Many people have a great time while camping; being immersed in nature is a cathartic feeling that will restore any drained energy from life. However, while the outdoors may be pleased, you must remain mindful of some of the area's inhabitants: bugs. There are multiple types of insects in the wild, and some of the most common insects may come across your path.
Ants
As they form colonies and travel everywhere searching for food, it's very common to spot an ant alone or in groups swarming a piece of food. There are thousands of ants under and over the ground we often won't see until they are somewhere they aren't supposed to be, such as in our food or furniture. Most black ants are harmless, but fire ants are always something to stay away from, as their bite will leave a burning sensation on your skin.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos are commonly known as the number one killer of humans, and for many years they have been a constant threat to our safety worldwide. Mosquitos are a common insect to see while camping, especially if you set up your tent in a warm or muggy area. You can expect mosquitos to buzz around you, looking for exposed skin to feast upon. Using bug spray will help you while you are outside, so you won't have to worry about annoying mosquito bites. If you have camped in a quality sprinter van, a sprinter magnetic bug screen will do wonders for your time in your van.
Ticks and Chiggers
It's common to encounter insects such as ticks and chiggers while camping in an area with tall grass. These tiny insects will sit on the tips of tall grass blades until something wanders by and brushes on it—that's when they latch on and dig in. Ticks will normally bite and suck your blood, while chiggers use enzymes to dissolve your skin and drink the resulting mixture. Both insects may spread diseases such as Lyme disease or scrub typhus, so you should always check yourself for ticks at the end of a hike and shower thoroughly when you get the chance.
Camping has many aspects, and it helps to know what insects to look out for to avoid them. Use this guide to stay pest free and enjoy your time outdoors.
