Dealing with pesky mosquitoes while hiking can be extremely frustrating. Not only are bugs annoying, but they bite, forming bumps that can itch for days. As someone who is consistently getting bitten by mosquitoes (I’ve had 100+ on my body at one time), I can relate to this nuisance.
What if I told you I have four great products that help repel mosquitoes while hiking? And even more tips to help keep them at bay? With these products in your backpack, and by following these tips, you will help prevent the bugs from biting you, and even stop the itch instantly when they do.
Keep reading to see exactly how to repel mosquitoes while hiking! I have a feeling you’re going to love these, especially the last one.
4 Products You NEED to Repel Mosquitoes While Hiking
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1. Bug Head Net
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Head nets are not the most fashionable hiking gear, but trust me, this little piece of mesh is a game-changer!
Anytime my wife and I wear these bug nets on the trails, other hikers always tell us they wish they had one.
Because let’s face it: when bugs attack your face, head, and neck, it’s hard to enjoy the hike! So stop swatting the bugs from your face, swallow your pride, and wear a head net.
To wear a head net, you need to pair it with a brimmed hat. Head nets are more effective when used with sun hats, but you could also wear a ball cap.
Head nets typically only weigh one ounce or less, so it’s worth it to stick one in your backpack during the summer months, even if you don’t end up needing it. Because when you are on a trail swarming with bugs, you’ll be so grateful you have that little piece of mesh in your backpack.
2. Permethrin
So I’m sure you’re familiar with “regular” bug spray that gets spritzed onto skin, but have you heard of Permethrin?
Permethrin is an insecticide that can be sprayed onto clothes, tents, and other gear to keep the bugs at bay. So this stuff comes in handy for hiking and camping!
Not only does it repel mosquitoes, but also ticks, chiggers, and mites. This stuff really works!
3. Bug Spray
Ah yes, bug spray! You knew it would be on this list. Bug spray is undoubtedly the first thing we all grab when we go for a hike on a trail that we know will be swarming with bugs.
So what type of bug spray is the best for hiking? There are an overwhelming number of options. There are sprays, aerosols, and lotions, and different active ingredients, but below I’ll share two important things to know.
One, two main ingredients repel mosquitoes: DEET and Picaridin. Two, the percentage on the bottle correlates to the amount of time you’re protected from bugs. Let me tell you a little bit about DEET and Picaridin.
DEET is the most widely used and has been around the longest, so it is typically the most trusted bug spray. However, it has an odor and can damage plastic and synthetic gear components. DEET is available in concentrations of 4 percent to 100 percent, so buying a higher concentration would protect you from bugs for a lot longer.
Picaridin is considered comparable to DEET, but it has been around for a shorter amount of time, so long-term health risks are unknown. However, it’s odorless, non-greasy, and doesn’t damage plastic and synthetics. Picaridin is only available in concentrations of 7 to 20 percent, so if you’re looking for a longer-lasting formula, DEET would be the way to go.
Here are two great options to buy: a bottle of DEET OR a bottle of Picaridin.
4. Bug Bite Thing
I saved my favorite product for last: the Bug Bite Thing! This is a product to use if and when you do get bitten or stung by a bug, because let’s face it, hikers and campers spend so much time in the woods that bug bites/stings are inevitable.
The Bug Bite Thing is an easy-to-use suction tool that painlessly extracts insect saliva from under the skin to alleviate the pain, itching, and swelling that occur with bites or stings. Simply place the tool over the bug bite or sting area, pull the handles up until you feel suction, hold for 10-20 seconds, and release the suction. Voila! Itch and pain, gone!
And the best part about this tool? It actually works! I have had 100+ mosquito bites on my body at one time before (many times, actually), and after using the suction tool on each of the bites, relief is instantaneous, and the itch is gone.
I am a mosquito magnet (meaning, mosquitoes prefer my blood type, and therefore, I get bitten a lot), so I was eager to test this tool. And miraculously, it works like a charm! I haven’t used a drop of anti-itch cream since buying this tool.
So, all of that to say, you need this tool! Bonus: it’s small and lightweight. Buy it on Amazon or REI with my links below. They’re super affordable, so you might want to buy a few.
Other Ways to Repel Mosquitoes While Hiking
Aside from wearing a head net, dousing your clothes with Permethrin, spritzing your skin with bug spray, and using the Bug Bite Thing suction tool to relieve any bug bites you do get, here are some other ways to repel mosquitoes while hiking.
Avoid Hiking at Dawn or Dusk
This is a hard one! I love hiking at these times of the day, especially in the middle of summer when the temperatures are hotter. When the sun is gone, hiking conditions can be much more tolerable. However, these are the times of day when bugs love to come out!
So if you want to avoid the mosquitoes, hiking during daylight hours is your best chance. Or hike in the winter to avoid them altogether.
Wear Long Sleeves and Pants
Covering your skin is a great way to keep the bugs at bay. Bonus points if your clothes are tight. They can crawl under your sleeves or pants, but having that extra barrier between you and the bugs will significantly help.
READ NEXT: What to Wear Hiking in the Summer (As a Woman)
Wear Light-Colored Clothing
Studies show that mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors like black, red, navy, and orange. Lighter colors are less interesting to mosquitoes, so consider wearing white, light green, or light blue on your next hike.
Note that if you only wear light-colored clothing and you don’t follow any other precautions, it’s likely that mosquitoes could still be attracted to you. This tip isn’t foolproof, but it could help.
New to Hiking? Start Here!
I’ve got many guides on the blog that will help get you outside and onto the trails!
- Hiking for Beginners: 5 Easy Steps to Start Hiking
- Trail Etiquette 101: Basic Rules For Hiking
- Hiking in the Rain Blueprint: Trail Ideas, Safety Tips & What to Wear
- Is Hiking Safe? 9 Simple Ways to Stay Safe on the Trail
- How to Practice the Leave No Trace Principles
- What to Wear Hiking in the Summer (As a Woman)
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