Bugs and your tent...

[Bugler Don]

I was wondering what methods are used to help keep bugs and other pests out of your tents at reenactments. If there is one thing I hate, it is sharing a tent with an uninvited insects.

[huntdaw]

Limit yourself to winter events. That should do it. Other than that, you just live and cope the best you can with it - they did.

[Swag]

at least you sleep under a tent Start campaigning you get to spoon with all sorts of bugs and beasties. Really as the previous poster stated you have to just deal with it. You can always take garlic pills, helps to keep bugs away, and people as well; its natural and you don't get deet all over your gear.

[Company C, 9th KY]

I haven't done it myself but I've heard about it, the day before the event while they're setting up camp, gents would spray the area where their tents will be pitched with something like "yard guard". Critters don't bother me that much to worry about doing that. Although, ticks and chiggers do make one think a little!

Pvt. Kirk

[Bugler Don]

Ticks are main thing I want to keep away, but I figured I'd see if anyone had a special method to keep bugs away. I don't want to go through an event covered in bug bites, that plus the wool would make one itchy time, haha.

[Swag]

Also before an event you may want to just rub your body down with deet free bug lotion, not spray but lotion. Usually have ones with spf and what not in them, but usually this will help keep the creepy crawlers away during the course of the weekend; or at least keep them at a minimum. I'll do this just to make sure I don't get any ticks.

[David Meister]

to keep mosquitoes away rub some dry lye soap on your exposed skin if you're not too sensitive. My personal method is I smoke my pipe in my tent and that tends to keep the bugs away.

[harley_davis]

I have been told that if ya chew on a hunk of cake yeast prior to an event, the bugs dont pester you near so much. Havent tried it yet, cant get past chewin' on the stuff. Let me know if it works. As previous poster said, good load of tobacco in your pipe, some green wood on your fire helps. Helps make your sack coat a bit more aromatic and gives ya a headache, then ya dont notice the bugs so much.
Respectfully,

[M.Metz]

The only bugs that has ever bugged me was the overwhelming amount of grass-hoppers at Cedar Creek during the Manassas reenactment two years ago.

[7thNJcoA]

Don, The answer is sit around the Fire lol once you leave its open season Most of our Events are not that bad you wont mind it to much. Youll be fine just keep tootin your horn! Have flaps on the bottom of your tent will help a little but they are on the ground before you are. Roll yourself up in a blanket and pray the bed bugs arent biting!