10 Tips for Battling Bugs

You’re far more likely to have run-ins with bugs and insects during the warm spring and summer months in Arkansas. Not only are insects more abundant in warm weather, but people tend to get outside more to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Chiggers, ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting and stinging insects are a nuisance, and some can even transmit diseases. Make sure you stay safe from bugs and insects while hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors. Here are 10 tips for battling bugs.

Insect repellent

Applying insect repellent, or bug spray, is the best way to keep ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes from biting you. There are many different insect repellent mixtures, so be sure to check the bottle before buying.

Treat yourself… with permethrin

Treating your clothing, boots, and backpack with permerthrin can help keep biting insects and arachnids like mosquitoes and chiggers away.

Keep off the grass

Ticks and chiggers like tall grass and thick vegetation. Avoid overgrown areas with dense plant life to reduce your exposure to these pests.

Stick to the trail

This is good trail etiquette, and it’s also a good way to steer clear of overgrown areas.

Take a sunbathe

Tick nymphs are more likely to congregate in shady areas than in the sun.

Wear long sleeves and pants

The more coverage the better. Decrease the amount of skin that’s exposed to mosquitoes and chiggers.

Choose a tight weave

It’s easier for insects like mosquitoes to bite you through loose-knit clothing. Synthetic shirts with a high UPF rating are typically made with a tighter weave and can help prevent bug bites.

Tuck in

When walking in tick-infested areas, tuck your shirt into your pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to eliminate gaps in your clothing. It doesn’t make you look cool, but it makes it more difficult for ticks to bite you.

Lighten up

Some research suggests that mosquitoes prefer dark colors to light colors, however these findings are highly debated. However light colors do make it easier to spot ticks, so you can remove them before they have a chance to latch on.

Check yourself

Shower and inspect for tick bites as soon as you get home. The longer a tick stays attached, the higher the chance of the tick transmitting a virus or disease. If you’re on the trail or at your campsite for multiple days, check for ticks every evening.