There are a number of precautions that you can take to avoid being bitten by insects. It is particularly important to follow this advice if you have had a bad reaction to an insect bite in the past.

Some of the precautions that you can take to minimise your risk of being bitten by an insect are listed below.

• Cover exposed skin. If you are outside at a time of day when insects are particularly active, such as sunrise or sunset, cover your skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
• Wear shoes when outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent. This should be applied to exposed areas of skin. Repellents that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) are considered to be the most effective.
• Avoid using products with strong perfumes. Do not use strong-smelling products, such as soaps, shampoos and deodorants, because they can attract insects.
• Avoid flowering plants, outdoor areas where food is served, rubbish and compost areas.
• Remove and destroy insect nests. If a nest is in or near your house, arrange to have it removed (see the Directgov website's section on pest control services for information about how your local council can help).
• Avoid flea infestations. If you have pets, they should be regularly treated for fleas.
• Avoid camping near water, such as ponds and swamps, because mosquitoes and horseflies are commonly found near water.

Avoiding ticks

Avoid tick-infested areas where possible. Local health departments and parks should be able to give you information about tick-infested areas. If you cannot avoid a tick-infested area, walk in the centre of paths to avoid contact with vegetation.

Travelling

Seek medical advice before travelling to a tropical area where there is a risk of catching malaria (a condition that causes a high temperature and can be fatal). You may need to take antimalarial tablets to avoid becoming infected. See the Health A-Z page about preventing malaria for more information.

When you reach your destination, make sure that your accommodation has insect-proof screen doors and windows that close properly. Sleeping under a mosquito net and spraying rooms with insecticide will also help stop you being bitten.