Summertime is here, and (hopefulla) you will be spending lots of time in the great outdoors. But all those outdoor activities can have their downside, and if you are not careful you could spend your summer nights scratching bug bites and picking at scabs.

If you want your summer adventures to be fun and not itchy, you need a proactive plan for keeping bug bites at bay. Here are 10 ways to fight back against summertime bug bites.

1. Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes are a menace in the summertime, but getting rid of standing water sources will deny them a home and force them to go elsewhere for a meal.
2. Avoid strong and fruity fragrances. Many biting insects navigate by scent, and the stronger and more distinctive your smell the greater the chances you will be bitten. It is best to save the fruity fragrances for colder weather, and you might even want to think about having a scent-free summer.
3. Install an outdoor fan. If you plan to spend time on the patio, installing a fan or two can really reduce the number of bugs that hang around. Keeping the air moving is a great way to chase those bugs away.
4. Use essential oils to keep insects at bay. If you do not want to use chemical repellents, experiment with essential oils instead. Peppermint oil, catnip oil and eucalyptus oil all have natural insect-repelling qualities – and they smell good too.
5. Apply a quality insect repellent. If the natural approach is ineffective there are always chemicals. A quality insect repellent can be a powerful ally in the fight for a bug-free summertime season. If you are using sunscreen, be sure to apply it first and then layer the insect repellent on top.
6. Wear appropriate clothing. It may be shorts and swimsuit season, but if you will be hiking through tall grass or spending time in the woods you will want to dress with insect protection in place. That means long pants, quality socks and sturdy boots, not t-shirts and tank tops.
7. Check (and double-check) your screens. Bugs are tiny, and they can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks. Even if your screens look like they are intact, they may have small holes that could give unwanted visitors access to your home.
8. Head indoors at dawn and dusk. Many biting insects, including the dreaded mosquito, are more active at dawn and dusk, so stay inside during those hours to avoid being bitten.
9. Choose light colors. Biting insects tend to be visual creatures, and light colors can throw off their radar and help them pass you by. Light colors look great on you, so why not wear them?
10. Get gardening. Some common garden plants, including lavender, lemon balm and mint, can repel mosquitoes and other biting insects. The gardening you do can help you in several ways, so grab your favorite plants and get going.

Keeping bugs at bay is not easy, especially when the summertime heat is at its worst. Before you know it, those bugs will be up and active, and now is the time to protect yourself. The 10 tips listed above can help you keep those biting bugs at bay, so you can get on with the rest of your summertime fun.

by Beconrad