Enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, tanning, and barbecuing is a perk of warmer weather. Along with these benefits, there are a few annoying bugs bites. These annoying pests, which like warm climates, can ruin anyone’s summertime activities. However, there are methods to keep insects away so you may enjoy the weather. Despite the fact that the majority of bug bites are benign, some can spread harmful conditions such the Zika virus, dengue, Lyme disease, and malaria. It’s crucial to take precautions to lower your risk, especially if you’re travelling to regions where recognised insect-borne diseases are prevalent.
How are bug bites treated?
Dermatologists suggest the following precautions to help avoid insect bites:
- Use insect repellent: Use insect repellent that includes 20 to 30 percent DEET to protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, and other bugs. Always read the label on the repellent and reapply as necessary. Apply your sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply the bug repellent if you’re also wearing sunscreen. Avoid applying sunscreen that has insect repellent in it. In contrast to bug bites repellent, which should be used sparingly, sunscreen must be applied freely and frequently.
- Don’t forget to dress properly: Wear the proper clothing if you’re going to be outdoors at night or going on a hike through a lot of trees to avoid getting bug bites . Wear long-sleeved shirts, slacks, socks, and closed-toed shoes rather than sandals to cover as much exposed skin as you can.
Pull your socks up over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants for added protection. Additionally, you can use insect repellent with the active component Permethrin to pre-treat exterior layers of clothes. Pay close attention to the instructions and wait at least two hours before donning the clothes.
- Use bed nets to avoid bug bites: To avoid bug bites while sleeping outside, use bed nets. Look for one that has already received pyrethroid pesticide treatment. For best safety, tuck it under the mattress if it doesn’t reach the floor.
- Keep an eye out for outbreaks: Visit the CDC Travel Health Notices and pay attention to travel advisories and warnings. Conlon cautions that when utilising natural repellents that are applied directly to the skin, it’s crucial to utilise EPA certified products and to always read the labels. Applying a tiny drop of essential oil to the inside of your forearm will help you determine whether you have sensitive skin or any known skin allergies.
Here are 7 natural techniques to avoid getting bug bites:
1.Citrus Eucalyptus
Lemon eucalyptus, an EPA-registered repellent, is recognised by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an active component in repellent for bug bites.
2. Petunia Oil
The majority of people are aware of bug bites . However, it can also be smoke like a cigarette or utilise as a culinary herb. And studies indicate that it can repel bug too.
3. Oil of Peppermint
The American College of Healthcare Sciences, situated in Portland, Oregon, claims that peppermint oil is a natural insecticide and mosquito deterrent. To give your skin a minty aroma, combine this oil with other scents like lemon.
4. Oil of lemongrass
Lemongrass oil is similar to over-the-counter insect repellents. It is said that adding another essential oil, such as cinnamon bark oil, will enhance the repellent properties of lemongrass oil.
Any ponds or pools in your backyard or home can develop fast into a mosquito breeding area. Following are some guidelines to keep these insects away from the region around your home:
- Cleaning up roof gutters
- Removing all children’s pools
- Weekly water replacement for any birdbaths
- Ensuring that rain does not collect on trash bin lids
- Keeping empty containers like flower pots upside-down