Sunday, December 29, 2013

Earwigs and Other Pests

With Ragnarok only six months away what has been weighing most heavily on my mind?

Earwigs.


And if you were there last year, you would have noted that they are increasingly prevalent.

The good news is that Pennsic peoples have been dealing with earwigs and ants for years, and this is what they recommend.

1. Peppermint oil to repel ants. Spreading this in a line around the tents and food areas will keep ants away. It is recommended to get high quality peppermint oil. Also has the added benefit of repelling spiders.


2. Cedar chips and planks to repel earwigs. Cooper's does not like mulch spread around, so we would have to be careful to clean the chips up afterwards but if they are placed on the ground tarp around the tent they are supposed to be effective in preventing earwig invasion. Put the cedar planks inside suitcases and clothing chests to prevent stowaways



3. Garlic. One person suggested keeping an unpeeled bulb of garlic in your tent as it has natural insect repellent properties and then using it for dinner the night before you leave. We've used garlic spray to great effect in the past and I am hoping to get some for next year. This stuff is great for driving away things like gnats and mosquitoes.


Best of luck with all the creepy crawlies in you life that you never wanted there. IF anyone has more suggestions, I would love to hear them.


2 comments:

  1. This is extremely helpful info. thank you! what herbal or food quality prevention do you suggest for people at rag you wish to skip your camp though? lol

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