Bushcraft Hacks for Staying Bug-Free Outdoors

Spending time in nature can be incredibly rewarding, but nothing ruins an outdoor experience faster than an invasion of buzzing, biting insects. From mosquitoes and ticks to gnats and flies, bugs can make bushcraft camping or survival adventures uncomfortable—and even dangerous if they carry diseases. Fortunately, bushcraft skills provide plenty of practical ways to keep the bugs at bay. Here are some tried-and-true hacks for staying bug-free while embracing the wilderness.

1. Choose Your Campsite Wisely

Where you set up camp can greatly influence your exposure to bugs. Here are a few tips:

Avoid standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so steer clear of swamps, ponds, and slow-moving streams.

Camp in breezy areas: Bugs tend to avoid windy spots, so set up on a ridge or in an open area where natural airflow can help deter them.

Inspect the ground: Look for ant hills or signs of insect activity before pitching your tent or tarp.

2. Use Natural Bug Repellents

Many plants and natural substances can repel insects effectively:

Smoke from your fire: Bugs dislike smoke. Build a small smoky fire using damp wood, moss, or green leaves to create a natural insect barrier.

Essential oils: Citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, and lavender oils can be applied sparingly to exposed skin or clothing to deter insects.

Crushed plants: Rubbing crushed leaves of bug-repellent plants like mint, lavender, or lemon balm on your skin can provide some protection.

3. Dress Smartly

The right clothing can create a physical barrier between you and biting bugs:

Wear long sleeves and pants: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable while keeping bugs off your skin.

Choose light colors: Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so stick to light or neutral tones to reduce your appeal.

Tuck and seal: Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to prevent ticks and other insects from crawling under your clothes.

4. Make DIY Bug Traps

Simple traps can lure insects away from your camp:

Sugar-water trap: Fill a container with sugar water and place it away from your sleeping area. Bugs will flock to it instead of you.

Sticky traps: Create a sticky surface by coating a strip of fabric or paper with honey and hanging it near your camp.

5. Protect Your Shelter

Your sleeping area should be a bug-free zone:

Use mosquito netting: If you’re using a tarp or hammock, invest in a mosquito net to keep bugs out while you sleep.

Seal your tent: Ensure zippers and openings are fully closed at all times. Shake out your gear to remove any unwanted hitchhikers.

Add natural repellents: Hang bundles of bug-repellent herbs like sage or rosemary around your shelter to keep pests at bay.

(Hiking hammocks like this one normally come with a built-in fly screen)

6. Stay Clean and Odor-Free

Bugs are attracted to certain smells, so minimizing odors can help:

Avoid fragrant products: Perfumed lotions, shampoos, and deodorants can attract insects. Use unscented or natural alternatives instead.

Manage sweat: Change into clean, dry clothes after strenuous activities to reduce the scent of sweat, which can attract mosquitoes.

7. Know Your Firewood

Certain types of wood can repel insects when burned:

Burn aromatic woods: Cedar and pine produce insect-repelling smoke. Add small amounts to your fire for an effective bug deterrent.

Use herbs: Toss sage, rosemary, or thyme onto your fire to release bug-repellent smoke around your camp.

8. Check Yourself Regularly

Ticks and other bugs can latch onto you without your knowledge:

Perform tick checks: Examine your body, particularly warm areas like underarms, behind ears, and around the waistband.

Shake out your gear: Before climbing into your sleeping bag, shake out your clothing and other equipment to dislodge any hiding bugs.

9. Create Bug-Free Zones with Ash and Charcoal

Wood ash and charcoal can be used to keep insects away:

Ash rings: Sprinkle a ring of wood ash around your camp or food prep area to deter crawling insects.

Charcoal smudges: Use charcoal dust on exposed skin as a natural repellent, though it may get messy.

10. Pack the Right Tools

Some modern conveniences can work alongside bushcraft techniques to keep bugs at bay:

Head nets: Lightweight and easy to pack, these provide excellent protection for your face.

Insect-repellent sprays: While bushcraft emphasizes natural methods, packing a small bottle of DEET-based or natural spray can be invaluable in high-bug areas.

Bug zappers: Compact, battery-powered zappers can help reduce insect populations in your camp.