Keep the Bugs at Bay
Eight Tips for a Bug Free
Summer
By: Dr. Brian Aw, M.D., and C.C.F.P.
(NC)–With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person
in Ontario, most of us spend a great deal of our summers
swatting away these pesky insects. Protecting yourself against
mosquitoes will not only make your summer more enjoyable, it
will help prevent you and your family from getting annoying and
sometimes dangerous bug bites.
As a family physician, I recommend the following tips for a
bug free summer.
• Stay Scent-Free. Avoid using scented soaps, lotions and
shampoos.
• Gear Up. Cover your skin as completely as possible. This
may be challenging by the beach, but when possible wear long
sleeves, pants and socks.
• Be Colour Conscious. Mosquitoes are attracted to blue, so
avoid this colour and stick to neutral colours.
• Use Repellent. Repellents containing DEET are most
effective for areas with heavy mosquito or tick infestation.
• Alternative Repellents. When applied frequently,
citronella-based repellents can provide the same bug protection
as products containing low concentrations of DEET. I recommend
Natrapel®, which contains 10 percent citronella to ward off
bugs for up to two hours.
• Meal Time. Be alert to the time of day when certain
insects are most active such as dawn and twilight.
• Check Point. Upon returning indoors, check your children
and yourself for bites.
• Treatment. Sunburn and bite treatment products should be
included in every outdoor adventurer’s travel kit.
Dr. Brian Aw is a general practitioner specializing in travel
medicine.
For more tips on bug bite prevention and product information
visit: www.tendercorp.com/canada
- News Canada
