TIPS TO AVOID BEASTIE BITES

Q ACan you give me any tips to avoid insect bites through the summer months? NHS Inform self-help guides give clear advice on the management of bites and stings, including a specific self-help guide on tick bites. Prevention is always better than cure and there are precautions you can take to avoid being bitten or stung by insects: ■ Move away slowly and don’t panic if you encounter insects – don’t wave your arms around or swat at them. ■ Cover exposed skin – if you’re outside at a time of day when insects are particularly active, cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers. ■ Wear shoes when outdoors ■ Apply insect repellent to exposed areas of skin, particularly in summer, when stings are most likely to occur – repellents that contain DEET are most effective. ■ Avoid using products with strong perfumes such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants. ■ Avoid flowering plants, outdoor areas where food is served, rubbish and compost. Regularly and carefully remove any fallen fruit in your garden and keep a well-fitting lid on dustbins. ■ Avoid camping near water such as ponds and swamps – mosquitoes and horseflies are commonly found near water. ■ Keep food and drink covered when outside, particularly sweet things – wasps or bees can also get into open drink bottles or cans you’re drinking from ■ Keep doors and windows closed or put thin netting or door beads over them to prevent insects getting inside the house – also keep the windows of your car closed to stop insects getting inside.