Summer means sun, time at the beach and evenings spent outdoors.

Unfortunately it also means that bugs are everywhere. Mosquitos in particular are hard to avoid, and their bite can really itch and irritate your skin. The best way to fight off those pesky little bugs is by using an insect repellent when you’re outdoors, especially at night.

To get the most out of your repellent it is important to understand how it works. From the ingredient information through to the best method of application, these tips will help you to understand what you need to know to stay sting and bite free – safely – all season long.

A mosquito can find an unprotected area of skin the size of a 50-cent coin, therefore to protect against bites, you need to ensure ALL exposed skin is covered, paying extra attention to those hard-to-reach areas such as the backs of the legs, knees and around the ankles and feet.

The ingredients in bug sprays vary widely, so read the labels to make sure you’re getting what you need.

The insect repellent applied to skin, includes chemicals such as DEET and picaridin as well as natural or synthetic plant oils. Overall, chemical repellents like DEET and picaridin offer long-lasting and wide-ranging protection, repelling mosquitoes, ticks and many fly species.

DEET is the most common and one of the most proven ingredients in mosquito repellent. Products containing DEET are considered safe when used according to the directions.

DEET repels mosquitos by hindering their ability to smell humans and driving them away. If a bug does land on you, DEET makes your skin taste bad too.

When using insect repellents with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, be sure to read and follow product labels.

Also, follow these precautions:

• Do not apply bug sprays over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Use just enough insect repellent to cover exposed skin and clothing.
• Do not use under clothing.
• Avoid putting on too much bug spray.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
• Do not spray in enclosed areas.
• To apply to face, spray on hands first and then rub on face. Do not spray directly onto face.