ADVERTISEMENT
Introduction
Spending time in nature is refreshing, but mosquitoes and midges can quickly turn a peaceful outing into an itchy nightmare. Fortunately, a seasoned hunter has shared simple yet effective ways to keep these pests at bay without purchasing expensive repellents. Using natural and readily available materials, you can enjoy your time outdoors bite-free.
Ingredients
Fresh pine or spruce branches
Dry sage, thyme, or rosemary
Birch bark
Coffee grounds (optional)
Damp soil or green leaves (for smoke control)
Instructions
Smoke Barrier Method:
Gather dry pine or spruce branches along with some birch bark.
Light a small fire and let it burn until you have hot embers.
Place damp leaves or a handful of green pine needles on top of the embers to create smoke.
Stand near the smoke or position it upwind to let the breeze carry it around you. Mosquitoes dislike the smell and will stay away.
Herbal Repellent Fire:
Toss dried sage, rosemary, or thyme into the fire.
As they smolder, they release a scent that repels insects naturally.
Coffee Grounds Trick (Optional):
If available, sprinkle used coffee grounds over embers to create a mild-smoke insect repellent.
This method is especially useful when sitting around a campfire.
Serving and Storage Tips
Since this is a natural repellent rather than food, consider preparing small bundles of dried herbs in advance for future outdoor trips.
Store dried herbs in a sealed bag to keep them fresh.
Pine and birch bark should be collected dry and stored in a waterproof container.
Variations
ADVERTISEMENT
