Outdoor pests are a nuisance. They invade your space and make it uncomfortable to camp. Knowing how to deal with bugs and rodents while sleeping under the stars is key as it improves the overall environment that you’re camping in. You’ll be able to rest easier knowing that you won’t be bitten by an army of angry mosquitoes all night.

Here are some ways to deal with outdoor pests naturally while camping:

Invest in products with citronella in them.

It’s among the most effective ways to keep insects away. Wear wristbands with essential oils in them when spending time outside the tent. You can also burn citronella candles if the campgrounds permit you to. If you’re not sure if you’re permitted to do so, ask!

Buy a mosquito net to place over your camping cot.

It provides an extra barrier between you and pests. It’s breathable, too, so you can still feel the air circulating through the tent if you use a fan or leave the window closure pulled back. Make sure everyone sleeping in the tent has access to one.

Clean up all waste items immediately.

Keeping your campsite nice and tidy discourages unfriendly visitors from dropping by and wreaking havoc where you camp. Make sure to dispose of all waste items immediately to avoid that problem. It’s how you keep bugs and critters away.

Don’t let outdoor pests ruin your experience. There are things you can do to keep bugs and rodents away. Best of all, the suggestions listed here are harmless, so you don’t need to worry about hurting the habitat that you’re in. You can enjoy camping for a few days or weeks without losing your food supply to a colony of ants or miss out on sleeping because you can’t keep the mosquitoes away.