Camping tips against mosquitoes – When you go camping in the great outdoors, you sometimes have to deal with annoying insects.
Mosquitoes and their bites are particularly annoying.
They are particularly unpleasant for children, but they can also drive some adults up the wall.
And beware: midges can even transmit diseases!
So that you don’t have to fold up the roof tent and drive away again, you can find more tips on how to successfully combat midges here.
Camping Ratgeber:
Selection by location: Camping & Pitch
You can reduce your risk of mosquitoes by simply looking for a suitable pitch.
You should avoid particularly shady and damp places.
Higher locations in drier areas are ideal.
Mosquitoes are generally less common in these areas.
Another option is to camp near windy places, as mosquitoes are often deterred by winds.
In summer, such a fresh breeze is often quite pleasant for humans (but not for mosquitoes).
Campsites near standing water such as lakes, rivers or swamps usually have more mosquitoes.
You should therefore be careful here and look for a pitch a little further away.
However, it can also depend on the region and the weather conditions whether there are many mosquitoes or not.
If you are unsure, it is best to find out in advance or ask the campsite staff on site.
This will help you find the right pitch at the campsite of your choice:
- Avoid shady & damp places when camping
- Search for higher altitudes or drier areas
- Use campsites near windy places
- Avoid stagnant water such as lakes, rivers or swamps
- Region & weather conditions influence the mosquitoes
- Find out in advance or ask the campsite staff
Everything else you need to know about the campsite can be found here:
Lights off!
Fewer midges in the tent
Nobody likes to sit in the dark, but especially when camping you should make sure that all doors and windows are closed before you turn on the light.
Mosquitoes can be attracted to artificial light sources such as lamps or light bulbs, as these light sources are often brighter than natural light sources and emit a wide spectrum of light wavelengths.
Some insect traps use this attraction of light to attract and catch mosquitoes.
A brief overview of what you should look out for when it comes to mosquitoes and light:
- Close all doors and windows before turning on the light
- Mosquitoes are attracted to artificial light sources
Only switch on the light when you have closed all zippers, doors and windows: Check ✓! 
Personal hygiene & cleanliness: the be-all and end-all
Sounds obvious, but there are a few things you should also bear in mind when it comes to your personal hygiene.
For example, you should avoid using perfume or scented body care products, as the scent can attract mosquitoes.
Use insect-repellent lotions, sprays or gels on your skin to repel mosquitoes.
Keep your tent or motorhome clean and tidy to avoid attracting mosquitoes.
Remove any standing water near your tent, as mosquitoes like to breed and multiply near water.
This applies, for example, to inflatable swimming pools or drinking bowls for dogs.
You should also clean dishes and seal up leftover food to prevent the occurrence of flies and other insects, which in turn can attract mosquitoes.
You should follow these cleanliness tips to minimize your contact with mosquitoes:
- Avoid strongly scented body care products, such as perfume or deodorant
- Use insect-repellent lotions, sprays or gels on the skin
- Keep your tent or motorhome clean & tidy
- Remove standing water near the tent
- Clean dishes & seal food leftovers
Tip!
You can also take a shower or bath to remove sweat and odor from your skin, as both can attract mosquitoes.
You can find out more about showering at the campsite here: Showering while camping.
Clothing: Cloth protects against mosquitoes!
Wear tighter long clothing and cover as much skin as possible to minimize mosquito bites.
A head covering can also help.
Although it can get warm, it can protect you when you’re standing in stagnant water or taking a break on a hike.
You should also make sure to wear neutral colors.
Research shows that mosquitoes are particularly attracted to red, orange, black and turquoise.
If there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can also wear special clothing that has been treated with insect repellent.
This type of clothing can be very effective at repelling mosquitoes.
However, avoid scented products such as deodorants, shampoos or soaps, as these can attract mosquitoes.
You should wash your clothes regularly to remove odors and sweat that can attract mosquitoes.
