young woman hiking through the forest wearing a bug jacket, bug pants, and a blue backpack

Insect Protection: Your Guide to Keeping Bugs at Bay

Rachel Wagner

4 min read

Picture this: you’re on a hike with your friends in the forest. It’s a beautiful day with the sun is shining and birds chirping, when all of the sudden – SLAP – another mosquito down. If you think you’re a mosquito magnet, we feel for you, we’ve been there too. No one wants to deal with pests constantly buzzing in their ear or tending to constant itchiness. With the right gear, you can stay protected from head to toe - no need to drench yourself in oily bug spray or cover yourself with sticky lotions.

Here are a few of our recommendations for dealing with pesky mosquitos in different situations:

Young woman wearing a mesh bug head-net and hiking through the mountains at sunset

Personal Protection: Wearable Mesh

Want to make a fashion statement out on the trails? Coghlan’s Bug Jackets, Pants and Head Nets are sure to keep you protected from those pesky insects. These lightweight, breathable pieces made of fine mesh are perfect for hiking and lounging at camp; and most importantly, require NO bug spray! Simply layer over your clothes and cinch at your wrists and waist to ensure your ideal fit. They’re an effective layer of protection without the hourly chore of reapplying bug spray. If you want to take your look to the next level, you can bug-proof even further by tucking your pants and jacket into socks and gloves.

Close up of a green mosquito coil sitting on a picnic bench with wisps of smoke being emitted.

Group Settings: Mosquito Coils

Nothing ruins a backyard barbecue more than swarms of mosquitos – keep the good times going with Coghlan’s Mosquito Coils! If you’ve got the whole gang with you, mosquito coils are the ideal solution for ensuring larger groups of people are shielded from the bugs. With the ability to repel mosquitos for up to 6 hours, you can make the most of summer without worrying about if you’re stocked up on enough anti-itch cream. Light one end of the coil, wait until it begins to smolder and emit smoke, then place in the holder. Position them around your picnic table, backyard, tent or bonfire and be sure to keep wind in mind. Placing them upwind will ensure that the smoke carries into the area you’re protecting, making them much more effective. No more itchy bug bites ruining your relaxation time.

Young man hammering stakes into the ground to set up a white mesh tent surrounded by a forest.

Sleep Shelters: Mosquito Netting

We know first-hand that once you’re all bundled up in your sleeping bag, it takes a lot to get you out of it. But, no matter how hard you try to ignore it, nothing ruins a good night’s sleep like the sound of a pesky mosquito buzzing around your ear. With Coghlan’s Mosquito Nets, you can rest easy knowing that you are completely protected in your own bug free zone. These nets are made for both indoor and outdoor use and come in all sorts of sizes. Whether you need coverage for a single sleeping bag or a full bed or hammock, our bug nets will have you covered, literally. The fine mesh allows for high visibility, and keeps these nets lightweight and compact; making them easy to throw in your pack for your next adventure. Simply drape over your cot or tie above your sleeping bag using the built-in metal tie loops to prevent any unwelcome pests.

Next time you’re out and about and find yourself without bug netting or coils, here are a few extra precautions to help reduce your chances of bug bites:

Excessive rainfall and lack of proper drainage can lead to pools of standing water, which are breeding grounds for mosquitos. Limiting time spent outdoors after a storm and ensuring you set up camp in a level and dry location can help reduce your exposure to mosquitos.
When pitching your tent, avoid areas that are densely treed and have taller grasses. Mosquitos are more likely to be in these shadier areas.
What better excuse to have a bonfire! Similar to the Coghlan's Mosquito Coils, campfire smoke is effective in protecting larger areas from mosquitos (and you can break out the marshmallows and roasting sticks!)

Mosquitos are a part of being outdoors, but they don’t have to ruin the fun. With personal protective gear, bug netting and mosquito coils, Coghlan’s is there to help you keep the bites to a minimum and keep the good times rolling. Whether you’re out on a weekend adventure or staying close to home, packing a little extra protection can be the difference between itching to explore, and just plain itching.