Quiz: The Latest Buzz about Summer Bugs

The answer is true. No one wants to get stung by a bee, but if it happens to you, there’s no need to panic about it as long as you aren’t allergic. The first thing you will need to do is to stay calm and focus on removing the stinger right away. Some experts recommend using a needle that’s been cleaned and disinfected to gently dislodge it from your skin. Just be sure to do this carefully, since the stinger contains venom and you don’t want any more to spread into the affected area. Once it is removed, you can use soap and water to clean the area. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, ice can help to numb the spot, and an anti-itch cream (or even an oral antihistamine) may also provide welcome relief.

The answer is false. While most mosquitoes look the same to the untrained eye, there are actually numerous species that exist. Most of them are harmless, but some of them do carry disease, including malaria, yellow fever, the West Nile Virus, and different types of Encephalitis. (Keep in mind your risk of contracting any of these conditions is very low, though.) There is also a common misconception that all mosquitoes bite. In fact, it is actually only the females that do, not the males. This is because the females use human blood to produce their eggs. Scientists don’t know exactly what causes one person to be more attractive to a female mosquito than others, only that some people seem to be more prone to being bit. There are a few factors that seem to play into the equation, though, to make you more at risk. First, men typically get bitten more than women, and adults seem to get more bites than kids. In addition, your body chemistry, perfumes, or scented soaps on your skin, and even the scent of fabric softeners on your clothes may help attract or repel mosquitoes. The best way to prevent mosquitoes from being drawn to your yard is by making sure you don’t have standing water. (This is only one of many things that can draw bugs.) You should also cover up as best you can outdoors when mosquitoes are out in full force, and wear an insect repellent.

The answer is true. Some ticks do transmit serious diseases when they attach themselves to human skin, but this certainly doesn’t mean that if you find a tick on your skin, you are destined to get sick. The danger most people worry about is Lyme disease, which can be passed on by infected deer ticks. In order to get this disease, the tick must remain attached to your skin for a full 24 to 48 hours, though, so even if you get bit by an infected tick, you can avoid getting ill if you find and remove the culprit in time. To protect yourself, check your body and head thoroughly after spending time outdoors. If you do find a tick digging into your skin, some experts recommend dabbing the area with alcohol to get them to loosen their grip, then pulling it out carefully with tweezers. Always be sure to remove the entire head, which can burrow deep into your skin. If you do experience any warning signs afterward—including a rash, headache, fever, chills, loss of appetite or extreme tiredness—seek medical care as soon as possible.

The answer is false. The latest advice from medical experts is to use a good insect repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) to protect you from the nuisance and possible dangers posed by pests. An extended release lotion or spray formula is easy to apply and usually only needs to be done once a day, which is important since this helps to prevent your body from being exposed to too much of the chemical. It is also worth noting that DEET products come in different concentrations. What will be best for you depends on your sensitivity, the length of time you will be outdoors, and how buggy the area is. Ask your doctor or pharmacists for recommendations if you are unsure what to buy. Or, if you are highly sensitive to DEET or don’t feel comfortable using this formulation, you can also find some natural alternative big repellent options at health food stores and online.