Very quickly – all tips for the right clothing:
- Wear tight, long clothing & use a head covering
- Wear more neutral colors (no red, orange, black & turquoise)
- In very extreme cases: treated clothing with insect repellent
- Avoid perfumed products & wash your clothes regularly
Gadgets against mosquitoes: Helps at the campsite
In addition to these basic ideas, there are of course also various gadgets that will keep the mosquitoes at bay when camping.
Mosquito screen/net: translucent protection
A mosquito screen or net prevents mosquitoes from entering the tent or sleeping area and therefore also protects against possible diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes.
In contrast to a closed tent canvas, a mosquito net offers better air circulation and ensures pleasant temperatures and a comfortable climate in the sleeping area.
Unlike insect sprays or candles, a mosquito net does not require the use of chemicals, which is not only more environmentally friendly, but also safer for humans and animals.
Mosquito nets come in different sizes and shapes, making them suitable for different types of camping equipment, e.g. tents, hammocks or motorhomes.
Most mosquito nets are lightweight and easy to install.
Once installed, they offer a quick and easy solution for mosquito protection while you are camping.
These are the advantages of a mosquito net or screen:
- Protects against mosquitoes & thus against diseases that they transmit
- Better air circulation & pleasant temperatures in the sleeping area
- No chemical substances required: more environmentally friendly & safer
- Different sizes & shapes for your camping equipment
- Lightweight & easy to install (often no extra tools required)
Tip!
With a tent extension, you have even more options to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
You can find out more here: Tent extensions.
Or you can take a direct look at our awnings in the store under: Awnings (Shop).
Anti-mosquito lamp: Effective with power connection
An anti-mosquito lamp, also known as an insect killer or insect trap, attracts mosquitoes with ultraviolet light.
This attracts the mosquitoes.
As soon as they get close to the lamp, they are caught and killed by an electric grid integrated into the lamp.
To do this, an electric shock is generated by a high-voltage grid that can reach a voltage of several thousand volts.
Most mosquito repellent lamps also have a container for collecting the dead insects.
A good mosquito repellent lamp can attract and catch a large number of mosquitoes.
Simply plug it directly into the socket and you’re ready to go.
No chemicals or sprays are used, making it suitable for children and pets.
However, you have to be careful with the power.
An anti-mosquito lamp produces no waste and can be reused.
In addition, most models are energy-saving and therefore more environmentally friendly than other methods.
How the mosquito repellent lamp works and what it can do for you:
- Attract mosquitoes with ultraviolet light
- Kill them with an electric grid
- Often: Collection container for dead mosquitoes
- No chemicals or sprays (safer)
- However: electricity is dangerous
- Produces no waste & reusable
- Many models: energy-saving & more environmentally friendly
Anti-mosquito sprays: Mosquito protection on the go
Mosquito repellent sprays are a quick and effective way to repel and kill mosquitoes.
They are easy to use and can be easily applied to the skin, clothing or surrounding area.
Many offer a long-lasting effect and can provide protection for several hours.
Mosquito repellents come in different forms, such as sprays, lotions or gels, and can be applied to different surfaces to repel mosquitoes.
And: in many places in Germany, natural mosquito sprays are sufficient.
These are better for your skin and the environment.
These are the advantages of mosquito sprays:
- Quick & effective way to repel & kill mosquitoes
- Can be applied to skin, clothing or surroundings
- Many offer long-lasting effect & protection for several hours
- Available in various forms such as sprays, lotions or gels
- Natural mosquito sprays are often sufficient in Germany
- Natural mosquito sprays are better for your skin & the environment
Fan: Air & wind against mosquitoes
Mosquitoes usually fly at a very slow pace and can easily be blown away by a fan.
A fan can also improve airflow and circulation in a room, which can help to make mosquitoes less likely to stay in your tent.
However, it’s important to note that a fan alone may not be enough to completely repel all mosquitoes, especially if there are a lot of mosquitoes in one place.
Finally, here’s everything you need to know about a mosquito repellent fan:
- Can improve air circulation: Mosquitoes less likely in your tent
- May not be sufficient on its own to repel mosquitoes completely
Home remedy: DIY mosquito trap & herbs
In addition to the gadgets, you can also use things you have at home.
