When teaching outdoors, bug bites are a common concern. Protect your students and yourself from bugs by using these easy preventative measures. With the right preparation, you can make teaching in the outdoors a pleasant and bug-free experience. In this article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at how to avoid bug bites in an outdoor classroom.
1. Making Your Classroom Bug-Proof
Do a Thorough Clean Up
The first thing you should do is to clean up your outdoor classroom. Make sure to clear away any sources of standing water, remove piles of leaves, and clear away any trash. Standing water and piles of leaves and debris provide a haven for bugs. Clear away any weeds, as well as grass clippings.
Apply a Repellent
You can also use insect repellent or essential oils to keep bugs away. Apply the repellent to windows, door frames, and on the walls of your outdoor classroom. If using an essential oil, you can apply the oil directly to the affected area or you can use it in an aroma diffuser to keep the bugs away.
Install Mesh Screens
Mesh screens are a great way to keep bugs away. They come in a variety of sizes and can be easily installed on windows and doors. This will help to keep out larger bugs, while smaller bugs will be unable to penetrate the mesh.
2. Clothing and Accessories
Wear Pants and Long Sleeves
When outdoors, it is best to wear long pants and long sleeves. This will help to cover any exposed skin that may be vulnerable to bug bites. Choose light-colored clothing as dark colors will attract bugs.
Opt for Closed Toe Shoes
Bugs tend to be attracted to open-toe shoes. Therefore, it is best to opt for closed toe shoes such as sneakers or boots. This will help to keep your feet out of reach of any bugs.
Accessory Tips
In addition to wearing the right clothing, you should also consider wearing accessories that can help to keep bugs away. Hats with mesh nets can help to keep bugs away from your face, as well as sunglasses. If you are teaching during the evening, you can wear firefly-proof glasses to keep the fireflies away from your eyes.
3. Insect Repellents
Citronella
Citronella is an effective way to keep away a wide variety of bugs, including mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums. You can use citronella candles, oils, or sprays to create a protective barrier around your classroom.
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is another natural insect repellent. It is a safe and effective way to keep away mosquitoes and other biting bugs. You can purchase natural lemon eucalyptus oil and apply it directly to the skin or diffuse it in the air.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a great option for keeping away numerous bugs including ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. It is a natural repellent that is safe to use around children and pets. You can use neem oil directly on the skin or mix it with a carrier oil for a more pleasant scent.
4. Other Prevention Tips
Brush Away Bugs
If you come across any bugs while teaching outdoors, you can brush them away using a fly swatter. This is a safe and non-toxic way to get rid of any pesky bugs.
Use Air Movement
Using fans and other air movement tools can help to keep bugs away. Place strategically placed fans in your outdoor classroom to create a type of breeze that will keep the bugs away.
Turn Off Lights
Light attracts bugs and can make your outdoor classroom even more inviting to them. Turn off any lights that are not needed and keep the lights off as much as possible.
People Also Ask
Are bug bites dangerous?
Most bugs are harmless and their bites are not dangerous; however, some types of bug bites can result in severe allergic reactions.
What can I spray around a classroom to keep bugs away?
Spray insect repellent such as citronella or lemon eucalyptus oil around the area, or use a fan to create an air current that will keep the bugs away.
Are bug repellents safe for children?
Yes, most insect repellents are safe for children, when applied as directed. Look for EPA-registered repellents with natural ingredients.
What is the best way to protect yourself from bug bites?
The best way to protect yourself from bug bites is to wear light colored clothing, long pants and sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, avoid wearing fragrant lotions, hair products and perfumes as they can attract bugs.
Are there any natural remedies to keep bugs away?
Yes, there are several natural remedies that can be used to keep bugs away, such as essential oils (citronella, lemon eucalyptus, neem oil), spraying vinegar, and using fans to create an air current.
Final Words
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your outdoor classroom bug-free. Take the necessary precautions and use natural bug repellents to ensure that bugs stay away and students can learn in a pest-free environment. Don’t forget to use a combination of protective clothing, mesh screens, and bug repellents to keep bugs away from your outdoor classroom.