Being outside sometimes comes with a price. Here are some suggestions on how to squash those buzzing mosquitoes during your trip:

Wear light-coloured, protective clothing, like loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants made of tightly woven fabrics. Zippers are preferable as compared to garments with buttons. Tuck in wherever possible. Finally, wear a head net.

Floral-scented soaps, hair sprays and deodorants attract mosquitoes. So avoid them. Biters home in on sweat, body heat and carbon dioxide as well. Pace yourself to avoid breathing too hard. Wear venting clothing to keep perspiration to a minimum.

Build a low-impact campfire if regulations allow. The smoke tends to discourage mosquitoes.

Talk to the locals before you go. Biter populations are so variable, it makes sense to chat up with those in the know. Try hunting and fishing stores, guides and outfitters.

Choose your campsites carefully. Mosquitoes tend to concentrate in very isolated areas, especially around marshes and in deep forests. Whenever possible, stay out of the shadows and steer toward windy areas like ridges and mountaintops. When you pitch your tent, pick your perch carefully. Try to camp where it’s dry.

Calm the itch if the biting buggers still manage to get to you. If possible, make a paste of baking soda and water, then dab it on the bite. Taking Vitamin B6 before and during your tip has also been known for repeling mosquitoes.