There’s nothing like hitting the trails and exploring the Great Outdoors on a hike. But mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on your adventure, leaving you red, itchy, and irritated. Mosquitoes can also harbor deadly diseases like Malaria, West Nile, Dengue fever, and Zika virus.
Topical insect repellents are the most common way to protect against mosquito bites. While insect repellents are highly effective, many contain chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and respiratory tract. To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes on your next hiking trip, try these simple tips.
1. Wash With Anti-Mosquito Soap
FaceDoctor Skin Armor Anti-Mosquito Soap is a natural alternative to chemical-laden repellants. The DEET-free formula is crafted from essential oils and herbal extracts, such as citronella, calendula, and eucalyptus oil, known to deter mosquitoes.
Washing with anti-mosquito soap not only adds a layer of botanical protection but it can also eliminate some of the bacteria and their byproducts that live naturally on your skin and attract mosquitoes. Showering with Skin Armor soap offers up to 8 hours of protection, and you can even pack a bar in your hiking pack to rub on your skin and top up your protection on the trail.
2. Wear Light-Colored Clothes
Light-colored clothing, such as khaki, white, cream, or yellow, make you less visible to mosquitoes than wearing darker colors, making them less likely to bite you.
These colors also reflect UV rays, helping to keep your body cool and sweat less while hiking. Perspiration and body heat are strong attractants for mosquitoes, so wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants in light colors covers vulnerable parts of your body and reduces your appeal to these blood-sucking pests.
3. Avoid Peak Activity Times and Breeding Areas
Many mosquito breeds are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid hiking during these peak feeding times to reduce your chances of being bitten.
You should also plan your route, so you avoid areas with stagnant water and marshy wetlands where mosquitoes breed. Opt for elevated, breezy locations, as mosquitoes typically avoid flying in the wind.
Protect Yourself With FaceDoctor When Hiking
Protect your skin and health on your next hiking adventure with FaceDoctor natural skincare products. In addition to repelling mosquitoes with Skin Armor Soap, carry FaceDoctor First Aid Gel in your pack to treat bites. The silver citrate helps to reduce redness and swelling, so you heal faster.
