Bug bites are an irritation of spring and summer that we may be accustomed to, but in some circumstances they can also be quite serious.
In Canada there are two main disease concerns from mosquitoes and ticks: West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. If travelling abroad we can add malaria and other nasty diseases, too.
In either case, avoiding the bite in the first place is a sound strategy.
Repellents are often the first choice for preventing insect bites. These are not the same as insecticides, which should never be used on people.
Repellents provide varying levels of protection against mosquito and tick bites. The variations come from type of product, ingredients and concentrations, along with personal factors like sweating or getting wet and towelling off.
The most effective product to deter insects is one containing DEET, a chemical which effectively makes you invisible to them.
Products containing up to 30 per cent DEET are good for those age 12 or older and should be good for about six hours against mosquitoes; less for ticks.
It can be reapplied as needed. For children ages six months to 12 years, concentrations of 10 per cent or less are best, and reapplication should be no more than once.
For infants, never use DEET. Instead, non-chemical options exist, including mosquito netting.
DEET may be very effective, but it is not the only choice. Alternatives include products containing 2 per cent soybean oil. This entirely natural choice is safe to apply as often as you wish and will protect against mosquitoes for about 90 minutes.
In fact, a 2002 study found that this was the most effective natural alternative to DEET; indeed, it was better than some low concentrations of the chemical.
Applying insect repellents safely also matters. If spraying, do so in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.
For those areas, spray onto the hands and rub in, then wash your hands. It is not necessary to flood the skin or clothing - just a light coating works great. If also using sunscreen, apply it first and leave it for 20 minutes to absorb, then apply the repellent.
There is more we can do to avoid being bitten in the first place. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk so avoid those times to be outdoors if possible.
They also like dark clothing; wear light coloured clothes. The ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed is stale, standing water. Avoid inviting them in by removing all standing water around your property.
Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least twice a week; cover rain barrels with mosquito netting; empty overflowing plant dishes. In other words, remove the 'mosquito motel' signs.
Avoiding tick bites means walking away from the edges of paths or away from bushes and tall grass. This is one place to come into contact with ticks who will hitch a ride on your skin or clothing.
Once you are back, do a thorough check for ticks on clothing, skin and hair (and don't forget your dog).
Have a safe and fun spring and summer in the outdoors, but be prepared, too.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for the Sea to Sky.
