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Summer is a short season and a time when we want to spend as much time as possible outside enjoying the heat and sunshine. Unfortunately, summer also brings the bugs. Many summer outings have been ruined by mosquitoes, black flies, bees and wasps, and ticks. The best ways to prevent bug bites is to use bug repellent and cover up well. Before you happen to be bitten it’s good to know the common types of biting insects and how to treat their bites. Mosquito bites are the most common bites that we experience when outdoors. Mosquito season can last from early spring until late fall. The worst times of the day for mosquitoes are early in the morning and during the evening. But if you happen to be having a damp summer, or are in heavily forested or swampy areas, the mosquitoes can be out all day. The best way to prevent being attacked by mosquitoes is to avoid the worst times of the day and wear long sleeves, pants and socks and bug repellent spray. Particularly viscous mosquitoes can bite through fabric so even covering up may not work if there is a large population. If you are bitten apply calamine lotion or an anti-itch cream. Black flies are prevalent in heavily wooded areas and cottage country. They are usually a nuisance in the spring months but can last all summer in some areas. Black fly bites, like mosquito bites, can be prevented by covering up your skin with long sleeves, pants and socks. Unfortunately, they like to bite the head area, especially the scalp, so wear a hat at all times. Luckily, they cannot bite through fabric. Clean bites with soap and water and apply an anti-itch cream. If you experience a large number of bites an oral antihistamine may be necessary to control the itching. Ticks are tiny black insects that bury their head in your skin when they bite and swell up with your blood as they suck. Ticks can latch on to your skin for as long as 24 hours. Ticks live in heavily forested areas so it is important to wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves and long pants tucked into your socks if you know there are ticks in your area. Use bug repellent that contains DEET to prevent bites. When you leave forested areas make sure you check your skin and your pets for ticks. If you find a tick on your skin use tweezers to carefully remove it. You do not want to remove the body and leave the head attached. Don’t squeeze the tick as this can cause the contents of the tick stomach to be injected into your bloodstream which can cause an infection. Once you have safely removed the tick wash your skin with soap and water. Bees and wasps are common pests that we see when picnicking. The easiest way to avoid being stung is to avoid these insects. If you happen to be stung by a bee remove the stinger with your fingers. A wasp does not leave its stinger behind when it stings. Wash the area with soap and water and if you experience a lot of pain apply an ice pack. If you experience any signs of allergy like trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth and face, dizziness and nausea and vomiting get to a hospital immediately. Men magazines and women to women magazines can provide more information during the summer season about these common bug bites and their treatment.
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insect bites, bugs, mosquitoes, black flies, itching,
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