Insurance News

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Camping Trip Tips - How To Avoid Pests


By Beth Swanson


Camping can be a fun and inexpensive outdoor vacation for the entire family. Not only does it provide fresh air, but it also has stunning views and a chance for the family to bond. You should come prepared and know what to avoid since there are some downsides to vacations in the great outdoors such as pests which can be a nuisance as well as a danger.

Wasps are common in warm climates and they are a species that includes yellow jackets and bees. They nest in trees and under overhangs in the late spring and early summer. They will sometimes nest in the ground which is particularly hard to see and therefore more of a danger. They are attracted to other human product odors such as hairspray and perfume as well as to sugar and cooking meat. If a nest is upset, then it can make for a painful situation even if they are not aggressive.

The first thing to do is keep an eye out for nests which look like honeycomb cells. There will usually be a few flying around the outside. The wasps will fly away without harm to you if you were to knock down a small and newly developed nest. However, if the nest is large and has many layers then stay clear and don't bother it since doing so will lead to getting stung. Pack a can of wasp spray if you are particularly afraid or allergic of these pests.

The mosquito is another common pest that can ruin your camping experience. While wasps will sting you as a defense mechanism, mosquitos will sting you to feed off your blood. They're more annoying than they are harmful and only in remote areas can you contract an illness or disease.

Usually, nothing will be available at the campsite so you should bring supplies with you and remember that there are many products available to repel mosquitos. The most effective for repelling these pests are sprays and lotions that contain deet. Less effective all natural sprays as well as lotions are available as well. Citronella candles also help to deflect them but should be used along with topical products to ensure the least amount of contact.

Ticks are best avoided by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts especially if you'll be brushing against foliage and they are most common in wooded areas. More annoying than anything else are ticks but there is still a chance of contracting Lyme disease.

Dark, dank, and secluded areas should be avoided since dangerous spiders prefer these as dwellings. You need to be especially careful if you see a Black Widow, Violin Spider, or Brown Recluse although most people will not intentionally come into contact with any spider.

It is certainly enjoyable to take a vacation in the great outdoors but still, you need to be aware of the pests that can dampen your trip.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Top WordPress Themes