HRC Insurance Blog

Insect Bite Prevention

Mosquitoes and ticks can transmit several infectious diseases to humans. In Canada, two potentially serious but preventable diseases acquired from biting arthropods are West Nile Virus (transmitted by mosquitoes) and Lyme disease (transmitted by ticks). It’s important to protect yourself from bites, whether you’re outside enjoying the weather or at the cottage. Here are some tips to prevent insect bites while enjoying the outdoors.

• Ticks are the most active from April – September and are mostly found in wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
• Chemical repellents repel mosquitoes, but not because mosquitoes don’t like the smell of the repellent. The chemical DEET is very effective at masking the smell of carbon dioxide and lactic acid. When you are wearing DEET the mosquitoes can’t smell you so they leave you alone.
• The most effective repellents contain 20-30% DEET. Avoid spraying directly on the face and do not breathe in.
• Make sure products are approved before applying to a child. Avoid applying to the hands and face.
• If you would like to minimize the amount of repellent used, apply at the times of the day when the insects are the most active.
• If you would like to try a more natural approach against mosquitoes, try Lemon Eucalyptus Oil.
• Cover exposed skin by wearing light coloured clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat. Tuck shirts into pants as well as pants into socks and wear closed toe shoes instead of sandals to prevent bites.
•  Do not use products that contain both insect repellent and sunscreen. Apply sunscreen first while letting it soak into the skin for about 15 minutes, then apply the repellent.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors. Check your entire body (underarms, in and around your ears, your belly button, behind your knees, around your waist, and especially in your hair). Use a hand-held or full length mirror to view all parts of your body. 

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