It’s also a fun and creative activity for children to make their own mosquito trap.
You can find a simple recipe here.
Build your own mosquito trap: Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for a homemade mosquito trap:
Materials
- 1 empty plastic bottle
- 100 ml water
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1 g yeast
- Black paint or paper
Instructions
- Cut off the top part of the plastic bottle.
- Pour the water and sugar into the bottle and stir well until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the yeast and stir again.
- Place the upper part of the bottle upside down in the lower part.
- Paint the bottle with black paint or wrap it in paper, as mosquitoes are attracted to the paint.
- Place the trap in a shady place and change the liquid every two weeks.
The midges are attracted by the carbon dioxide production of the yeast and fly into the bottle, but cannot find their way back and drown.
Herbs: Natural helpers
Some herbs can help repel mosquitoes.
The smell of lemongrass is unpleasant to mosquitoes and can drive them away.
Lavender has a calming effect on humans but repels mosquitoes.
There are also reports that rubbing mint oil on the skin can repel mosquitoes.
Rosemary can repel mosquitoes and is also sometimes used as a natural insect repellent in gardening.
These herbs can be planted in pots and placed in the awning or used in the form of essential oils or scented candles.
However, it is important to note that they alone may not be enough to completely repel mosquitoes.
You can also reduce your mosquito problem with these herbs by staying close to nature:
- Lemongrass, lavender, mint oil & rosemary can repel mosquitoes
- Can be used as plants, essential oils or scented candles
- May not be sufficient to repel mosquitoes completely
Ouch!
Mosquito bite: What should you do now?
There are various options that can provide relief from mosquito bites.
Firstly, you can cool the mosquito bite with a cold compress, a cold pack or an ice cube to relieve the swelling and itching.
Cut an onion into pieces and place it on the mosquito bite.
The quercetin contained in the onion can help to relieve the itching.
If that doesn’t help either or you don’t like onions, you can also apply a little tea tree oil to the mosquito bite.
The gel from an aloe vera plant can also help with the swelling.
A little sticky, but if you apply a small amount of honey to the mosquito bite, you may also be able to relieve the itching.
It’s also important not to scratch mosquito bites to avoid infection.
If you have severe allergic reactions to mosquito bites, you should consult a doctor.
You can use these home remedies to help you with mosquito bites:
- Cold (cold compress, ice cubes)
- Place onions on the mosquito bite
- Tea tree oil can help against itching
- Aloe vera gel can help against swelling
- Honey can also help to relieve itching
- Do not scratch to avoid infection
- In case of severe allergic reactions: see a doctor
Diseases: You should pay attention to this!
Mosquitoes can also transmit diseases because they feed on the blood of humans and therefore carry blood from person to person.
It is therefore also important to take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites.
Nevertheless, you should also check whether you develop symptoms of one of these diseases after a bite.
In Germany, for example, these two are common:
West Nile fever
A viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, can lead to serious complications in the brain.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
A viral infection that can affect the central nervous system.
Symptoms can include fever, headache and nausea, but in severe cases the disease can lead to meningitis and paralysis.
TBE can also be transmitted by ticks.
International: Diseases caused by mosquitoes from abroad
These three diseases are less common in Germany, but you may encounter them in other European countries:
Dengue fever
A viral infection that can cause fever, headache and skin rash.
In rare cases, serious complications such as internal bleeding and shock can occur.
Malaria
A parasitic disease that can cause fever, chills, fatigue and headaches.
More severe cases can lead to a lack of red blood cells, jaundice and organ damage.
Zika virus
A viral infection that can cause fever, skin rash and joint pain.
In pregnant women, the virus can cause severe birth defects in the fetus.
Symptoms can vary depending on the illness, but a doctor should always be consulted if an infection from a mosquito bite is suspected.
For less serious illnesses, a well-equipped emergency kit can also help.
You can find out everything you need to know here:
