Insect bites can cause pain, itching, and even spread diseases like Lyme disease and malaria. Ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and wasps each bring different challenges. Knowing how to quickly soothe bites can really help.

Here are some simple ways to relieve the discomfort and protect yourself:

1. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
2. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
3. Use over-the-counter creams to reduce itching.
4. Take an antihistamine if needed.
5. Avoid scratching the bite to prevent infection.

By following these steps, you can feel better and stay safe from further harm.

Identifying Insect Bites and Stings

Recognizing different insect bites and stings involves looking at specific signs.

• Mosquito bites usually appear as small, itchy, raised bumps on the skin.
• Bee stings often cause immediate sharp pain, swelling, and redness.
• Tick bites might not hurt but can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. This can lead to symptoms such as a circular skin rash and fever.
• Spider bites from black widows or brown recluse spiders can be serious. They are marked by intense pain, swelling, and symptoms like difficulty swallowing.
• Allergic reactions to insect venom from fire ants, bees, hornets, or wasps might cause severe swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties.
• Severe reactions, such as vomiting, anaphylaxis, or trouble breathing, need immediate emergency help.
• Stings from venomous insects or arachnids, like scorpions and certain spiders, can cause symptoms that require emergency services.

Monitor for signs of infection like redness, warmth, increasing pain, or pus. This can suggest a bacterial infection needing medical care.

Using ice can ease immediate pain and swelling. However, serious symptoms, like fever or severe allergic responses, need contacting medical professionals.

Common Symptoms of Insect Bites

Ice can ease the pain and swelling from insect bites. Insect bites often cause redness, itching, and stinging. Pets can also be affected by fleas and ticks.

In severe cases, mosquito, bee, spider, and wasp bites can cause serious symptoms. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling around the bite
• Vomiting
• Itching

Tick and spider bites can spread diseases like Lyme disease or cause infections. Symptoms like fever, chills, and difficulty swallowing may need emergency care. Bites from venomous insects or arachnids, such as the brown recluse, black widow, or scorpion, are very dangerous and need immediate medical attention.

Fire ants, hornets, chiggers, and other insects can sometimes cause serious stings and bites. Even non-venomous insects like caterpillars and lice can cause discomfort.

For severe symptoms from stings or bites, call an emergency number. Quick action can prevent serious problems and save lives.

Quick Home Remedies for Insect Bites

1. Ice Packs

Applying an ice pack to insect bites and stings can help with symptoms. Ice can reduce swelling, pain, and itching. It does this by numbing the area and slowing blood flow to the skin.

For example, if bitten by a tick or stung by a bee or hornet, using an ice pack can ease discomfort and lower the risk of infection if used quickly.

Experts recommend:

1. Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time.
2. Place a cloth or towel between the ice pack and the skin to prevent frostbite or skin damage.

This method works for bites and stings from:

• Mosquitoes
• Fire ants
• Spiders like black widow and brown recluse
• Other venomous insects and arachnids

If you have severe allergic reactions or symptoms like difficulty breathing or fever, call an emergency number immediately. Ice packs are useful for mild cases but are not a substitute for professional help in emergencies involving spiders, ticks, or serious stings.

2. Baking Soda Paste

To make a baking soda paste for insect bites:

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a thick paste.

This paste can help with:

• Itching
• Stinging
• Swelling

Baking soda can neutralize the venom from bites and stings. It can also help with spider bites, like those from black widows or brown recluses, which can cause pain, vomiting, and fever.

Benefits of a baking soda paste:

• Reduces infection risk by keeping the skin clean
• Calms severe bites and stings until medical help arrives

For best results:

• Leave the paste on the bite for about 10-15 minutes
• Rinse it off with cool water

If symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, or allergic reactions occur, call the emergency number immediately.

This treatment can also be used on pets. However, watch for signs of infection or serious reactions in them too.

3. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can soothe insect bites by applying its gel directly to the skin.

This plant extract reduces pain and itching. It is helpful for bites from mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, and fleas.

Aloe Vera soothes stinging and swelling because it has anti-inflammatory properties.

For bites from bees, wasps, or fire ants, Aloe Vera cools the skin and reduces symptoms before seeking medical care if needed.

Regular use can ease serious allergic reactions. It also prevents infection by keeping the wound clean.

Apply it two to three times a day to relieve itching, reduce swelling, and speed up healing.

Pets can also benefit from Aloe Vera for bites from lice, mites, or fleas, but consult a vet first.

For venomous bites or stings from scorpions, black widow spiders, or brown recluse spiders:

• Call an emergency number if there are symptoms like fever, vomiting, or trouble swallowing.
• Use Aloe Vera and ice to ease symptoms while waiting for emergency services.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help ease itching from insect bites. It helps neutralize the venom and reduces skin irritation.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Clean the bite area with soap and water.
2. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and dab it on the bite.
3. For larger areas, mix a cup of apple cider vinegar into a lukewarm bath.

Soak for 20 minutes.

Precautions:

• Do a patch test first to check for allergies.
• Avoid using vinegar on open wounds or severe bites, like those from spiders or ticks.
• Seek immediate medical care for bites from venomous insects such as black widow or brown recluse spiders.

Apple cider vinegar is useful for mosquito, flea, and mite bites. However, see a doctor if symptoms worsen or if you have allergic reactions like swelling, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. Contact emergency services for serious reactions. Home remedies can help, but severe symptoms or infections may need further medical attention.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Insect Bites

Over-the-counter treatments for insect bites can help with itching and swelling.

Topical anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone can ease itching. Antihistamines can help with allergic reactions from bites or stings from mosquitoes, bees, ticks, and spiders. Using ice on the bite or sting can also reduce swelling and pain.

Some side effects might occur. Creams might cause skin irritation. Oral antihistamines might cause drowsiness.

Follow the application instructions on the medication label. Use is often suggested every few hours as needed. Overuse can lead to severe symptoms like skin thinning or increased irritation.

Emergency symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe swelling
• Vomiting

Call emergency services if these symptoms occur. Look for signs of infection like increased redness or fever to prevent serious health issues.

Consistent application and careful monitoring can help manage and control insect bite symptoms effectively.

When to Seek Medical Help

Signs of severe swelling or trouble breathing after an insect bite or sting need immediate medical help. These symptoms might indicate an allergic reaction.

If an insect bite gets worse or does not improve after several days, see a doctor. This helps rule out any complications.

Signs of infection, like increased redness, warmth, or pus on the skin, also mean it’s time to visit a doctor.

Call emergency services if you have symptoms like fever, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing after a bite or sting from spiders, hornets, bees, scorpions, or other insects.

Do not ignore venomous bites from spiders like the black widow or brown recluse, or stings from fire ants. These can cause serious health issues, including severe pain, itching, and even death.

Seek medical help to treat and prevent complications like Lyme disease from ticks or other diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and lice.

Pets with insect bites need a vet check to prevent infections from spreading.

If you have a severe reaction, call an emergency number for quick medical help.

Using ice can ease pain and swelling, but seek professional medical care if symptoms get worse.

Spotting Dangerous Bites

Determining if an insect bite is dangerous involves checking specific signs. If a bite causes severe swelling, pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or fever, get medical help immediately.

Common symptoms like redness, warmth, and itching are normal. Fever or large swelling can be a sign of infection or an allergy. Some insect bites, like those from ticks, mosquitoes, or spiders, can lead to serious diseases such as Lyme disease, malaria, or bacterial infections.

Bites from black widows, brown recluse spiders, hornets, or scorpions can release venom. This venom may cause muscle pain, trouble swallowing, or in rare cases, death.

Allergic reactions often cause widespread itching, stinging, redness, and breathing problems. Pets can also be affected, so watch them for signs. If you see worsening symptoms, severe swelling, trouble breathing, or a red, circular rash, call emergency services right away.

Common treatments include:

• Using ice to reduce pain and swelling
• Avoiding scratching to prevent infection
• Getting medical help for serious symptoms

To prevent bites and stings, always use insect repellent and wear protective clothing. This can help avoid bites from bees, ticks, lice, mites, fire ants, and even caterpillars.

Preventing Insect Bites

Effective methods for preventing insect bites include using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

1. Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin.
2. Follow the instructions for applying repellent, and avoid the eyes and mouth.
3. Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin.
4. Choose lighter-colored clothes to spot ticks easily.
5. Tuck pants into socks to prevent ticks from reaching your skin.
6. Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk to reduce exposure.
7. Check pets regularly for fleas and ticks to keep insects outside.
8. Avoid areas with high insect activity, like forests or grassy fields.

To prevent stings from bees, wasps, and hornets:

• Stay calm and move away slowly if disturbed.

After outdoor activities:

• Check for ticks and remove them with tweezers to lower the risk of diseases like Lyme disease.

If you have symptoms like swelling, redness, itching, or trouble breathing after a bite or sting, seek medical care. For severe reactions, call the emergency number. For minor bites, applying ice can help ease pain and swelling.

Debunking Myths About Insect Bites

Scratching an insect bite can be harmful. It can cause more skin irritation and may introduce bacteria, leading to infection and swelling.

Not all insect bites need medical attention. Many bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and lice cause mild itching and swelling. These can be treated at home.

