I Hate Flies When Camping!
ARGH! THESE FLIES!!! I’ve lost count of how many times those words have fallen out of my mouth when I encounter flies when camping in my Coaster Bus. Usually with accompanying expletives, a burst of sweat induced agitation and a promise to NEVER GO CAMPING IN SUMMER AGAIN!!!
Honestly, give me snakes or a mouse plague any day, but sticky flies that don’t get the message when you yell and flap around like a mad woman – no thanks!
Three Reasons Why You Don’t Want Flies Around Your Toyota Coaster Campsite
Aside from being annoying as hell, here’s some fun facts that might convince you to employ any means possible to keep them away!
- Did you know… Flies are partial to vomiting at any given opportunity because they lack teeth. They will regurgitate digestive enzymes so they can liquefy it before sucking it up (gross!)
- They poo. ALL.THE.TIME. So there’s a good chance that they are using you as a literal dumping ground.
- They are literally born in rot. Decaying matter, rotting meat or – dare I say it again- poo.
Best Five Solutions For Dealing With Flies When Camping
Thankfully there are some tried and tested solutions out there to deal with flies when camping. As always we will have a look at a range of options to suit most budgets.
1. Head Net/Fly Net
I will not attempt any camping, hikes or outdoor activity in summer without a net that goes over my entire hat and head. Whilst a leafy branch waved around your person is good at a stretch to deal with flies when camping, having a head net to preserve your sanity is a good starting point.
A mesh head net completely prevents flies from landing on your face and neck area, and at the same time allows the breeze and oxygen to get in so you can still breath. For these reasons, this is my number one choice of fly management when camping.
2. Clothing
Long, light coloured clothing will deter the little %$^& from landing on your skin and sticking like glue. I’m talking long sleeved shirts like hiking shirts, or fishing shirts. Long pants such as hiking pants or other light weight, breathable trousers are also good to keep the flies off your skin.
The trade off is of course that in an Australian summer, this can just add to your discomfort and overall sweatage! As a bonus though, your skin will be protected from the sun as well as the flies, mosquitoes and other bugs when camping.
3. Insect Repellent
Sprays and lotions containing DEET are a great option to deter flies when camping. DEET (or Diethyltoluamide) was actually developed for the US army in the 1940’s and has been used worldwide ever since as an ingredient in insect deterrents. It doesn’t actually kill insects, but flies and other insects really don’t like it. For this reason it is one of the best deterrents on the market.
Bushmans, Aerogard and RID are popular fly repellent products that contain DEET, and are currently available in Australia. Keep some in your Toyota Coaster bus so you always have it on hand.
Personally, I try to opt for a more natural solution first before lathering myself in chemicals.
4. Natural Remedies
Applying diluted essential oils to your skin or clothing can help create a natural barrier to flies and other insects when camping. Oils such as Jojoba, lavender, peppermint and tea tree are popular options. These are great products to store in your Coaster Bus so you have easy access to them when required.
Other natural products that have been proven to work are citronella candles or oil. Smoke from your camp fire is yet another great asset in the war against flies. Not only is the smoke a natural fly repellent, but you can stoke it up with rosemary and sage bushes to make it extra distasteful for flies.
5. Camping Hygiene
Keep your campsite in and around your Toyota Coaster Motorhome neat and tidy to give yourself the best chance of keep away the flies when camping. Store food away safely in sealed containers, ensure you have a good toilet system in place, and try to eat away from your sleeping area. If there are flies around, they will hopefully be concentrated in the one location – well that’s the theory!
Ensure rubbish is sealed and stored away from your campsite, and properly disposed of as soon as possible.
What’s your solution for dealing with flies when camping?
Of all the options presented here, the head net is my favourite way to manage flies when camping.
We’d love to hear how you deal with the fly problem. Got some tips that we haven’t included here? Send them to us and we will include a list of them in our next Coaster Bus Life newsletter.
Happy Coasting!
