Ticks: They may be the most dangerous insect of summer because they can carry Lyme disease. If you'll be in a wooded area, wear long pants tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts. Before heading out, apply an insect repellent containing DEET. Spray it according to the instructions.
Stay on the trails and avoid dense foliage, though a tick can drop from any tree it happens to be on. After a stint in the woods, use a buddy system to check each other for ticks. If you find one, use tweezers to pull it up and out.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise washing the area with soap and water. See a doctor if a fever or rash develops within a few weeks.
Bees: They're looking for wildflowers, so don't wear bright floral clothes that make you look like one. Skip the scented lotions so you don't smell like one either. Usually, bees won't bother you if you don't bother them. If one comes near you, just walk away.
Always wear shoes when walking on grass. Many stings occur when people step on a bee. If you do get stung, wash the area with soap and water. Remove the stinger by wiping with gauze or scraping gently with a credit card.
Mosquitoes: Summer's most prolific pests do bite, but generally a bite just causes an itchy welt. You can prevent a bite by using mosquito repellent spray.If you do get a bite or two, washing the area with warm, soapy water soon afterward may prevent the welt and the itch. Keep mosquitoes away by removing their breeding grounds: standing water.
On a vacation or trip: In unfamiliar territory, check with the locals to see what indigenous creatures could present a problem and how you could avoid them.
