Bug Bite Prevention Tips

May 19, 2026 | Categories: Health

During bug bite season, many people seem like a holiday feast to plenty of hungry insects.

But too many insect bites or bad reactions to bites and stings can put a damper on outdoor activities and in some cases, require medical attention.¹

Here’s what to do to help prevent bug bites, what to look for in a bug spray, and other measures that can help enjoy the outdoors and keep the bugs away.

Common bug bites

The term “bug bite” in scientific literature actually refers to bites and stings from members of the phylum Arthropoda in the animal kingdom, which includes insects and spiders.²

The most common bug bites or stings from insects include those from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, bees, wasps, chiggers, spiders and fire ants.

Why prevent insect bites?

Bug bites can range from a temporary nuisance to downright painful. Some people react to insect bites and stings. Some of those reactions can include:³

A puffy, reddish bump soon after you’ve been bit
A blister bug bite
Bug bite swelling around the site
Dark spots that look like bruises
Serious allergic reactions to bug bites that include skin rashes, itching or hives, swelling of lips, tongue or throat, wheezing and trouble breathing, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea
A toxic reaction is a non-allergic reaction where the body reacts like it’s been poisoned by the insect venom and it can look similar to an allergic reaction, but can also include fever, fainting, seizures, shock and death
Some bug bites cause serum sickness with symptoms that can be similar to the flu

Allergic and non-allergic reactions are not the only risks associated with bug bites. Some bites can get infected. Many insects such as mosquitoes, can spread serious diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and Zika virus.³

How to prevent bug bites

While it may not be possible to prevent all bug bites, there are some things people can do to protect themselves from being bitten or stung:⁴

Skip scented products. Perfumes, scented body washes and soaps can attract bugs, according to Arnaz Ensani, Pharmacist in Charge, Mickey Fine Pharmacy & Snack Shop, Century City, CA.
Cover up with clothing. Where possible, wear long sleeves and pants, which can be very helpful to prevent bug bites. Light colors and tightly woven fabrics like those in athletic clothing can also help. For extra protection, spray clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that should not be used on skin.
Apply bug spray. An effective mosquito repellant spray can go a long way in helping to keep bugs at bay (more below).

Other tips include plugging in a fan to create a breeze that can help keep bugs away, wearing mosquito-repellant wristbands or ankle bands, avoiding the outdoors during peak insect hours (often when the sun rises or sets), getting rid of standing water to prevent mosquito breeding grounds, adding potent plants such as citronella, lavender and basil to the outdoor space, trimming long grass and checking the body for ticks, and keeping an eye out for wasps, bees and hornets.

What to look for in bug spray

While these tips can help with bug bite prevention, the most effective solution is using bug sprays. Bug repellants are available over the counter at the local pharmacy as well as in many stores.

A variety of products with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and more, may be available.⁴ Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider for products suitable for children and those with other conditions (such as pregnancy or breast-feeding).

Insect repellents can be very effective in preventing bug bites or reducing the number of insect bites. Here’s what to keep in mind when applying bug spray:⁵

Apply outdoors to exposed skin or clothing
Don’t spray in the face, around the eyes, nose and mouth (spray on hands then apply to face gently)
Avoid breathing in the product
Don’t use bug spray over wounds or irritated skin
Don’t apply bug spray to children’s hands
Check the label for instructions and warnings

Once back inside, remove the sprayed clothing and wash the skin where bug spray was applied.

Despite the best intentions, the occasional bug bite may still happen.

Sources

1: University of Georgia Extension. Stinging and Biting Pests. Published with Major Revisions on Oct 26, 2022. https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C782&title=stinging-and-biting-pests

2: Powers J, McDowell RH. Insect Bites. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 January. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537235/

3: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Insect Allergies. Reviewed: October 2015. Last accessed: September 2023. https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/insect-allergy/

4: California Department of Public Health. EPA-Registered Repellant Ingredients. Last updated: June, 2023. Last accessed: September 2023. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/EPA-Registered-Repellent-Ingredients.aspx5: United States Environmental Protection Agency. Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. Updated July 6, 2023. Last accessed September 2023. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively

4: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment. Updated May, 2023. Last accessed September, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/symptoms.html

(June 2024 on McKesson Health Mart’s blog.)