Health
How to stay safe from bites and stings this summer
There’s nothing worse than waking up covered in bug bites, but fortunately there’s a lot you can do to send pesky insects packing.
By Carolyn Tate
Anyone who has lived through an Aussie summer knows our insects are a special breed here.
Not only can they be ridiculously huge and scary-looking, they can also pose more than just a nuisance. Some bug bites may cause you some minor discomfort, but others might lead to severe reactions or even life-threatening situations, so it’s important to take preventive measures seriously.
How to insect-proof your home
It feels like it should be a basic human right to be safe in your own home, but creating a bug-free sanctuary requires some proper home maintenance. Creepy crawlies and stinging insects can get into your home through a range of access points, so giving your home a once-over at the start of each summer can be a great idea.
Pay special attention to these common nest locations:
- Roof cavities
- Chimneys
- Behind exterior lights
- Under decks or porches
Seal any visible cracks and do what you can to reduce potential entry points. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping those unwanted insect visitors outside.
Dress for bug-free success
Heading outside? What you wear can make you more or less attractive – not just to your partner, but also to insects. (Tip: in this instance you want to make yourself as unattractive as possible!)
To increase your chances of being left alone, avoid wearing:
- Bright prints
- Dark-coloured clothing
- Loose-fitting garments
Instead, go for light-coloured, snug-fitting clothes that provide less opportunity for insects to make their way underneath. It’s like the universe is telling you to live in those yoga pants!
Protect your food
Picnics and barbecues require extra vigilance, which you already know, right? But it’s worth mentioning that you should:
- Always cover food when eating outside
- Store drinks in sealed containers
- Clean up promptly after meals
Strong food aromas attract biting insects, so hygiene and bug-safety go hand-in-hand on this one.
Pool safety goes beyond swimming
Some insects love to hover above or rest on water surfaces, and they can get annoyed if you dive bomb and ruin their peace. Before jumping in:
- Scan the pool's surface thoroughly
- Check the surrounding area for active insects
- Look for any floating insect activity
Skip the scents
An alluring fragrance can be a wonderful thing, but you might attract more than you bargained for. Some insects are also into the chemicals used in some scents. Try to avoid:
- Perfumes and colognes
- Scented deodorants (but on behalf of those around you, please use an unscented one instead of going completely without!)
- Fragrant soaps and shampoos
- Scented lotions.
The more fragrance-free your personal care routine, the less likely you are to be a beacon for unwanted insects.
Check your location
Some environments naturally attract more insects. Be extra cautious around:
- Stagnant water sources
- Dense, bushy areas
- Damp, shady spots
When possible, choose open, dry areas for outdoor activities to minimise your exposure to insect-heavy zones.
Heading away on holidays?
If you’re going somewhere new – especially overseas – research the specific insect risks at your destination. Different regions will have different species of insects, and understanding these risks allows you to prepare appropriately. Smart Traveller has destination-specific health advice that can help you plan.
Feature image: iStock/RyanKing999
The information on this page is general information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Do not use the information found on this page as a substitute for professional health care advice. Any information you find on this page or on external sites which are linked to on this page should be verified with your professional health care provider.
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