Summer is here. It’s time to head outside and enjoy some backyard barbecuing. Unfortunately, enjoying the great outdoors–no matter where you are–leaves you susceptible to mosquito bites and worse. To help protect you against these pesky insects and the havoc they wreak, Joe Metro caught up with renowned Atlanta dermatologist Dr. Harold Brody to answer a few pressing questions and provide you with the 411 on keeping those pests at bay. In addition to wearing long sleeves and pants when traipsing through brush, Joe Metro has found products that will help you stay bug-free this summer.
Why the itchy red bumps?
“Those itchy red bumps are a test of your immune system,” says Brody, who recommends taking vitamin B complex to make your sweat undesirable to mosquitoes, as the unpleasant little bloodsuckers are attracted to sweat.
A word about West Nile virus
“West Nile virus is in certain mosquitoes and produces a short fever, or in a small minority of cases, an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis),” Brody says. Unfortunately, there are no treatments for the virus, which is why preventing bites is paramount.
What about ticks and chiggers?
According to Brody, “Arm yourself with insect repellents that contain DEET, and wash your clothes in boiling water” if you come in contact with ticks and/or chiggers–two of the more annoying insects in the animal kingdom. On average, chigger bites cause intense itching that increases within three or four days and can continue for several weeks. With ticks, protection and visual inspection are essential because they are known carriers of Lyme disease.
Ben’s 30 Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes
These convenient, alcohol-free wipes have a 30-percent DEET-based formula to keep outdoor enthusiasts protected no matter where their paths lead. $5, Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Antica Farmacista Blade of Grass Home Ambiance Fragrance
Grapefruit, lemon, cucumber and citronella combine to evenly diffuse throughout your home, helping ward off insects while leaving the sweet smell of summertime. $58, Nordstrom.
OFF! PowerPad Lamp
Perfect for outdoor barbecues, the OFF! PowerPad Lamp is a fuss-free way to help keep mosquitoes from bugging your guests. A heat-activated pad repels mosquitoes from up to 225 square feet and works 15 times better than a citronella candle. $9.50, CVS.
OFF! Smooth & Dry from Skintastic
This DEET-containing product is remarkably nongreasy and easy to apply, and is a quick and clean way to protect your skin from pesky bugs. $5, CVS.
Natrapel 8-Hour Insect Repellent
If you prefer bug protection without DEET, yet demand significant outdoor protection, this is the product for you. This all-natural spray is formulated with 20-percent picaridin, which offers eight consistent hours of mosquito, tick and black fly protection. $6, REI.
After Bite Outdoor
Stop the scratching dance with this gel formula–a cool blend of baking soda, ammonia and tea tree oil that provides immediate relief for itchy bites, helping them heal faster. $4, Walgreens.