Keep bugs in check and learn how to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. However, with humidity and concerns about diseases carried by mosquitos, it's important to be vigilant about local insects. From Lyme disease to the Zika virus, bugs can be carriers of harmful disease. Take precautions to prevent bug bites and check out these tips to help keep bugs (and bites) at bay. Respect Their Environment. When venturing out into a wooded area, you're heading into tick territory. When you're out at night near a body of water, you're asking for mosquitos to bite. Be aware of the environment and know where you're most likely going to find these insects. Stay away from these peak times of exposure so that you're better able to reduce your risk for bites. Be Mindful of Your Clothing. The less skin exposed, the lower your risk of getting bitten. If you know that you're heading into an area with many bugs, dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tall socks. For added protection, try tucking in your shirt and your pants into your socks. Use Bug Spray. While insecticides can be dangerous, there are a few that can help to effectively keep bugs off of you. Look for sprays with DEET, Picaridin, OLE, PMD, or IR3535. These sprays can help to significantly keep insects away. Just be sure to read the labels and follow the instructions. Avoid Outbreaks. Do you have travel plans to an area with a mosquito-borne epidemic? If you don't need to go, don't! You'll lessen your risk of getting sick, and you won't bring it back home to spread to others. Stay healthy and be wary of bug bites. Ensure you're protected with the right health insurance. East End Insurance Agency has you covered. Located in Southold, New York, contact us for all your personal and commercial insurance needs.