Each year, as temperatures rise and people head outdoors, an army of insects waits.  When these bugs attack, they inflict bites and stings that can put a chill into your warm summer fun.

In most cases, insect encounters leave you with little more than mild itching and minor discomfort. However, other bug skirmishes can be more serious. For example, mosquito bites may transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, while tick bites can result in Lyme disease.

Bug bites and stings also can be particularly dangerous for those who have insect bite allergies. In rare cases, an allergy to insect saliva or venom can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock.  

Fortunately, there are many basic, commonsense precautions you can take to keep you from going buggy over insects this spring and summer.

Protect Yourself

You can avoid many types of bug attacks simply by making yourself less interesting and appealing to insects.

Choosing the right types of clothing can help keep insects at bay. Certain colors and patterns attract bugs that bite and sting. Avoid wearing flowery, bright-colored clothing or dark clothing. Instead, wear whites and light colors.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and closed shoes when possible so bugs have less of a target to attack. It may even help to tuck your pants inside your socks. Also, avoid loose-fitting clothing, which can trap insects between the material and the skin. Bugs can also bite through clothing that is too tight or thin.