Beat the bite: How to keep the mosquitoes at bay this summer

For all the good that comes with summer, there is also some bad it's mosquito season.

If you feel like this year is particularly bad, you're not wrong.

"If you have more puddles on land, you have more mosquitoes during the season," said entomologist tienne Normandin.

"More snow in winter, more floods in spring, you'll get more mosquitoes."

More mosquitoes mean more bites. More bites mean more incentive to keep the bugs away. But how?

Ada McVean, a science communicator with the McGill Office for Science and Society, has perusedmore than 50 scientific articles about mosquitoes to separate facts from fiction. Here are her tips.

Beating the Bite

5 years ago

Duration 2:38

Scientifically speaking, what actually helps when it comes to braving the mosquito season?

With more mosquitoes and ticks at large, there is also a higher risk of mosquito and tick-borne diseases, Health Canada said in a press release.

The agency said the most effective way of preventing these diseases, such as lyme disease, is to wear approved repellents and to cover up exposed skin with clothing.

Health Canada said that only a small amount of repellent is needed, and you should never spray it directly on your face spray a small amount in your hands first and then apply it to your face.

Adults should always supervise their children when using bug repellent or apply the repellent to them. Avoid spraying the repellent on the child's hands, so that there is less of a risk they'll transfer it to their mouth or eyes.