Simple Tips for a Bug-Free (as much as possible) Outdoor Adventure

Camping is all about getting back to nature — the fresh air, the starry skies, the crackling campfire. But let's be real: nothing ruins those peaceful vibes faster than a swarm of hungry mosquitoes or a trail of relentless ants making themselves a little too at home.

Bugs are a part of the great outdoors, and we are stepping onto their territory, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer. With a little planning (and a few clever tricks), you can keep the creepy crawlies at bay and enjoy your camping trip in peace.

Choose Your Campsite Wisely

Location matters — a lot. When possible, avoid setting up camp near:

• Standing water (ponds, puddles, swamps) — mosquito paradise.
• Dense bushes and tall grass — tick hotspots.
• Trash bins or food prep areas — attract ants, flies, and bees.

Instead, look for breezy, open areas where bugs have a harder time hovering.

Pack Bug-Repelling Gear

These are must-haves for any bug-conscious camper:

• Bug spray with DEET or Picaridin
• Citronella candles or coils
• Mosquito-repelling lanterns
• Permethrin-treated clothing
• Head nets (for seriously buggy areas)

Bonus tip: Want to use natural deterrents? Essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, and peppermint (especially for spiders) can be natural repellents — but they work best in low-bug zones.

Keep Your Campsite Clean

Food scraps and crumbs = bug buffet.

• Store all food in sealed containers or coolers.
• Clean up immediately after meals.
• Dispose of trash properly (don't leave bags lying around). Our Hygiene Kit comes with biodegradable wipes and a reusable cleaning towel!
• Wipe down picnic tables and cooking areas.

Dress Smart

Cover up! Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing does double duty — it helps you stay cool and makes it harder for bugs to bite through.

Long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes are especially helpful when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

Seal Your Shelter

Make sure your tent is bug-proof:

• Always zip up your Near Zero tents, ensuring they're fully closed.
• Check for holes or tears (patch them before your trip).
• Use a bug net inside if you're extra sensitive to bites.
• Consider a screened canopy for sitting outside. Our popular 2-Person tent and our other tents come with a mesh panel that will help keep the bugs out.

Use Campfire Smoke to Your Advantage

Bugs hate smoke. Sitting near a smoky campfire (without getting smoked out yourself) can help keep flying pests away. Some campers even toss sage or rosemary into the flames for extra repellent power — and it smells great too.

Be sure to grab your Near Zero campfire bellows and camping fire starter kit to make building and starting your fire easy. 

Be Strategic About Lighting

Bright white lights attract bugs like crazy. Instead:

• Use red or yellow lights around camp.
• Keep flashlights and lanterns directed downwards. Our Micro-Air Pro's light points downwards, perfect for helping you keep the bugs at bay.
• Turn off unnecessary lights when you're not using them.

Don't Forget Your Pets

If your furry friend is camping with you, protect them too. Bring pet-safe bug repellents, check for ticks daily, and make sure their bedding is clean and elevated if possible.

You'll never completely avoid bugs when camping (they live there, after all). But with the right gear, like Near Zero's backpacking kits and bundles, a little planning, and some good habits, you can keep them from ruining your outdoor fun.

So next time you go camping, make your experience comfy with less swatting, less screaming from bug haters, and more s'mores. Sounds like a good plan, right?