Hot weather brings out bugs that love to bite or sting us. How can you avoid them, and what should you do if you get bitten? Here’s what pharmacists recommend.
Know which bugs to watch out for
Recent heatwaves have led to more wasps around, says Claire Nevinson, a pharmacist at Boots UK. “Wasp stings can be painful and sometimes trigger allergies,” adds Ian Budd, a pharmacist for Chemist4U. “Hornets and bees are less aggressive, but horsefly bites can get inflamed or infected if scratched. Midges and mosquitoes—though not malaria-carrying—can still be a nuisance. Ticks in grassy or wooded areas may carry Lyme disease.”
Virginia Chachati, a pharmacist and health expert, advises extra caution in certain places. “Midges and mosquitoes thrive in forests and long grass, so be careful when hiking or camping. Farm animals may carry ticks, and standing water—even small puddles—can quickly become breeding grounds for bugs. Empty paddling pools after use to avoid attracting them.”
Nevinson adds that mosquitoes and midges are most active in the early morning and evening.
Cover up with light, loose clothing
Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially when outdoors. “Ankles and wrists are common targets,” says Budd. Chachati suggests light-colored clothes—dark shades can attract hornets, while white makes it easier to spot ticks. “A hat helps too, especially for those with less hair, as scalp bites happen.” Avoid bright colors like yellow, which can draw wasps.
Stay calm around wasps
“Wasps often show up at picnics or near food,” says Nevinson. If one lands on you, don’t panic. “Waving your arms irritates them,” Chachati explains. “Stay still, or gently slide paper under them and cover with a clear cup to release them safely.”
Use repellent
Chachati, who has worked in travel clinics, recommends DEET-based repellents. “Choose the highest strength you can tolerate without skin irritation, even for kids.”
By taking these steps, you can reduce your chances of getting bitten—and know how to handle it if you do.Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text while keeping the original meaning:
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In some areas, insect bites can lead to diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika, and tick-borne encephalitis. If you can’t use Deet, alternatives like icaridin and IR3535 also work well.
“Deet is highly effective against insects,” says Budd. “But there are concerns about its environmental impact when used in large amounts. More eco-friendly options, like citronella-based repellents, are available. If those don’t work well enough, you might need to switch to chemical repellents.”
Avoid bright colors
Yellow and other bright shades can attract wasps.
Apply sunscreen first
“Always put on sunscreen before insect repellent,” advises Chachati. “The repellent should be the outer layer to keep bugs away. Keep in mind that Deet can reduce sunscreen effectiveness, so you may need to reapply more often. Also, it can transfer ink from printed materials to your skin, so be cautious when handling papers.”
Skip the fragrance
“Contrary to popular belief, bugs aren’t drawn to poor hygiene—they’re attracted to scents,” says Budd.
“Avoid heavily scented perfumes, deodorants, or lotions,” adds Chachati. “You might smell like flowers to them.”
Maybe skip the beer
“A small 2002 study found that drinking beer made people more likely to get mosquito bites,” says Chachati. “Out of 13 participants, most were bitten more after drinking. So maybe skip beer at barbecues—though that’s easier said than done.”
Budd also debunks the idea that gin and tonic helps: “People once believed the quinine in tonic water protected against malaria, but you’d need to drink an impractical amount for it to work.”
Clean bites and stings promptly
“If you get bitten or stung, wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection,” says Chachati. “If soap isn’t available, use antiseptic wipes or cream.”
“Most minor bites and stings heal on their own,” says Nevinson. “For swelling, use a cold compress and elevate the affected limb if possible.”
“Hydrocortisone cream helps with inflammation,” adds Budd. “For natural options, lavender or tea-tree oil can repel insects and act as antiseptics. Aloe vera is cooling and anti-inflammatory.”
Resist the urge to scratch
“Antihistamine creams or tablets can ease itching,” says Budd. “Scratching makes it worse by increasing inflammation and infection risk. You’re breaking the skin’s natural barrier and introducing bacteria.”
Remove ticks and stings carefully
“When a tick bites, it embeds itself in your skin,” says Budd. “Use fine-tip tweezers to grip it close to the skin and pull upward slowly. Clean the area afterward.”
Nevinson warns: “A red ring around the bite could indicate Lyme disease—seek medical help immediately. Early treatment is key.” Chachati suggests keeping the tick for testing.
Avoid tweezers for bee stings
Bugs are drawn to body heat and sweat—warmer skin makes you a more appealing target.
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Remove the Stinger
“If you get stung by a bee, the stinger stays in your skin and keeps pumping venom—even after the bee is gone,” says Budd. “You need to remove it quickly. Scrape it sideways with a fingernail or a bank card—don’t pinch it, as that can push more venom in. Wasps and hornets don’t leave stingers behind because theirs are retractable.”
Take Antimalarials
“Malaria can be deadly,” warns Chachati. Mosquitoes spread dangerous diseases and are responsible for more deaths than any other creature. If you’re traveling to a malaria-risk area, always take antimalarials. “Check a malaria map or the Fit for Travel website, and consult a professional about which medication to take.”
Know When to Seek Help
“Your reaction to a bite or sting depends on how your body handles the insect’s saliva or venom,” says Budd. “Some people have mild swelling, while others may experience severe allergic reactions like trouble breathing or a swollen tongue—this is anaphylaxis, which requires an EpiPen. For minor reactions, antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream can help. But if you have difficulty breathing, dizziness, or facial swelling, get emergency care.”
Also see a doctor if, “a few days after a bite or sting, you notice pus, spreading redness, warmth, or a fever—these could signal an infection,” Budd adds.
Disrupt the Airflow
“Keep the AC or a fan running,” suggests Chachati. “Mosquitoes struggle to land in moving air, and cooler rooms deter them. It also helps disperse carbon dioxide, making it harder for them to find you. For best results, keep windows closed and use mosquito nets over beds and windows.”
Shower After Exercise
“Bugs are drawn to body heat and sweat,” says Budd. “Warmer skin and lactic acid from exercise can make you more attractive to them.”
Why Some People Get Bitten More
“There’s no single reason why some people get bitten more than others,” says Nevinson. “It could be skin type, scent, diet, or hormones.”
Budd explains: “Your unique skin microbiome—influenced by genetics—plays a role. For example, people with blood type O might attract more mosquitoes. Pregnant women can also be more prone to bites due to higher skin temperature.”
Chachati adds: “Your immune response matters too. The first few bites in a new region might be rough, but your body often adjusts over time.”
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