June 14, 2026
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Q: Now that summer is approaching, we have hiking and camping trips planned. Do you have suggestions to help keep us and our families safe from insect bites?
A: With warmer weather finally arriving, many of us are heading outdoors again for hiking, camping, and cottage time. Along with the fresh air and sunshine, comes an unavoidable reality in Ontario: insects. Mosquitoes, black flies, and increasingly, ticks, are more than just a nuisance as they can also carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Since in many instances, prevention is the best medicine, here are a few practical steps that can significantly reduce the risk of bites and related illness.
The first layer of protection is what we wear. Clothing remains one of the simplest and most effective barriers. Long sleeves, long pants, and closed footwear are strongly recommended when spending time in wooded or grassy areas. Light-coloured clothing can also help, since it makes insects easier to spot. Tucking pants into socks or wearing gaiters can provide extra protection against ticks, which are now found in many parts of southwestern Ontario. While it may not be the most stylish outdoor look, coverage of skin is one of the most reliable defences available.
Insect repellents are the next important tool. In Canada, several active ingredients are considered safe and effective when used as directed. The most commonly-used include DEET and icaridin (also known as picaridin).
DEET has been used for decades and remains highly effective against mosquitoes and ticks. It is available in a range of concentrations, and the duration of protection increases with strength. In general, lower concentrations are suitable for shorter outings, while higher concentrations provide longer protection. When used appropriately, DEET is considered safe for both adults and children.
For children, product concentration and age recommendations should always be followed as outlined on the label. As a general rule, lower concentrations are used for younger age groups, and infants under six months should rely on physical barriers, such as mosquito netting, rather than chemical repellents.
Some individuals prefer DEET-free options due to concerns about odour, skin feel, or potential interaction with plastics and synthetic materials. Icaridin has become a very popular alternative. It provides comparable protection against mosquitoes and ticks, is generally odourless, non-greasy, and is less likely to damage clothing or gear. It is considered suitable for most age groups, including young children, when used according to product directions. For many families, icaridin has become a first-choice option because it balances effectiveness with tolerability.
Another option is oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), a plant-derived repellent. While it is often viewed as a “natural” alternative, it is important to remember that natural does not always mean risk-free. OLE can be effective against mosquitoes, but it is not recommended for young children, and its duration of protection is shorter than DEET or icaridin. It may be useful for shorter outdoor activities, but it is generally not the best choice for extended hiking or camping trips.
Other plant-based repellents, such as citronella or soybean oil products, are also available. These may provide short-term relief from mosquito bites, but they tend to have limited duration of action and may not provide reliable protection against ticks. Given the increasing importance of tick-bite prevention in Ontario, products with proven tick efficacy are preferred when spending time in wooded or grassy environments.
One important addition to modern insect protection strategies, is permethrin-treated clothing. Permethrin is an insecticide applied to clothing, shoes, socks, and camping gear (not directly to skin). It provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, and remains effective through multiple washes when pre-treated commercially. This option is particularly useful for hikers, hunters, and campers spending extended time outdoors in high-risk areas.
Timing and application technique also matter. Insect repellent should be applied to exposed skin only, and never under clothing. It should be applied sparingly but evenly, and reapplication should follow label instructions. Repellent should not be sprayed directly onto the face; instead, it should be sprayed onto hands and then carefully applied to the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. It is also important to avoid applying to broken, irritated, or sunburned skin.
Because sunscreen and insect repellent are often used together, application order matters. Sunscreen should always be applied first and allowed to absorb properly before applying insect repellent. Combination sunscreen-repellent products are generally not recommended, since sunscreen needs frequent reapplication while repellents do not.
Once indoors, repellent should be washed off, and clothing should be changed. This helps reduce prolonged skin exposure and minimizes unnecessary absorption.
Tick prevention deserves special attention. After outdoor activities, a full body check is strongly recommended for all family members, including children and pets. Ticks often attach in hidden areas such as behind knees, along the waistband, under arms, and in the scalp or hairline. Prompt removal using fine-tipped tweezers reduces the risk of infection. The tick should be grasped close to the skin and pulled straight out with steady pressure.
Pharmacists can assess and prescribe appropriate prophylaxis medication providing the assessment occurs within 72 hours of the removal of a black-legged tick and the tick is suspected to have been attached for at least 24-36 hours. If you are unsure, consult a health-care provider.
In Ontario, awareness of Lyme-disease risk areas continues to increase as tick populations expand geographically. Early signs, such as rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain after a bite, should not be ignored. Early treatment is highly effective when started promptly. Though pharmacists can prescribe for prevention after a tick bite, any signs or symptoms need to be referred to a medical practitioner as soon as possible.
Finally, a few practical reminders help round out safe outdoor habits. Avoid standing water where mosquitoes breed, use screened tents when camping, and consider scheduling hikes earlier in the day when insect activity may be lower depending on the region and conditions.
With a combination of protective clothing, appropriate repellents, and good outdoor habits, most insect bites can be prevented. This will allow you to enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.
For more information about this or any other health-related questions, contact the pharmacists at Gordon Pharmasave, Your Health and Wellness Destination. Also check the website at www.gordon-pharmasave.com/ and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GordonPharmasave/.
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