How can we prevent diseases spread by insects?

Most of us think of insect bites as itchy, annoying and part of summer. A nuisance, yes. A health risk? Not always top of mind.

But some insects can carry infections. In the UK, ticks can transmit Lyme disease. In parts of Europe (including the UK) and further afield, mosquitoes can spread illnesses such as West Nile virus and dengue. As travel increases and our summers become warmer, awareness matters more than ever.

There’s no need to feel alarmed. Although the UK risk is increasing due to global travel, international trade, and climate change, the risk for most people in the UK remains low. The key is knowing how to reduce your chances of being bitten in the first place.

In this guide, we explain simple, practical ways to help prevent insect-borne diseases and protect yourself and your family outdoors.

How to prevent insect-borne diseases

Preventing diseases spread by certain insects is largely about reducing bites. No bite means no transmission.

That involves a mix of awareness, sensible clothing, effective insect repellent and a few home and garden habits that limit insect breeding. Small actions, done consistently, make a real difference.

Avoid visiting known habitats

Different insects prefer different environments.

Mosquitoes thrive near standing water and damp areas. Ticks are commonly found in long grass, woodland, moorland and heath. Midges gather around water and are most active at dawn and dusk.

If you know an area has a high tick presence, stick to well-worn paths and avoid brushing against vegetation. When travelling abroad, check NHS and UK Health Security Agency advice before you go so you understand local risks.

Avoidance is not always practical. In those cases, strengthening your protective measures becomes even more important.

Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers

Covering exposed skin is one of the simplest protective steps.

Loose, long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers create a physical barrier between your skin and biting insects. Tucking trousers into socks can help when walking through long grass. Light-coloured fabrics make it easier to spot ticks before they attach.

Clothing alone is not a guarantee. Some insects can bite through thin material, and ticks can crawl underneath clothing. That is why combining clothing with insect repellent offers stronger protection.

Think of clothing as your first layer. Repellent reinforces it.

Use insect repellent

Using insect repellent on exposed skin is one of the most effective ways to reduce bites and therefore reduce the risk of insect-borne disease.

Repellents work by interfering with the insect’s ability to detect human scent cues. You are still there, of course. You are simply much harder to find.

Wasp-Eze® Insect Repellent Max Strength Spray and Lotion, for example, are formulated with IR3535, a scientifically proven, DEET-free active ingredient, both formats offer up to 8 hours of protection in an odourless formula that’s kind to skin. They are ideal for holidays, countryside walks and long summer days outdoors.

For everyday family use, Wasp-Eze® Insect Repellent Roll-on and Pump Spray offer up to four hours of protection and are suitable for babies aged six months and over. Compact and easy to apply, they fit neatly into school bags and picnic baskets.

To get the most from any repellent, apply it to exposed skin, reapply as directed on the label and wash treated skin after returning indoors. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.

If you have already been bitten, try not to scratch. Broken skin increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection.

Protect your home

Reducing insects indoors lowers the chance of bites altogether.

Simple steps can help. Fit window and door screens where possible. Keep doors closed at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Avoid leaving lights on near open windows. When travelling to higher-risk regions, sleeping under a mosquito net may be advisable.

Small changes in the home environment can limit indoor insect activity significantly.

Remove standing water in your garden

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Even a small amount is enough.

Check your garden regularly for water collecting in plant pot trays, blocked gutters, uncovered water butts or forgotten containers. Refresh bird bath water at least weekly and ensure drains are clear.

You do not need a pond to attract mosquitoes. A shallow layer of water left undisturbed can be enough for breeding.

Reducing standing water is one of the most effective longer-term prevention measures.

Check for ticks after leaving woods or grassland

Ticks can attach without causing immediate discomfort. The earlier they are removed, the lower the risk of infection.

After spending time in woodland or long grass, check your legs, waist, armpits and scalp. Check children carefully, especially around the hairline. Pets should also be examined, as they can bring ticks indoors.

If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grasp it close to the skin and pull upwards steadily without twisting or crushing.

In the weeks after a tick bite, watch for symptoms such as a spreading circular rash or flu-like illness. If these occur, seek medical advice.

If you need relief from a bite or sting

Wasp-Eze® Cool & Soothe Pump Spray is designed to deliver fast relief exactly when you need it. Applied directly to the affected area, it combines the cooling sensation of menthol and peppermint to help calm itching and redness.

Prevention is ideal. Prompt relief helps protect skin if bites do happen. Simple!

Insect-borne diseases can sound concerning, but prevention is usually straightforward. Cover up. Use a suitable repellent. Reduce breeding areas. Check for ticks. Treat bites promptly.

With the right habits in place and Wasp-Eze on hand, you can enjoy the outdoors feeling protected, prepared and ready for whatever summer brings.