Tips to avoid bug bites while hiking

Bugs bites can ruin a hiking trip, but with the right clothes and correct use of insect repellent, most bug bites can be avoided.

Bugs could potentially be a problem in almost any outdoor location at any hour, but certain terrains and times are more troublesome. Many animals are most active at dawn and dusk, and mosquitoes and other bloodsucking insects take advantage of this by seeking out meals during these times of day.

Extra caution should also be taken when hiking near standing water, which is where mosquitoes breed. Standing water frequently occurs in swamps and marshes, as well as along riverbanks, and in a rainy climate, could appear almost anywhere.

When hiking in cold weather, you'll likely have most of your skin covered and that will provide you with significant protection from bugs. On the other hand, in warm weather, hikers often seek to cool off by wearing shorts and T-shirts, and men might hike with no shirt at all.

It's important to resist the temptation to wear sparse clothing while hiking. Instead, hikers should cover up with thin, breathable clothing in warm weather. Where mosquitoes are most dangerous, this could include wearing a hat with an attached mosquito net to protect the face and neck. Another advanced means of bug bite prevention is to wear permethrin-treated clothing, which contains an insecticide built into the fabric.

The most common and effective types of bug repellents contain the active chemical DEET. DEET is found in both cream and sprays. It remains effective for several hours and should be reapplied throughout the day. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label to ensure that you are fully protected.

Though DEET is safe if used correctly (contact with eyes should be avoided), some people prefer natural products. Natural bug repellents are made from herbs such as lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, clove, cedar, geranium, rosemary, and thyme.

Bug bites can be annoying or even cause dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease carried by deer ticks or malaria transmitted by mosquitoes in some tropical countries. By taking the precautions given above, you can greatly reduce the chance that insects diminish the joy of your hiking trip or cause you harm.