As much as you might love summer for the warmer weather, there’s something about this time of year that’s not so positive. It’s also bug bite season\u2014and\u00a0many annoying pests seem to come out at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you’re sleeping indoors in the\u00a0comfort of your bedroom<\/a>\u00a0or off having a\u00a0camping adventure<\/a> outside, it’s possible to get bitten by mosquitos and other critters while you’re trying to sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from this being rather annoying, it can also lead to you being\u00a0itchy and uncomfortable<\/a>\u00a0throughout the day (and while you attempt to snooze).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, there are steps you can take to both prevent bug bites at night and get relief from bites you already have. Below, learn what to do to keep mosquito bites from ruining your sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mosquitoes are a common summer nuisance, known for their annoying and bothersome biting habits that leave red, itchy bumps. So, what can you do to prevent them from biting you at night? Here are five tips that can help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency<\/a> (EPA) suggest using insect repellents to defend against infections spread by mosquitoes and ticks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Insect repellents that contain DEET or picaridin are the most effective against a wide variety of insects\u2014and they could be your most important defense against getting bitten at night,” says Jodi LoGerfo<\/a>, doctor of nursing practice and certified family nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine and dermatology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The insect repellent should contain 20%-30 % DEET and be applied to exposed skin and clothing. It should also be used in\u00a0conjunction with other preventative measures, including wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts, says LoGerfo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “It is also important to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito-biting times,” she adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n LoGerfo says to always follow the instructions on the package and reapply as needed. “If you are wearing sunscreen, be sure to apply your sunscreen first, let it dry, and then apply the insect repellent,” she suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t use sunscreen that contains insect repellent, she explains, because you’re supposed to apply sunscreen liberally and often while you’re only supposed to use insect repellent sparingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know you’re going to be outside at night (let’s say you’re hiking) or you’re in a buggy area, then be sure to dress suitably to avoid bug bites.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “It is imperative to cover up any exposed skin as much as possible\u2014this includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and closed shoes instead of sandals,” says LoGerfo. “Pulling your socks up over your pants can also be as effective as tucking your shirt into your pants.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n LoGerfo adds that it can be helpful to pre-treat your clothes with insect repellent containing the active ingredient permethrin. Some brands even make permethrin-treated clothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re camping or\u00a0sleeping outside<\/a>, then consider using a bed net to protect against mosquitoes. You can also use a mosquito net if you live in or are visiting a high mosquito or bug area or if you’re traveling to a tropical location.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for one that’s been pre-treated with insecticide or repellent, recommends LoGerfo. “The net should be hung around your bed, creating a protective barrier against you and the bugs,” she says. “It is helpful to tuck it under the mattress.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have babies or younger children, then use mosquito netting on the stroller and playpens when the kids are outside, adds LoGerfo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Mosquitoes breed in stationary water, so if you eliminate the standing water, their population can be decreased,” explains LoGerfo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may find stationary water around your home in bird baths, empty pots, and clogged gutters.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nervous about putting chemicals on or near your body? You have a few other options when it comes to insect repellents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “If you\u2019re looking for alternatives to DEET, there is a very effective ingredient, picaridin, which is derived from piperine in pepper plants,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of\u00a0FACET Dermatology<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some studies have shown it’s just as effective as DEET<\/a> at repelling mosquitos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another natural option is citronella,\u00a0a tropical grass that features bug-repelling compounds citronellol, citronellal, and geraniol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Yadav notes that it isn’t as\u00a0effective as DEET (and not everyone likes the smell of it).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dealing with mosquitos in your bedroom? Here are a few ways to keep these pests out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “Cleaning the area around the bed as well as regularly vacuuming and dusting will help,” says LoGerfo. “Keep the area free from food and wash your bed linens<\/a> regularly.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some repellent-treated blankets and travel sheets on the market you can use if you find you keep getting bitten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “The repellent can help deter mosquitoes from bothering you when in your bed or sleeping and can reduce the chances of you getting bit,” says LoGerfo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Window screens are important to deter mosquitoes or any other flying insects from coming into your home,” says LoGerfo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have screens and they have tears or holes, then it’s time to repair or replace them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spritzing essential oils<\/a> in and around the bedroom can help keep flying critters away. Certain essential oils, such as citronella, lavender, and peppermint, are natural repellents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can dilute a few drops in water and spray it around. It also helps keep your bedroom smelling nice<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re doing all this, and still getting bitten every night, then it may be a good idea to check if other types of bugs,\u00a0such as bed bugs<\/a><\/em>, are the culprit<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We’ve all had unique experiences with mosquito bites. Some people get minimal reactions, while others get giant welts. And it always feels like some people just get more mosquito bites than others.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The bites of insects may be a minor nuisance or may lead to serious medical problems, including transmission of insect-borne illnesses and severe allergic reactions,” notes LoGerfo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s what’s going on: Mosquito bites consist of punctures made by the mouth of the mosquito and result in minimal mechanical injury to your skin, explains LoGerfo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesions instead result from your immune reaction to the mosquito\u2019s salivary secretions or venom, she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, allergic individuals may develop hypersensitivity to mosquito bites, which could result in an itchy hive. Or, you could even have a more serious systemic allergic reaction, adds LoGerfo.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if one person has bites that barely register and others have giant inflamed reactions, it’s hard to know what’s normal and what’s actually worrisome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “The normal reaction to an insect bite is an inflammatory reaction at the site of the punctured skin\u2014it usually appears within minutes and consists of itching, local redness, and swelling,” says LoGerfo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what should you do about mosquito bites so they don’t “bug” you (pun intended) while you’re trying to sleep? Follow this advice before bed:<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to prevent bug bites at night <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Use insect repellent <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Cover up at night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Set up a mosquito bed net<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Get rid of standing water around your home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Try natural solutions <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to keep mosquitos out of your bedroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Tidy up your bedroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Consider insect-repellent bed sheets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Install screens in your windows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Spray essential oils<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to sleep with itchy bug bites <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why am I getting bitten every night? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n