Follow us on Instagram
More Than an Outdoor Company.
@sawyerproducts
Follow us on Instagram
3 Proven Ways to Avoid Bug Bites in the Outdoors
Nobody likes bug bites. And some insects can spread serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and dengue fever.
You can avoid biting insects using this three-part strategy.
1. DON’T GO WHERE BUGS ARE.
Mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, horseflies and the like generally emerge with warmer temperatures in spring. They thrive in wet places, especially around lakes and in forests. They persist into mid- or late summer or fall, depending on climate, disappearing once nights dip to freezing temperatures.
• Think high and dry. Take trips to drier destinations at higher elevations. Insects often breed in boggy areas with tall grass and standing water.
• Welcome the wind. Seek campsites that are exposed to wind, because blustery conditions might keep bugs down.
• You’ve probably seen swarms buzzing around lights at night. If you’re car camping, set up camp away from artificial lighting.
2. USE AN EFFECTIVE REPELLENT.
Insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin can effectively fend off biting insects. The BSA recommends DEET register at a 20%-30% concentration and picaridin at a 20% concentration. Some repellents to consider are Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent (4 oz., $5, cutterinsectrepellents.com) and Off! Sportsmen Deep Woods (8 oz., $6, off.com).
Repellents containing DEET can be sprayed directly onto clothing; it will not damage cotton, wool or nylon, but avoid using it on synthetics other than nylon. Repellents containing picaridin can also be sprayed directly onto clothing and will not damage fabrics.
Sprayed on clothing, sleeping bags and other gear, Sawyer Permethrin Premium Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear and Tents (12 oz., $13, sawyer.com) repels insects for six weeks or six washes.inse
Don’t spray permethrin directly on your skin. Also, when you use sunscreen and a bug repellent, use separate products, not a 2-in-1 solution. Apply the sunscreen first and let it dry, then apply the bug.
Learn about the last way to avoid bug bites compiled by Michael Lanza here.
Scout Life
Scout Life is the official youth publication of the Boy Scouts of America.
3 Proven Ways to Avoid Bug Bites in the Outdoors
Nobody likes bug bites. And some insects can spread serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and dengue fever.
You can avoid biting insects using this three-part strategy.
1. DON’T GO WHERE BUGS ARE.
Mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, horseflies and the like generally emerge with warmer temperatures in spring. They thrive in wet places, especially around lakes and in forests. They persist into mid- or late summer or fall, depending on climate, disappearing once nights dip to freezing temperatures.
• Think high and dry. Take trips to drier destinations at higher elevations. Insects often breed in boggy areas with tall grass and standing water.
• Welcome the wind. Seek campsites that are exposed to wind, because blustery conditions might keep bugs down.
• You’ve probably seen swarms buzzing around lights at night. If you’re car camping, set up camp away from artificial lighting.
2. USE AN EFFECTIVE REPELLENT.
Insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin can effectively fend off biting insects. The BSA recommends DEET register at a 20%-30% concentration and picaridin at a 20% concentration. Some repellents to consider are Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent (4 oz., $5, cutterinsectrepellents.com) and Off! Sportsmen Deep Woods (8 oz., $6, off.com).
Repellents containing DEET can be sprayed directly onto clothing; it will not damage cotton, wool or nylon, but avoid using it on synthetics other than nylon. Repellents containing picaridin can also be sprayed directly onto clothing and will not damage fabrics.
Sprayed on clothing, sleeping bags and other gear, Sawyer Permethrin Premium Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear and Tents (12 oz., $13, sawyer.com) repels insects for six weeks or six washes.inse
Don’t spray permethrin directly on your skin. Also, when you use sunscreen and a bug repellent, use separate products, not a 2-in-1 solution. Apply the sunscreen first and let it dry, then apply the bug.
Learn about the last way to avoid bug bites compiled by Michael Lanza here.
Scout Life
Scout Life is the official youth publication of the Boy Scouts of America.
3 Proven Ways to Avoid Bug Bites in the Outdoors
Nobody likes bug bites. And some insects can spread serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus and dengue fever.
You can avoid biting insects using this three-part strategy.
1. DON’T GO WHERE BUGS ARE.
Mosquitoes, ticks, no-see-ums, horseflies and the like generally emerge with warmer temperatures in spring. They thrive in wet places, especially around lakes and in forests. They persist into mid- or late summer or fall, depending on climate, disappearing once nights dip to freezing temperatures.
• Think high and dry. Take trips to drier destinations at higher elevations. Insects often breed in boggy areas with tall grass and standing water.
• Welcome the wind. Seek campsites that are exposed to wind, because blustery conditions might keep bugs down.
• You’ve probably seen swarms buzzing around lights at night. If you’re car camping, set up camp away from artificial lighting.
2. USE AN EFFECTIVE REPELLENT.
Insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin can effectively fend off biting insects. The BSA recommends DEET register at a 20%-30% concentration and picaridin at a 20% concentration. Some repellents to consider are Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent (4 oz., $5, cutterinsectrepellents.com) and Off! Sportsmen Deep Woods (8 oz., $6, off.com).
Repellents containing DEET can be sprayed directly onto clothing; it will not damage cotton, wool or nylon, but avoid using it on synthetics other than nylon. Repellents containing picaridin can also be sprayed directly onto clothing and will not damage fabrics.
Sprayed on clothing, sleeping bags and other gear, Sawyer Permethrin Premium Insect Repellent for Clothing, Gear and Tents (12 oz., $13, sawyer.com) repels insects for six weeks or six washes.inse
Don’t spray permethrin directly on your skin. Also, when you use sunscreen and a bug repellent, use separate products, not a 2-in-1 solution. Apply the sunscreen first and let it dry, then apply the bug.
Learn about the last way to avoid bug bites compiled by Michael Lanza here.
Scout Life
Scout Life is the official youth publication of the Boy Scouts of America.
Recent articles
Media Mentions
May 7, 2026
Prevention: The 9 Best Water Filters and Purifiers to Remove Bacteria and More Harmful Contaminants
Find top-rated picks that will help you get better-tasting H2O!
View post
Media Mentions
May 6, 2026
Antimusic: It's Time to Get Outside (And Take These Items With You)
Check out our list of things you might want to take with you on your outdoor adventure.
View post
Media Mentions
May 6, 2026
NY Mag: The Strategist: The 10 Very Best Tents for Camping and Backpacking
Whether you’re car-camping or hitting the John Muir Trail for two weeks with just a backpack for company, there’s an appropriate shelter for that.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Treeline Review: The Presidential Traverse Hiking, Backpacking, and Trail Running Guide
A quintessential northeastern hike with epic views and technical trails.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Backpacker: 8 Items Thru-Hikers Are Ditching Mid-Trek These
These 8 pieces of backpacking gear were deemed unnecessary by long-distance hikers.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Treeline Review: Bike Touring Packing List: Must-Have Gear for Multi-Day Trips
The essential lightweight gear you need for bike touring.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
National Forest Foundation: Here is What You Need to Know to Stay Safe During Tick Season
Here is what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve during tick season.
View post
Media Mentions
May 5, 2026
Turkeys For Tomorrow: Tick Prevention Guide: How to Prevent Ticks
A primer in the ways that hunters and other outdoorsmen can reduce the odds of contact with ticks.
View post
Other categories
You might also like