More serious bites, like those from ticks, black widow spiders, or brown recluse spiders, need medical care. These bites can lead to Lyme disease, severe allergic reactions, or other serious problems.

Avoid using toothpaste or heat as remedies. They are myths and can worsen symptoms or cause burns.

Proper first aid includes:

• Using ice to ease pain and inflammation

Watch for severe symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing

These symptoms need emergency services.

Both pets and people should avoid aggressive insects like fire ants, hornets, and scorpions.

Use protective clothing and repellents. Remove ticks properly to prevent infections and seek medical care when needed.

In rare cases, untreated serious bites and stings from spiders can lead to deaths. Know when to call an emergency number.

Insect Bites from Arachnids: Special Considerations

Insect bites from ticks and spiders can cause various symptoms. You might see a circular rash from Lyme disease, feel pain, severe swelling, itching, or stinging.

Spider bites, such as those from a black widow or brown recluse, can lead to serious symptoms. These include fever, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Scorpions can inject venom, causing severe pain and possibly an allergic reaction or trouble breathing.

If untreated, these bites can be very dangerous. Treatment can vary. Applying ice can ease pain and swelling. However, you may need emergency services. For bites from venomous arachnids, it’s important to call the emergency number.

Keep pets free from lice, fleas, and mites to prevent diseases. To treat insect bites:

• Clean the skin with soap and water.
• Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
• Apply topical anti-itch creams or take oral antihistamines.

In high-risk areas, you can prevent bites by:

• Wearing protective clothing.
• Using insect repellent.
• Checking for ticks.

Other insects, like chiggers, mosquitoes, bees, hornets, fire ants, and even caterpillars, can cause similar symptoms but need different treatments. Always watch for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing and seek medical care if they occur.

Treating Mosquito Bites Effectively

To treat mosquito bites, you can try several home remedies.

1. Apply an ice pack to ease swelling and numb the pain.
2. Use over-the-counter creams, like anti-itch creams, to reduce itching and swelling.
3. Take oral pain relievers and antihistamines to manage symptoms.

Monitor the bite for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or pus. Mosquito bites usually don’t need medical care. However, contact emergency services if you have:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Severe pain
• Difficulty breathing

Allergic reactions may require immediate attention. Watch for symptoms like:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe swelling
• Spreading rash

To prevent mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent
• Cover skin when outdoors
• Protect pets from insect bites

For bites from black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders, or venomous insects like scorpions, seek emergency medical care immediately. These bites can lead to serious complications, allergic reactions, or even deaths. If swelling doesn’t subside or an allergic reaction occurs, call an emergency number.

Dealing with Multiple Bug Bites

Rubbing ice on the skin can ease itching and swelling from insect bites and stings. Clean the skin properly to prevent infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Itching
• Pain
• Redness

Watch for severe symptoms like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Swelling

These may indicate an allergic reaction or a dangerous sting from scorpions, black widow spiders, or brown recluse spiders. Fire ant and bee stings can also cause serious reactions. Pets may scratch or show discomfort.

Ticks and fleas can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and should be dealt with quickly. For common bites or stings from mosquitoes, lice, or chiggers, use topical creams and take antihistamines for relief.

Spider bites, especially from venomous spiders, or multiple stings from bees or hornets, may require emergency medical care. Use repellent and keep an emergency number handy as preventive measures.

If symptoms like fever, difficulty swallowing, or severe pain occur, contact emergency services immediately.

Specific Insect Bites: Identifying and Treating

Bee and Wasp Stings

After a bee or wasp sting, follow these steps:

1. If it’s a bee sting, remove the stinger. Bees leave their stingers behind.
2. Wash the area with soap and water to reduce infection risk.
3. Apply ice to ease swelling and pain.

Bee stings:

• Leave a stinger in the skin.
• Release venom causing immediate pain, swelling, and redness.

Wasp stings:

• Usually do not leave a stinger.
• May cause a longer stinging sensation.
• Can sting multiple times.

Signs you need medical care:

• Severe pain.
• Swelling spreading beyond the sting site.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Allergic reactions.

Call emergency services if there’s difficulty swallowing or breathing. Severe allergic reactions can be serious and need immediate help.

Other insects like scorpions, fire ants, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, and venomous caterpillars can cause similar symptoms. Medical care may be needed for complications like infections and diseases.

For example:

• Lyme disease from ticks.
• Bacterial infections from spider bites.

Severe symptoms from black widow or brown recluse spider bites need immediate attention due to serious risks.

Hornet and Yellow Jacket Bites

Hornet and yellow jacket stings can be very painful. They differ from other insect bites because they inject more venom. This often causes more severe pain and swelling.

