Tips and Tricks for a Bite-Free Summer
Although the pros far outweigh the cons, Summer definitely has its drawbacks. Bugs are at their worst when the weather is at its best, so deterrents are almost essential in North America during the summer months.
Bites can be plentiful, making the great outdoors rather unappealing unless you are prepared to take bugs to task! Until you are set up with the appropriate bug zapper, use these easy tips to treat common summer bites:
Fly bites : Dab with a little Tea Tree oil to soothe and disinfect.
Mosquito bites: Dab with chamomile or toothpaste to help ease the itch.
The following are the highest user-rated insect killers, deterrents and repellents for summer 2009:
Best Overall – 1½ Acre Insect Killer
The Flowtron insect killer is available in ½ acre, 1 acre and 1½ acre protection. All 3 models got great reviews. The unit does make a zapping sound every time something flies into it, but as one user said, "It was so effective that on the second night, we were hardly even aware of the 'ZAPPING' anymore."
Pocketsize – ThermaCELL Compact Mosquito Repellent Appliance
This little unit got surprisingly good reviews given its size. It only covers a 5x5 meter area, but users found it useful for camping, at home, or for outdoor sports. There are two different models available and both got fantastic reviews.
Best Luxury – Skeetervac Mosquito Exterminator
This propane powered mosquito exterminator is expensive but must be worth it for its 4.8 out of 5 user rating. It uses a combination of CO2, adjustable Octenol output, LED motion lighting and sticky traps to attract insects. Users say it is quiet and effective.
On Sight Traveller's Mosquito Shelter
We are all vulnerable when we sleep and no one likes to go to bed covered in bug spray. Whether at home or camping, a bed net promises a sound sleep without annoying buzzing to disturb you.
Summerlights Coil Burner
Coils have been around forever. They won’t eliminate all mosquitoes, but they do help to repel them. A burner like this one is not only attractive in an outdoor entertainment area, but it keeps the ashes from blowing over you and your guests.
Electronic Bug Whacker
This will not keep flies and other flying insects from bothering you, but you can take out your frustrations by whacking (in every sense of the word!) the ones that get too close. With all that practice swinging, your tennis game may even improve by the end of the summer!
Bee Free Natural Wasp Deterrent
Bees and wasps are very territorial insects and and won't build a nest where another already exists, which is how this wasp decoy works. If you are unlucky enough to be stung by a bee, remove the stinger with the back edge of a knife so as not to release any more venom and rub with raw honey to ease pain and itching.
OFF! Active Pump Spray
If you didn't apply repellent early enough and are enduring the itchy downside of enjoying the great outdoors, try applying mosquito repellent directly to your bites. It may burn a bit if you have scratched a bite raw, but will eventually provide relief from the itch.
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