While the summertime is an exciting time to enjoy the outdoors, it’s also prime time for pests. Without fail, as the temperatures rise, so do the buzzing of flies and mosquitoes, along with other annoying insects. That’s when you’ll start to notice swarms of annoying insects around your home, especially if you’re near a swimmable body of water. The worst part is when one of these pests actually lands on you and starts biting, which is why you have to be a little bit smarter than the average person when it comes to pest control. You don’t want to ruin your vacation by being eaten alive, so here are some tips on how to keep the pesky insects away from your pool area.
Table of Contents
Get The Right Equipment
When camping, backpacking or hiking, you know exactly what kind of equipment you need, as you wouldn’t want to be slowed down by unnecessary items. Same goes for keeping pests out of your pool area. To that end, you should invest in reputable gear that will serve you well for years to come. If money is no object to you, choose a water filter that can withstand daily use and will improve the quality of your pool’s water. If you suspect your current filter is worn out, it’s time to change it; otherwise, you could end up with sickly, contaminated water, which could lead to you and your family getting sick. The National Geographic Ultimate Guide to Camping has a whole section on this topic, so make sure you read up on it before hitting the road. This way, you’ll know exactly what to bring and what not to bring, and you won’t be bothered by the little things that you forget about. For example, if you forget the mosquito net, you’ll end up spending a lot more time trying to ward off the bugs than you would’ve enjoying your vacation.
Deet Isn’t Everything
It’s important to keep in mind that there are more than a few ways for mosquitoes to transmit diseases, aside from being bitten. In terms of swimming pool safety, you’re probably well aware of the dangers associated with leaving the water unsupervised. However, there’s more than one type of mosquito that lives near bodies of water, and some of them are quite crafty when it comes to biting humans, especially during the day, while you’re still in the water. Even when sprayed with insect repellant, these bugs can cause you a lot of discomfort, and it wouldn’t be unlikely for them to bite you unawares. To protect yourself from these types of mosquitoes, make sure to apply insect repellant to the surface of your skin, but not directly to the area where the mosquito would usually bite you (the neck, for example). This way, you’ll reduce the number of times you get bit while still enjoying your vacation.
A Little Bit Of Luck
Along with being smart about the equipment you need, be sure to also apply a little bit of good fortune to the areas where you want to keep the pests away. You will not be able to enjoy a pool or beach area totally free of mosquitoes and other insects if they perceive your area as a prime feeding ground. To that end, you could try planting some mosquito-repelling plants near and around your pool area. Some examples of plants that could work are yaupon holly and yellow dock. The National Geographic Guide to Camping also suggests that you could try weaving plants into your clothing, as many mosquitoes seem to hate the feel of plant material against their legs. Of course, the best and most reliable way to avoid mosquitoes is by staying away from known breeding grounds and by keeping your pool area clean.
Know Your Surroundings
When you’re camping, backpacking or hiking, you will certainly come across many different types of environments. Some places might be quite dry, while others might be wetter than you’d normally find yourself in. Regardless, it’s important to know how the environment in which you find yourself will affect your body. If you’re near a humid climate, you might want to bring an Airborne Assault Pack, as much as you would if you were in a very dry place. The point is that your body’s sensitivity to the environment in which you find yourself will dictate how you need to act and what you need to bring to make the most of your trip. If you suspect that certain areas are more prone to certain pests than others, be sure to take that into consideration when making your decision.
Take Advantage Of What Is Local
If you’re camping, backpacking or hiking in an area that is already populated by humans, you might want to take advantage of what is already there. It is inevitable that you will come across structures and installations built by other people, and although you don’t have to abide by any rules or customs that these structures or installations impose, you can take advantage of whatever is available. Most cases, if a toilet isn’t available, you will find someone’s garbage can or outdoor pot to use. Of course, be mindful of what you’re doing and make sure that the area is in a fit state for nature (no human urine or feces in sight). Before you know it, you could be helping yourself to a cool drink or eating a chocolate bar, while also enjoying the peace and quiet of the woods.
Travel Smart
Last but not least, let’s not forget about safety. While we’re all aware that there are more than a few dangers associated with camping, backpacking and hiking, it’s also important to know how to be careful and how to avoid problems. If you keep all of these tips in mind, you will be able to enjoy your vacation without any worry.
To ensure the safety of your family and to help you keep track of all of the pesky insects that try to bite you while you’re there, invest in a pair of bug glasses. These will undoubtedly prove to be one of the best purchases you’ll ever make, as they will facilitate your observations during the day and protect your eyes from being eaten alive by bugs at night. If you suspect your current glasses are about to malfunction or if you simply want to swap them for something new, take a look at the reviews offered by reputable online retailers, as there are plenty of options out there, and it’s crucial to choose the right pair for the task. To learn more, check out this article on the best travel mosquito net.