Symptoms include:

• Itching
• Redness
• Swelling at the sting site

Some people may have allergic reactions. These could lead to:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Vomiting

Unlike other insects, hornets and yellow jackets can sting multiple times. They are more aggressive.

To treat these stings:

1. Clean the area with soap and water.
2. Apply ice to reduce pain.
3. Take antihistamines to lessen itching and swelling.

If symptoms get worse or if someone has trouble swallowing, breathing, or shows severe allergic reactions, call emergency services right away.

Serious problems can include strong allergic reactions and infections. Medical care is needed if swelling lasts or if there are signs of infection like fever or more redness.

Pets can also get stung. They need similar care.

Spider Bites

Spider bites can cause pain, swelling, and itching. Bites from venomous spiders like black widows and brown recluses can lead to serious issues such as fever, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

It’s hard to tell a spider bite from other insect bites, but two puncture marks might indicate a spider. If you suspect a spider bite, follow these steps:

1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply ice to reduce swelling.
3. Keep the affected limb elevated.

If severe symptoms or an allergic reaction occurs, call the emergency number and seek medical care immediately. This is especially important for bites from black widows and brown recluses, which can be life-threatening.

To prevent spider bites:

• Keep homes clean and free of spiders.
• Inspect places where pets play.

Similar steps apply for bites or stings from bees, ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, lice, hornets, scorpions, fire ants, or caterpillars. Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid bites. Always watch for signs of infection or serious symptoms after any bite.

Scorpion Stings

Scorpion stings can cause immediate symptoms like intense pain, redness, and swelling on the skin.

Venom from the sting may lead to more severe symptoms. These can include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. This is especially true for young children or the elderly.

First aid for a scorpion sting involves:

• Keeping the victim calm
• Easing pain with ice
• Cleaning the sting site to prevent infection
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers for pain and itching

It is important to monitor for signs of an allergic reaction. These signs include severe swelling or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, call the emergency number immediately.

Medical care should be sought if the person stung shows symptoms like:

• Fever
• Persistent pain
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction

Emergency services are needed in life-threatening cases.

Scorpion stings should be taken as seriously as stings or bites from:

• Black widow spiders
• Brown recluse spiders
• Bees
• Hornets
• Fire ants

These can also cause significant health issues.

In areas where scorpions are common, prevent stings by:

• Checking beds, shoes, and clothing

These precautions are similar to those taken for ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, and lice.

Fire Ant Bites

Fire ant bites can cause immediate pain, swelling, and itching. These insects inject venom that can create red, itchy, and sometimes pus-filled blisters on the skin. Just like bee or hornet stings, fire ant bites can lead to serious symptoms.

To treat at home:

• Clean the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
• Apply ice to ease swelling.
• Use topical creams or oral antihistamines for the itching and stinging.

Watch pets and children closely for allergic reactions and bites. Call emergency services if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, vomiting, or swelling of the face. In rare cases, fire ant venom can cause deaths, similar to bites from black widow or brown recluse spiders.

Seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen or if the person has a fever, difficulty swallowing, or signs of infection like redness and warmth around the bite. Call the emergency number if there are signs of a systemic allergic reaction or if there are multiple stings.

To avoid fire ant bites, wear protective clothing and use insect repellents. Be aware of other biting insects like ticks, fleas, or mites that can spread diseases such as Lyme disease.

Asian Giant Hornet Stings

Asian Giant Hornet stings cause severe pain and swelling right away. Symptoms can include redness, itching, and sometimes difficulty breathing or vomiting. Their venom can lead to serious allergic reactions and, in rare cases, death.

For initial home treatment:

• Clean the bite area.
• Apply ice to ease pain and swelling.
• Use antihistamines to reduce itching.

Contact emergency services if symptoms get worse. Seek professional medical help if you have difficulty swallowing, severe swelling, high fever, or signs of infection. This is also true if you experience an allergic reaction or late symptoms like fever and vomiting.

To prevent stings:

• Wear protective clothing.
• Use insect repellents.
• Keep pets away from these hornets, as they are also at risk.

Proper identification and treatment are important to avoid complications like infections or diseases spread by other insects and arachnids, such as ticks, mosquitoes, and spiders.

Insect Bites Requiring Specific Treatment

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp. They cause itching and discomfort.

Symptoms include:

• Intense itching
• Visible nits (lice eggs) on the hair shafts
• Red bumps on the scalp

To treat head lice at home:

1. Wash hair with a specially formulated shampoo.
2. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove nits.
3. Wash bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water to kill any remaining lice.

