Whether you’re pitching a camping agenda or heading to the beach for a family holiday, there’s one tiny guest that always shows up uninvited: mosquitoes. Summer 2025 is shaping up to be hot and humid across the U.S.—and unfortunately, that means mosquito peak season is back in town.
As your local pharmacy team at MedPlus, we are committed to make your summer worry free, to help you stay bite-free, so you can focus on making memories—not scratching through them.
🦟 Why Mosquitoes Are Worse in Summer
Mosquitoes thrive in:
- Warm, humid weather
- Standing water (think puddles, lakes, clogged gutters)
- Low-light times like early morning and evening
And if you’re travelling to wooded or tropical areas or camping near water, you’re stepping straight into their favorite playground.
✅ 1. Cover Up at Peak Hours
Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so be extra cautious for those times.
Here are some preventive actions you can do:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants (lightweight fabrics help with the heat)
- Choose neutral colors—bright colors and floral prints attract bugs
- Avoid strong scents from perfumes or lotions that can lure mosquitoes
💧 2. Control Standing Water Around Your Campsite
Still water is a mosquito breeding paradise. The least amount of water, like a bottle cap’s worth of water, can attract hundreds of mosquitoes.
Before you settle in:
- Dump water from buckets, coolers, or dishes
- Flip over canoes, kayaks, or unused containers
- Use mosquito-safe netting if you’re near lakes or rivers
🌿 3. Use the Right Repellent for the Right Situation
No matter the products, here are some things you can find in a Repellent:
- Long-lasting protection for camping and hiking trips
- Safe-for-skin options, especially for sensitive users or babies
- Look for ingredients like Picaridin, DEET, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
- For indoor protection, look for plug-in diffusers or mosquito coils
Tip: Always follow the instructions for the duration to reapply—especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
🛌 4. Sleep with Netting (Yes, It Still Works!)
Though it might sound a little bit conventional, don’t underestimate a good mosquito net, especially if you’re sleeping in tents, cabins, or near marshy areas.
- Make sure it’s tucked in or secured so bugs can’t sneak inside
- Choose fine mesh nets that completely enclose your sleeping space
- Great for both camping and travel abroad where mosquitoes may carry viruses
🚫 5. Don’t Scratch—Treat Bites Early
Sometimes even with the best protection, there might be a slight miss and you still get bitten. The key is treating them quickly to prevent infection and ease the itch.
Pharmacist tip:
- Immediately use an anti-itch lotion or gel
- When you can’t use an anti itch lotion, quickly wash with soap and water
- Avoid scratching, which can lead to swelling, redness, or even scarring and it becomes even worse.
🧳 Travel-Ready Tips From the Pharmacy
- Pack mosquito protection in your carry-on if you’re flying
- Bring child-safe options for the little ones
- Keep after-bite care in your daypack—just in case
If you’re traveling this summer, consult with your pharmacist for the best travel friendly protection—especially if you’re headed somewhere with mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile or Zika.
🛍️ Need Help Picking What’s Right for Your Trip?
At MedPlus Pharmacy, we’re happy to walk you through the best options for your skin, your plans, and your family. All you have to do is ask what are the best protections and our experts will immediately give you our best product recommendations tailored to your needs.
📍 Visit us in-store or check out our full travel wellness section online!
