts through sight. They find us according to our increased body temperature.

Many species of mosquito carry mosquito-borne disease. These include malaria, Dengue fever, elephantiasis, and West Nile virus. All are dangerous when travelling to mosquito hot spots.

Being prepared for all eventualities is your best defence. You and your hiking partners can start off by wearing the right clothes to deter mosquitoes.

3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Mozzies When Hiking

1. Cover Up with the Right Clothes

Shield your body wherever possible. Wear long-sleeved shirts, socks, and long pants. This will prevent mosquito bites to a large extent.

The lighter the clothing, the better. Lighter shades reflect heat, whereas darker shades absorb heat. Wearing the right clothes will reduce the heat signature of your body.

2. Choose the Right Fabric for the Best Results

Synthetic fabrics like nylon weaves and polyester are great options. The reason is mosquitoes find it difficult to penetrate these materials. Another good choice is cotton.

Manufacturers make many backpacking and hiking items from polyester and nylon mixes. Many keep moisture out and decrease heat.

3. Hats and Head Nets Help Keep Mozzies Away

Hats with head nets might not make a fashion statement, but they keep mosquitoes out. They are also lightweight and practical.

Find the Most Effective Repellent to Avoid Bites

You can spray all your clothes and equipment with repellent with Permethrin. We are most familiar with the effective insect repellent containing DEET. Both are efficient, although both are chemical based.

About Permethrin

Permethrin has side effects. It is advisable to avoid skin encountering this chemically based repellent. A light dusting of Permethrin on clothes and hiking equipment will keep a wide variety of bugs at bay.

Spraying clothing and equipment for a full two hours in well-ventilated areas is best. Doing this long before heading outdoors is advisable, since the chemical can have side effects such as allergic reactions and more. Permethrin kills bugs, whereas DEET does not. It merely repels them.

About DEET

DEET-based products differ from that of Permethrin. You can apply DEET directly to the skin. You can use DEET and Permethrin together. These are good for preventing mosquitoes in mosquito hot spots, although the chemicals used in products have come under question for safety.

Apply both during the high mosquito breeding season. The right concentration levels repel many bugs, and not only mozzies. Although we have used DEET for decades, there are side effects. DEET protects you immediately, but it is not long-lasting.

Repelling Mozzies the Natural Way

Mozzie Patches are 100% natural. They repel insects for up to 36 hours. Their major component is vitamin B1. Everyone over the age of 18 months can wear Mozzie Patches. They are also waterproof, which makes them ideal for outdoor activities.

Plant-based oils like lemon eucalyptus oil, peppermint, and citronella repel mosquitoes. They do this to a certain extent. Lemon eucalyptus works well when used with other repellents. Be aware that essential oils can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Parents with young children and babies might prefer to use natural repellents. They might choose natural over chemical-based products.

Choose Your Campsite with Care

The location of your trip and your campsite might affect mosquito activity. Camping in forests and wooded areas are ideal spots for mosquito breeding. Always choose dry areas for camping in preference to wet, swampy surroundings.

Stagnant Pools. Stagnant pools of water could prove problematic. Try setting up camp far from water sources.
Time of Year. The time of the year will matter. Plan your camping and hiking trip around the low mosquito breeding season. Areas with a slight breeze can also be advantageous in stopping bites.
Time of Day. Remember that the best hours of protection for hiking are before sunset and after sunrise.

Find Out About Our 100% Natural Mozzie Patches for Hiking

Learn how to protect yourself from the relentless buzzing of mosquitoes when outdoors. Make your trip enjoyable and safe with the right preventative methods. We come up trumps with all-natural solutions for all outdoor activities.

South Africans enjoy the great outdoors. Ensure you have the right equipment, products, and information to make it a safe, pleasant experience. Shop our Mozzie Patches and prevent the bite when hiking.