Bug bites are more than an annoyance. They can spread diseases, and many of them cause pain, redness and swelling in the affected areas, with some spreading up the arms and to other parts of the body. Bug bites can cause hives, flushing, itching, and, in some cases, anaphylaxis, a reaction that causes the body to go into life-threatening shock. Tick bites also may cause Lyme disease, which brings on fever, achy joints and severe fatigue.

Such allergic reactions as anaphylaxis are estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to occur in 0.4 to 0.8 percent of children, with 3 percent of adults experiencing the problems. About 40 deaths per year are attributed to insect bites in the United States.

How to Prevent Bug Bites

Bug bites are going to happen if you venture outdoors. You can be better prepared, and if you are particularly sensitive or allergic to insect venom, you absolutely should take steps before tragedy occurs.

The key to avoid being bitten is to wear insect repellent and heavy clothing that will ward off insects. Always wear a hat while hiking, and make sure to inspect your clothing before discarding it into a pile in your house. Do not walk barefoot, even in grassy areas. They are particular havens for biting bugs. Indoors, insects love picnic areas, garbage containers, bushes and dark attic eaves. Use caution when accessing them.

You should avoid drinking from open soft drink cans that you aren’t carefully monitoring. Insects love to crawl inside and may react angrily if you stir things up. Likewise, cover any food from your picnic when not directly taking from the containers.

And for heaven’s sake, don’t pile on the aftershave, perfume, hair spray or deodorant before going outside. That’s like waving a red flag to the insect world. Similarly, bright clothing and flower patterns send out the wrong kind of signal.