Summer is the best time to head for the great outdoors, especially for campers. The only problem is that summer’s a great time for insects to breed and swarm. Looks like the warm weather brings everyone out! Nobody wants summer bugs to ruin their weekend or vacation, so here’s our list of four tips for dealing with all those bugs:
- Flies and mosquitoes. These flying bugs can make life around the campground a misery, so take along something to repel them. Citronella candles help keep flies and mosquitos away from the immediate area, but for thorough protection you may need to apply a bug repellent to your skin. Some other tips: stay away from wet, grassy areas; avoid still, stagnant water or swampy wet meadows; avoid using fragrant or scented personal products; wear light-colored, long sleeve shirts and pants; wear a hat and a bandana on your head and neck; and keep cool - bugs are attracted to sweat. One special note: the traditional repellant commonly known as DEET contains chemicals that may be harmful to children.
- Stinging insects. This group includes bumblebees, hornets, wasps, spider ants, yellow jackets and honeybees. Disturb their nests and you will be attacked. All of the bees are active throughout the warm weather months, but late summer and early fall - when their numbers are highest - are particularly troublesome times. Ground nesting yellow jackets frequently choose banks along back country trails to build, while both wasps and hornets seem partial to limbs overhanging water. Several types of bees are attracted to foods in camp. People who have a history of allergic reactions need to be particularly cautious, and should flee immediately after disturbing a nest. Obviously you should carefully examine your surroundings before setting up camp.
- Spiders. Contrary to popular belief, these creatures are vital to nature’s balance. They eat only insects and other small pests and deserve a far better reputation. Almost all spiders are capable of producing venomous bites, though there are very few species of spiders in this country that harm people. The U.S. Public Health Service reports that poisonous bites are a very rare form of death. The yearly averages for fatal bites are: bees, 12; wasps, 10; snakes, 14; spiders, 6; and scorpions, one. Become familiar with the appearance of the two primary poisonous types of spider, the black widow and the brown recluse.
- Ticks. The pinhead-sized tick is difficult to spot and can be very dangerous: some tick species carry Lyme disease. Use all of the preventive measures described above for flies and mosquitoes. Also, avoid walking through tall grass or brush, because ticks crawl - they don’t fly or jump. Walk in the middle of paths and make frequent inspections for possible infestation. If you find and remove a tick within 36 hours, you should be safe. Removal is best done with a tweezers, grasping as close to the head as possible, and pulling out the entire body. Remember: it’s very important not to puncture the body.
Bug repellant can protect you from mosquitoes during the summer. It’s important to get protection all year round with a life insurance policy. Let NetQuote connect you with qualified agents who can assess your needs and offer you the life policy that’s right for you.
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