Preventive measures:

• Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items.
• Regularly check children for lice, especially after camps or sleepovers.
• Keeping hair tied back can help reduce the chances of infestation.
• Regularly vacuum furniture and carpets to minimize the risk of spreading lice.

If lice persist, seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

Scabies

Scabies causes intense itching and a rash that looks like pimples. It often leads to scratching and sores. This makes it different from typical insect bites or stings. Instead of a venomous sting, scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.

Scabies spreads through close contact with an infected person or shared items like bedding. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and avoid sharing items. Pets can also transfer these mites.

Unlike a bee sting or a tick bite, scabies needs medical care. Prescription treatments usually include medicated creams or lotions. Over-the-counter options might ease itching and swelling but won’t get rid of the mites.

Emergency services are not usually needed. However, severe cases can cause skin infections that may require antibiotics. Symptoms like fever, vomiting, or severe allergic reactions need immediate medical attention.

To stop the spread, wash clothing and bedding in hot water. In emergency cases, such as widespread infections or severe allergic reactions, contact an emergency number.

Puss Caterpillar

A Puss Caterpillar is often found in gardens. It looks furry and cute, like a cuddly toy. But this insect is not harmless. Its sting can cause intense pain, swelling, redness, and itching.

Unlike other insect bites, it can also cause fever, vomiting, and trouble swallowing. To manage the pain, apply ice to the area. Remove the spines carefully to stop more venom from entering the skin.

If symptoms get worse or an allergic reaction occurs, seek emergency medical care. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing and extensive swelling. Keeping the emergency number handy can save lives in serious cases.

Pets and children should be kept away from these caterpillars, as their venom can be very harsh. The sting can also lead to infections if not treated properly. Getting prompt and proper medical attention is important.

Using Mayo Clinic Resources for Insect Bite Information

Users can visit Mayo Clinic’s website to find information on insect bites and stings. The site offers articles about symptoms like itching, swelling, pain, and allergic reactions.

Mayo Clinic provides:

• Symptom checkers
• Detailed guides on specific insects like ticks, mosquitoes, lice, fleas, and spiders

They also explain how to handle bites and stings from bees, hornets, and scorpions. Possible symptoms include redness, fever, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

For serious cases, such as bites from black widow or brown recluse spiders, the site stresses the need for immediate medical care. It may recommend contacting emergency services.

If you experience symptoms like swelling, difficulty swallowing, or signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately.

Mayo Clinic’s information is reliable and backed by medical experts. They include emergency numbers and first aid tips, such as using ice to ease pain and reduce swelling.

Their guidance covers:

• Mild itching and stinging
• Severe reactions

This ensures safe and effective treatments.

Analyzing Pictures to Identify Insect Bites

Analyzing pictures to identify insect bites involves looking at several visual characteristics:

• Mosquito bites appear as small, red, itchy bumps on the skin.
• Tick bites might show a circular rash, a sign of Lyme disease.
• Venomous insect bites, like those from spiders or scorpions, often show severe symptoms such as:
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Even necrosis

By comparing images, you can identify if the bite resembles those of more dangerous insects, like:

• The bullseye rash from a tick bite
• The two fang marks from a spider bite

Pictures can alert you if medical care is needed. Look for indicators such as:

• Increased swelling
• Rapidly spreading redness
• Blisters
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Fever

These signs suggest an emergency situation needing immediate attention. Also, check if images show signs of an allergic reaction, like:

• Excessive swelling
• Difficulty swallowing

Seek emergency services if necessary.

Pictures help differentiate between insect bites and stings by noting differences:

• Bee stings leave behind a sting and swelling.
• Fire ant bites result in pus-filled blisters.

This analysis helps determine if an ice pack or other home remedies are enough or if a trip to the emergency room is needed.

FAQ

What are some natural remedies to soothe insect bites quickly?

Some natural remedies to soothe insect bites quickly include applying a paste of baking soda and water, using aloe vera gel, or applying a cold compress. Lavender essential oil can also help reduce itching and inflammation.

Is it helpful to apply ice to insect bites?

Yes, applying ice to insect bites can help reduce swelling and relieve itching. Place a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel on the affected area for about 10-15 minutes at a time.

Does using aloe vera help alleviate the itching and swelling from insect bites?

Yes, using aloe vera can help alleviate itching and swelling from insect bites. Applying a small amount of aloe vera gel to the affected area can provide a soothing effect and reduce inflammation.

Are there any over-the-counter treatments that are effective for relieving insect bites?

Yes, over-the-counter treatments like hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamine can help relieve itching and inflammation from insect bites.

How can I prevent insect bites in the first place?

To prevent insect bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellent, avoid areas with standing water, and keep your outdoor living space clean and free of debris.