Although they are usually not serious and typically get better in a few days, insect bites can be a real annoyance. They can be itchy, unpleasant and, in some cases, they can get infected or cause serious illnesses such as Lyme disease or scabies.
Whether you are travelling or spending time outdoors, it’s only natural you would want to prevent insect bites. There are plenty of ways you can protect yourself, and we recommend you use a combination of our suggestions to keep the bugs at bay.
How to avoid insect bites
If you’re about to spend time in places you know you’re likely to be bitten by insects, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what an insect bite might look like and take a few steps to protect yourself. We have listed some of the most effective ways to avoid insect bites.
Use insect repellent
One of the easiest ways to avoid insect bites is to apply insect repellent to your exposed skin. You want to look for products containing 20%-50% di-ethyltoluamide (DEET) as they are proven to be best for preventing mosquito bites.
If you’re allergic to DEET, seek out repellents containing eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil repellents offer a distinct active ingredient that effectively repels mosquitoes and other insects without triggering a DEET allergy.
We recommend that you always follow the instructions on the label and reapply as directed, especially if you’re outdoors for a long time, sweating or swimming. If you’re using repellent on a child, take extra care to choose one that is suitable for their age and always supervise application.
Cover up with long clothing
Another very easy way to avoid insect bites is to cover up with long clothing. Wearing a long-sleeved top or shirt, trousers, a hat and closed shoes will reduce your chances of getting bitten. Choosing light-coloured clothing can also be a really helpful trick, as it makes it easier to spot insects so you can remove them, as well as being less attractive to mosquitoes.
If you’re worried about crawling insects like ticks, it can also be a good idea to choose clothing with secured cuffs – or to DIY it. For example, tucking your trouser legs into your socks can help to prevent ticks from easily reaching your legs if you have to go into long grass.
Put up window screens and mosquito nets
While the UK has fewer mosquitoes than tropical regions, using screens and nets to keep insects out of your living spaces is an easy way to naturally prevent bites. Window screens, especially magnetic ones, are popular in the UK because they are simple to install and remove, making them a practical choice for peak insect months during the spring and summer.
Sleeping under a mosquito net is also common in areas with high mosquito populations, and may be a useful precaution if you’re travelling abroad. You can also get pop-up or portable versions designed for use in tents – ideal for camping trips.
Avoid common habitats
Spending time in certain environments and habitats can increase your likelihood of being bitten by insects.
- Damp and wooded areas: Take care in damp, wooded or grassy areas, as mosquitoes and midges tend to thrive in these environments. If you need to spend time in these places, use insect repellent and cover up with appropriate clothing.
- Stagnant water: Insects (especially mosquitoes) love to hang around stagnant water. This is because it provides an ideal environment for them to lay eggs and for larvae to develop.
- Long grass and bushes: These areas are prime habitats for ticks. Stick to clear footpaths and check your body for ticks after outdoor activities. Carrying a tick removal kit is also a good idea.
- Food and waste areas: Compost piles, rubbish bins and areas where food is eaten outside often attract stinging insects, such as wasps and bees.
- Be mindful of peak activity times: Most insects are very active during dusk and dawn. If possible, plan your outdoor activities for other times of day to reduce your chances of being bitten.
If you do get bitten, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to treat insect bites, and help is here if you’re ever unsure of what to do. Whatever your outdoor plans are, enjoy the fresh air with peace of mind knowing you can prevent and protect against insect bites.
