Preventing and Treating Annoying Bug Bites During Backpacking Trips

Heading One Dealing with Annoying Bug Bites While Backpacking

As an avid backpacker and hiker, I've had my fair share of dealing with pesky bug bites over the years. There's nothing worse than being deep in the wilderness and having your trip ruined by itchy welts and discomfort from mosquito, tick, and other insect bites. The good news is there are ways to prevent and treat bug bites so you can fully enjoy your backpacking adventures.

Use Insect Repellent

The first line of defense against bug bites is using a good insect repellent. Spray exposed skin and clothing with a repellent containing DEET or picaridin, which are chemicals that effectively deter mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. A repellent containing 20-30% DEET will provide hours of protection. There are also plant-based repellents like those made with lemon eucalyptus oil that work reasonably well. Reapply repellent frequently, especially after sweating or getting wet.

Wear Protective Clothing

Covering up exposed skin goes a long way in preventing bug bites. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, socks, and closed toe shoes when hiking. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots to keep ticks from crawling underneath clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like nylon or polyester allow ventilation and airflow so you don't overheat. You can also buy clothing pre-treated with insect repellent or treat clothes yourself with permethrin for added protection.

Use a Bug Net and Sleep Inside a Tent

A tent and mosquito net help create a protective barrier at night. Tuck mosquito netting under your sleeping pad and sleeping bag to prevent insects from biting through the floor. Pitch your tent in an area away from still water, brush, and tall grasses where mosquitoes breed. Consider using a tent with a rainfly and screened windows and doors to allow airflow while keeping insects out.

Avoid Scents and Bright Colors

Smelly foods, perfumes, scented soaps, and bright colors can attract insects. Skip the fragrance and go with unscented toiletries. Don't cook aromatic or sugary foods near your tent at night. Opt for earth tone clothing over bright reds, yellows, and oranges that bugs find attractive.

Use Camp Citronella Candles

Burning citronella candles around your campsite creates repellent smoke that keeps nearby insects away. Place candles strategically upwind from your tent entrance and cooking area at dusk when mosquitoes come out. Combine with insect repellent on your skin for added protection. Just be sure to place candles on stable surfaces away from dry vegetation.

Apply After-Bite Treatment

Even with the best precautions, bug bites are an inevitable nuisance while backpacking. Pack after-bite creams, sprays, or wipes to help take the itch and swelling down once bitten. Hydrocortisone cream containing 1% steroid helps stop itching and calms inflammation. Benadryl and calamine lotion also relieve itching. For bee stings, apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

Practice Itch Relief Techniques

For quick itch relief in the backcountry, run bites under cold water or apply a cold compress. Applying heat to bites with hot water or a warm washcloth can also provide soothing relief for some people. Rubbing alcohol helps disrupt the chemical reaction that causes itching when applied to bug bites. Lightly running a fingernail over the bite tricks your nerve receptors and blocks itch signals.

Avoid Scratching Bites

It's tempting to scratch bug bites, but this can lead to infection and increased itching. Try tapping or gently rubbing the bite instead to avoid breaking the skin. Keep fingernails trimmed short to limit damage from mindless scratching. Distract yourself with hiking or campsite tasks to avoid obsessively scratching. Have your hiking partners alert each other to avoid scratching.

Watch for Signs of Infection

While most bug bites resolve without issue, scratched or infected bites can become a concern in the backcountry. Signs of a worsening bite include increasing pain, swelling, redness, and warmth radiating from the bite. You may see red streaking around the bite as the infection spreads. Seek medical care if you experience flu-like fever, nausea, or other worrying symptoms.

Preventing Bites in the First Place is Key

An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to dealing with bothersome bug bites while backpacking. Focus your efforts on deterring and avoiding bites to begin with. Use a strategic combination of repellents, protective clothing, and smart camp setup to minimize your exposure. Check yourself thoroughly for ticks after hiking and shower as soon as possible after your trip. Promptly treat any bites you do sustain to avoid misery from itching and infection.

With some preparation and diligence, you can enjoy backpacking in locations near and far without letting pesky mosquitoes, ticks, and insects ruin your wilderness experience. Don't let the fear of bug bites stop you from taking that exciting backpacking adventure. Implement preventive measures to hike and camp in comfort without becoming an insect feast.

Get Back to Nature - But Watch Out for Ticks!

Spending time outdoors hiking, backpacking, and camping comes with the risk of picking up pesky ticks. Ticks live in grassy, wooded areas and can latch onto you as you brush by. Once attached, they can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease.

Protect yourself from ticks by wearing light colored long pants and sleeves so you can easily spot ticks on clothing. Tuck pant legs into socks and spray repellent containing permethrin onto clothes, shoes, and gear. Check your whole body thoroughly for ticks after returning from the outdoors. Catching and removing ticks quickly within the first 24 hours dramatically reduces your risk of getting sick.

If you do find a tick latched onto your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick close to its mouthparts near your skin. Pull gently straight up until the tick releases its hold on you. Thoroughly clean the bite area with soap and water then apply an antiseptic. Watch for symptoms of illness and seek medical care if you experience fever, body aches, or an expanding rash.

Don't let fear of ticks stop you from enjoying the great outdoors! Just be vigilant, take preventive precautions, and promptly remove any ticks you encounter before they can transmit disease.

Tips for Backpacking in Bear Country

While the chance of encountering a bear while backpacking can be unnerving, the risk is relatively low with proper precautions. Follow these tips when adventuring and camping in bear inhabited areas:

• Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears.
• Keep a clean campsite. Store food and scented items in bear-proof containers away from your tent.
• Cook and eat away from your sleeping area.
• Dispose of food waste properly in bear-proof garbage cans if available.
• Never intentionally feed or approach a bear.
• Travel in groups, keep dogs leashed, and be alert on the trail.
• Know how to respond if you do encounter an aggressive bear.

Taking steps to avoid surprising bears and minimize tempting food odors will allow you to spend time in bear country safely. Don't cancel your backpacking adventure due to bear nerves - just prepare and take recommended precautions.

FAQs

What percentage of DEET should my insect repellent contain?

Look for insect repellents containing 20-30% DEET for optimal protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects when backpacking.

How can I prevent ticks while hiking?

Wear light colored long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and apply permethrin spray to clothes and gear to deter ticks from latching on while hiking.

What should I do if I am bitten by a tick?

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight up until the tick releases its hold. Thoroughly clean the bite area and monitor for symptoms of illness after being bitten.

How can I avoid mosquito bites at night?

Use a tent with mosquito netting and keep netting tucked securely under your sleeping pad. Avoid wearing scents at night and burn citronella candles to deter mosquitoes.

What should I do if a bug bite becomes infected?

Signs of infection include increasing pain, swelling, redness, warmth radiating from the bite, and red streaking. Seek medical treatment if you experience fever, nausea, or other systemic symptoms.