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.

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