Summer means sun, time at the beach and evenings spent outdoors.

Unfortunately it also means that bugs are everywhere. Mosquitos in particular are hard to avoid, and their bite can really itch and irritate your skin. The best way to fight off those pesky bugs is by using an insect repellent when you’re outdoors, especially at night.

The ingredients in bug sprays vary widely, so read the labels to make sure you’re getting what you need.

Insect repellent includes chemicals such as DEET and picaridin, as well as natural or synthetic plant oils such as oil of lemon eucalyptus. These repellents, if applied correctly, offer long lasting protection, repelling mosquitoes, ticks and many fly species.

DEET is the most common and one of the most proven ingredients in mosquito repellent.  DEET repels mosquitos by hindering their ability to smell humans and driving them away. If a bug does land on you, DEET makes your skin taste bad too.

Application

A mosquito can find an unprotected area of skin the size of a 50 cent coin, therefore to protect against bites, you need to ensure ALL exposed skin is covered. Pay extra attention to hard to reach areas such as the backs of the legs, knees and around the ankles and feet.

Follow these precautions when applying insect repellent:

• do not apply bug sprays over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin

• use just enough insect repellent to cover exposed skin and clothing

• do not use under clothing

• avoid putting on too much bug spray

• after returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water

• wash treated clothing before wearing it again

• do not spray in enclosed areas

• to apply to face, spray on hands first and then rub on face. Do not spray directly onto face

• always read and apply according to product labels