How to beat bugs and insects when you're camping

Insects can deliver nasty bites and spread illness – here’s how to stop them ruining your camping trip

• If you’re going camping in Scotland, check the midge forecast before travelling at smidgeup.com. The northwest of Scotland is generally the worst affected area while the east coast tends to escape the worst. The further south you travel the fewer you’ll encounter

• Insect-repelling clothes are available from the likes of Craghoppers – its NosiLife range features all sorts of different types of clothing

• When sitting around the campfire at night, consider lighting a citronella candle. They really do work

• Thermacell has a range of battery-powered lights with built-in tablets, which emit an bug repellent chemical that is harmless to humans. You can also buy cheap camping lights with mosquito-zapping panels for your tent

• If you find yourself in a particularly heavily infested area, wear long sleeves, a hat, and even tuck your trousers into your socks. You’re not going to win any style awards but better that than be covered in huge red welts

• In the UK, midges (Scotland) and mosquitoes (south of England) will be your biggest enemies. Wear insect repellent to fend them off. Some campers swear by Avon’s Skin So Soft to deter midges

• Keep the inner tent closed as much as possible to keep bugs out – and in hot weather open the main doors but leave the mesh panels zipped up. You’ll still get plenty of ventilation without unwelcome visitors

• If bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting an infection, such as Lyme disease. Grab the tick as close to the skin as you can, and gently pull straight up until all parts are removed. Using petroleum jelly, alcohol, or a lit match to remove a tick does not work

• Repellents containing DEET are very effective but the aggressive chemical has been declared a health hazard. Look out for products that are DEET-free

• If you find modern chemical warfare doesn’t work, try more traditional methods. There are tales that eating Marmite and garlic will discourage the attentions of biting insects – but don’t expect to make any new friends

• Insects are attracted by bright colours, perfumes and deodorants, so stick to camouflage greens or subdued colours

• Mosquitoes enjoy breeding around still or stagnant water, so avoid these areas as much as possible

• Steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, or antihistamines (cream or tablets) are available over the counter at pharmacies and will help to ease any itchiness and inflammation from bites.

• If you get stung, it often helps to use a cold compress on the bite. Take the ice from your partner’s gin and tonic and wrap it in a tea towel or similar cloth. Never place ice directly on skin

• If in doubt about any insect bite, seek medical advice, especially if redness spreads or swelling doesn't clear up after a couple of days