Itchy Hazards

Bug Off! Send Irritating Insects Packing With This Gear

Bug bites are no fun. They can itch or hurt, and some can make you sick. Here's how to prevent them.

illustration of a camper hiking near a tick

Don’t Bug Me! How to Be Prepared for Biting and Stinging Insects

Are you ready to deal with biting and stinging "bugs" you might encounter outside?

How Do You Prevent and Treat Chigger Bites?

Q: What are red bugs or chiggers and how do you treat their bites?

5 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are annoying, and they can be dangerous, too. Here's how to keep them away.

Watch Out for These 5 Stinging Caterpillars

Some tiny caterpillars can sting. Learn how to identify them and what to do if you get stung.

Stuff We Like: Bug Bite Thing

The Bug Bite Thing is designed to suck out venom from under your skin to prevent itching.

3 Proven Ways to Avoid Bug Bites in the Outdoors

Don't bug me! Try these expert tricks and gear for avoiding biting insects.

Stuff We Like: SansBug Mosquito Nets

If you’re sleeping under the stars or in a canvas wall tent, you might want to consider getting a mosquito net.

How to Prevent and Treat Tick Bites

Ticks are tiny, but they can case a lot of trouble. Here's how to be tick aware.

Choosing the Most Effective Bug Spray to Stop Mosquitoes

Mosquitos and other bugs can drive you crazy in the wilderness. Here's how to keep them away.

3 Wild Plants That Relieve Minor Stings, Burns and Itches

These common plants can help if you have a minor scratch, burn, sting or itch.

How to Identify and Deal with Dangerous Bugs

Here's how to recognize biters and stingers. And how to treat their bites and stings.

How can I keep ticks away?

Every time I go hiking, I always get attacked by ticks! What can I do?

Poisonous Plants Quiz

Whether you're on a backcountry trek or a walk in the park, how aware are you of dangerous plants? Take this quiz and find out.

Avoiding mosquito attacks

I feel like a mosquito magnet. Seems like every time I go on outings with my troop, I'm the only one who gets bitten. What can I do? Help!

Q. My Scout Troop took a four-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The mosquitoes were the biggest problem on the trip. I used several different bug sprays, and only one of them worked. But the one that worked only worked for about 15 minutes. What type of bug spray (preferably natural) could I use that would keep the mosquitoes away for at least an hour? Also, I’ve heard that there is clothing that keeps bugs away. How effective is this clothing?