How to Keep Flies Away While Camping: 15 Top Tips and Tricks

Camping is a fantastic way to connect with nature and create lasting memories with loved ones. However, sharing your campsite with pesky flies can quickly put a damper on the outdoor fun. Knowing how to keep flies away while camping is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various tried-and-tested methods to deter flies and other insects, ensuring a bug-free camping experience. From natural remedies to practical solutions, these tips will help you keep your campsite free from unwanted guests and make the most of your outdoor adventure.

How to Keep Flies Away While Camping: A Detailed Guide

Flies are attracted to various stimuli, including food, moisture, and odors. Understanding their habits can help you implement preventive measures. Flies are most active during the day, particularly in warm and sunny conditions. They are often drawn to garbage, animal waste, and food remnants, making campsites with open food containers or improperly disposed of trash more susceptible to fly infestations.

1. Maintain a Clean Campsite

A clean campsite is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep flies away while camping. Flies are attracted to food, trash, and waste, so being diligent about cleaning up can significantly reduce their presence at your site. Here are some essential tips to maintain a clean campsite:

2. Dispose of Food and Waste Properly

• Store food in sealed containers or ziplock bags
• Clean up all food and cooking utensils immediately after use
• Dispose of trash in designated receptacles or bring your own trash bags

3. Separate Eating and Relaxing Areas

Designate separate areas for eating and relaxing within your campsite. It helps prevent food crumbs and spills from attracting files to your relaxation zone.

4. Understand the Climate and Seasonality

Familiarizing yourself with the climate and seasonality of your camping destination can help you plan your trip accordingly and reduce the risk of encountering flies. Black flies, for example, are more prevalent during warmer months or specific “seasons” after they hatch. Conduct thorough research on the region you plan to visit and, if possible, schedule your camping trip during periods when flies are less active.

5. Utilize Bug Sprays and Natural Repellents

Bug sprays, particularly those containing DEET, are proven to be effective in repelling flies and other insects. However, if you prefer a more natural approach, consider essential oils such as lemon or citronella, which can be mixed with a carrier oil to create a homemade bug repellent. Vinegar is another natural alternative that can be used to clean surfaces or sprayed around the campsite perimeter.

6. Set Up Fly Traps, Fly Nets, and Screen Rooms

Fly traps, whether store-bought or homemade, can help capture pesky flies and prevent them from invading your campsite. A simple DIY fly trap can be made using vinegar and a plastic bottle with small holes in the lid. Flies enter the bottle, get stuck in the vinegar, and are unable to escape.

Fly nets and screen rooms provide a physical barrier between you and the flies, allowing you to enjoy your camping experience without the constant annoyance of buzzing insects. Invest in a high-quality screen room or canopy with mesh walls to cover your eating or relaxation area.

7. Keep Food Covered and Sealed

Flies are particularly attracted to food, so proper food storage is crucial. Keep all food items in sealed containers, coolers, or ziplock bags to prevent flies from accessing them. When cooking, cover your food with lids or aluminum foil until it is ready to be served. Avoid leaving uncovered food outside for extended periods, as it can quickly attract flies.

8. Avoid Aggravating Flies

Swatting at flies may seem like a natural reaction, but it can actually aggravate them further. Instead, focus on implementing the other methods listed in this guide to keep flies away from your campsite and avoid provoking them.

9. Hang a Bag of Water

A transparent bag filled with water can be an unconventional yet effective way to deter flies. The bag’s refraction of light can confuse and disorient the flies, causing them to steer clear of the area. Hang up bags filled with water near your dining area or entrances to confuse and deter flies due to their reflective nature.

10. Utilize Fans and Smoke

Flies are not fans of moving air or smoke. Bringing along a portable battery-operated fan can help create a fly-discouraging breeze in your campsite. Additionally, consider having a campfire (where permitted and safe) during the evening. The smoke will act as a natural fly repellent and also add to the camping ambiance.

11. Avoid Strong Scents and Perfumes

Certain scents, like floral perfumes or scented lotions, can attract flies. When camping, opt for unscented personal care products to avoid drawing unwanted attention from these pesky insects.

12. Employ Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies can deter flies and keep them at bay. Place fresh herbs such as mint, basil, or lavender around your campsite, as flies are repelled by their strong scents. Consider planting fly-repellent plants like marigolds or citronella in pots around your campsite.

Smoke is a natural fly repellent, so lighting a campfire, candles, or tiki torches can help keep these insects at bay. Citronella candles and torches are particularly effective, as they emit a scent that flies find unpleasant.

13. Invest in Specialty Camping Gear

Some camping gear, such as insect-repellent clothing or lanterns with built-in bug deterrents, can provide additional protection against flies and other insects. Consider investing in these specialty items for a more comfortable camping experience.

14. Maintain Hygiene Practices

Personal and campsite hygiene is essential in preventing fly infestations. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food or eating. Consider setting up a handwashing station at your campsite using biodegradable soap and water. Keep your camping gear, including cooking utensils and dishes, clean and free from food residue. Flies are attracted to odors, so avoiding strong fragrances, lotions, or perfumes can also help minimize their presence.

15. Be Prepared and Stay Informed

Stay informed about the specific insects and potential issues you may encounter at your chosen camping destination. By understanding the local environment and being prepared with the right tools and strategies, you can minimize the impact of flies on your camping adventure.

Final Thoughts

Keeping flies away while camping may seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and tools, you can enjoy a bug-free outdoor experience. By maintaining a clean campsite, understanding the local climate, using repellents, and employing practical solutions like fly traps and screen rooms, you can significantly reduce the presence of these pesky insects.

Stay informed and be prepared to tackle any fly-related challenges head-on, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip for you and your loved ones. So, pack your bags, gather your gear, and venture into the great outdoors, knowing that you’re equipped to keep flies at bay.