Bug Off: Tips to Prevent Bug Bites

Home & Family, Outdoors
on May 4, 2012

Backyard parties, ball games, swimming and other varieties of outdoor fun can be ruined when dealing with insect bites and stings. Preventing bites and stings from mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, fire ants, wasps and more is possible with five simple tips and tricks.

1. Protect your outdoor area. Eliminating standing or stagnant water from around the house can help prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. Keep gutters clean and flowing, fill in holes and low-lying areas to avoid puddle formations, cover and screen rain barrels, and change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least twice a week. To avoid attracting stinging insects such as wasps and hornets, keep all garbage containers covered with tight-fitting lids. Eliminate fire ant mounds with attractant bait.

2. Use non-toxic repellants. Plant-derived repellants such as citronella, geraniol and linalool can reduce the presence of mosquitoes and other biting bugs. The National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, has determined through testing that continuous-release diffusers using citronella, geraniol or linalool effectively repelled insects. These natural repellants can be found in other forms, including candles, sprays, lotions and even moist wipes that may be applied to the skin.

3. Chemical repellants. Chemical repellants such as DEET and picaridin can control the presence of adult mosquitoes in an area treated through spraying or with a fogger. While an outdoor fogger or spraying of bushes will help keep the insects away for several hours, it is not a long-term solution. Both DEET and picaridin can be applied to the skin and block a mosquito’s ability to find the person wearing the chemical. However, because these are chemical repellants, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Always read all warning labels and instructions on repellants before using and/or applying to your skin. Some products may not be safe for children and pregnant women. The Mayo Clinic recommends washing any repellant from the skin as soon as you come indoors.

4. Wear protective clothing. On a hot summer’s day, long sleeve shirts and pants may seem like a sweltering idea, but they can give some protection from insect bites and stings. Likewise, socks and tucking your pants into the socks can help keep your skin from being attacked. Mosquitoes are less attracted to lighter colors, so opt for whites and lights versus dark-colored clothing when spending time outdoors. Wide-brimmed hats protect from more than just harmful rays of the sun. Treat your hat with a repellant, and keep your head protected from biting bugs. Children in strollers, infant seats or outdoor playpens should be covered by mosquito netting to keep out various insects.

5. Avoidance. When outdoors for various activities, be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for wasp and hornet nests, and steer clear when you spot one. Never allow kids to play around the nests of stinging insects. Before sitting anywhere on the ground, make sure the area is clear of ant mounds. Fire ants bite. Mosquitoes typically are most active at dawn and dusk. When possible, avoid being outdoors at these times.

This article was originally published as Bug off: Tips to prevent bug bites on DailyParent.com.