The best mosquito and tick prevention begins before you hit the trail! With a little bit of forethought, your packing list will include all the mosquito and tick preventing essentials, such as:

• Effective mosquito and tick repellent: bring a waterproof repellent spray that is safe for skin and another repellent spray designed for tents and gear.

• Tweezers: for proper tick removal, keep a pair of tweezers in your first aid kit.

• A quality tent: your tent should zip closed and be free of any tears or holes that could be breached by mosquitoes, ticks, or other pests.

• Citronella candles: burning citronella has mild natural repellent properties (not to mention a pleasant flickering ambiance for your campsite).

• A battery powered fan: the airflow prevents mosquitoes from flying against the strength of the wind and disperses the carbon dioxide of our breath, which mosquitoes use to detect us.

• Appropriate hiking and lounging attire: mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so opt for lighter, summery colors. Avoid thin fabrics, like silk and linen, as mosquitoes can bite through to your skin with their long mouthparts. Layer up with thicker fabrics, like denim, and keep your arms and legs covered for maximum protection. 

• Skip the perfume: steer clear of scents that will attract mosquitoes, like strong perfumes, colognes, and lotions.

The Campsite

Mosquitoes are drawn to locations with standing water, so when you’re choosing where to pitch your tent, look for areas that are dry and clear of overgrown foliage or debris that could catch rainwater or give pests a place to rest and hide. Keep your tent zipped at all times to keep out unwanted guests. And, whenever possible, ditch the lanterns and flashlights, which can attract mosquitoes and other insects. A big campfire, on the other hand, will put off mosquito-repelling smoke.

The Trail