How to Stay Protected from Bug Bites at the Beach
Don’t let annoying — and potentially dangerous — biting insects put a damper on your summer vacation or weekend trip to the beach.
Relaxing on the beach is not nearly as fun once you’re covered in itchy bites from head to toe, so after you apply your sunscreen, apply an insect repellent that will prevent insect bites and insect borne diseases all day.
MOSQUITOS
Mosquito season hits its peak when the weather starts heating up. They love the heat and thrive on the water, so the beach is the perfect place for mosquitos. Also, because mosquitos can come out at dusk and into the evening, make sure bug spray is applied while enjoying dinner outdoors, a night swim, a bonfire, fireworks, and other nighttime activities.
Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world with approximately 3,500 known species and over 1 million deaths a year from mosquito transmitted diseases. Mosquitos carry illnesses including West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, and Dengue Fever, and are a problem in almost every country around the world. So how do you keep mosquitos away? A Picaridin 20% insect repellent will provide 12 hours of protection from mosquito bites for a full day bug bite free.
NO-SEE-UMS, GNATS & BITING MIDGES
Sand flies, also known as gnats, no-see-ums, or biting midges, are tiny but powerful. These biting insects are small enough to get through screen doors, so swatting them away is not effective protection. These vectors are found mostly around water habitats and there are about 5,000 species of them across the world.
No-see-ums can carry leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease which commonly affects the spleen, liver, and bone marrow and causes symptoms like sores and ulcers, fever, and weight loss. A Picaridin 20% insect repellent provides protection for up to 8 hours from bugs and their painfully itchy bites.
TICKS
While commonly found in wooded areas, ticks can find a home at the beach if they are carried by migrant birds, wild animals, pets, or people. Be especially wary of ticks when the beach has tall grass, in which ticks are likely to hide.
Ticks can transmit dangerous illnesses like Lyme disease, Powassan virus, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. And since not all bug sprays repel ticks, be sure to choose one that repels the common insects like mosquitos, no-see-ums, and ticks. Picaridin 20% gives users 12 hours of tick bite protection, perfect for a full beach day.
HOW TO APPLY BUG SPRAY FOR THE BEACH
Sunscreen is just as important as bug spray, so apply sunscreen first. Wait until sunscreen has dried, and then apply the insect repellent. Don’t miss any visible skin and pay close attention to the frequently missed spots, including the ankles, behind the knees, and elbows. When applying insect repellent to your face, spray on hands first and then apply to the face.
If you’re using a picaridin insect repellent, it’s safe to apply to your clothing and all of your beach gear. DEET is corrosive and damaging to many common materials, meaning it’s not safe for bathing suits, beach toys, sunglasses, and other beach items. Applying insect repellent to clothing, in addition to your skin, acts as a second line of defense against insects.
Insect repellent should be reapplied after swimming and excessive sweating, which can remove the product from your body and decrease its effectiveness.
Now that you know what insects to be aware of at the beach this summer, feel confident and safe using a trusted insect repellent. Ranger Ready is made with the active ingredient Picaridin 20% to keep users safe and protected for as long as possible. Even take Ranger Ready on trips abroad as all of the premium scents, including the unscented Scent Zero, are available in TSA-compliant, travel size bug spray bottles.
