Haskill Lately: Combatting Wildfire Smoke & Mosquitoes, Plus An Easy August Reset

Late summer always seems to ask us to hold two things at once. We’re still soaking up long evenings, lake days, dinners outside, and every last bit of Montana summer, while also starting to feel that subtle pull toward routine again. August is a little bit carefree and a little bit practical, which is exactly where this week’s Haskill Lately lands.

We’re starting with one of the less glamorous realities of spending as much time outside as possible: bugs. They can make an otherwise perfect evening a lot less enjoyable. We recently rounded up some of our favorite plant-powered bug season essentials, from botanical sprays and citronella options to soothing remedies for the bites that inevitably sneak through. Consider it your late-summer outdoor toolkit for keeping the patio dinners, hikes, garden days, and weekends outside going strong.

Another very real part of August in Montana is wildfire smoke. When the air gets hazy, it can leave you feeling off even if you’re spending more time indoors. We recently revisited our guide to supporting your body during wildfire smoke exposure, with simple ideas around hydration, antioxidant-rich foods, indoor air quality, and supporting the body’s natural detox pathways. It’s not about doing anything extreme, but rather giving your body a little extra support during a season when the air isn’t always cooperating.

And finally, we’re leaning into what we’re calling the August Reset. Not a cleanse, not a total overhaul, and definitely not an attempt to rush summer out the door. It’s simply a chance to ease back into the habits that tend to make us feel better before fall schedules really kick in. Think drinking enough water, bringing protein back to breakfast, getting consistent with supplements, protecting sleep, supporting steady energy, and holding onto at least one slow summer ritual as life starts to pick up again.

That’s really the theme of this point in the season for us: enjoy what’s left of summer while taking care of yourself along the way. Keep taking the lake days, eating outside, staying up for the sunset, and saying yes to the last-minute plans. Just maybe bring the bug spray, refill your water bottle, and get to bed a little earlier when you can.

As always, you can shop our late-summer wellness favorites at Haskill Creek or stop by the Haskill Creek Wellness Bar for a smoothie, matcha, coffee, or functional add-in to help make the transition into fall feel a little easier.