And I'm not talking about Great White's song from the 80's. Yes it a good song to run down memory lane. But I'm talking about getting bitten up while you're hanging outside by the pool, having a dinner with family and friends, doing yard work, gardening or even on a hike. 

Those nasty bumpy itching or stinging bites. UGH!!! Plus some folks out there have bigger reactions to those bites based on the histamine levels in their bodies. YES, you can have more histamine in your body not related to those dang seasonal allergies. However that is a conversation for another day. Stay tuned for that one. 

There are many options to control those pesky bugs. From having a fan outside with you blowing them away to using bug repellent. Those of a certain age will remember the days trucks would drive around spraying DEET to keep those inconvenient bugs away. Since that time many reports and studies have been done on DEET, because of the concern about its neurotoxicity, ability to melt plastic and its greasiness. Neurological symptoms such as seizures have been reported in infants exposed to DEET. Note that recent studies are saying in low doses it is safe. As for me, I'll stay away from it for now. 

Options: 

• Picaridin is a synthetic chemical made to mimic piperine a compound  found in black pepper. It has been used in Europe and Australia. It has been shown to be as effective as DEET without all the nasty concerns. 
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is a great alternative to repel mosquitoes up to 6 hours
• Natural Alternatives as shown below

If you do get bit try applying tea tree oil on the bite. Tea tree oil is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and usually no-irritating.  Also pure lavender oil can be used. My favorite way to take the itch out of a mosquito bite is to put a dap of Beautycounter's Charcoal + Mask, just a tiny bit stops the itching almost immediately. 

Earlier this month I was working out in the yard planting flowers, herbs and vegetables when I felt a tick on my leg. Try as I might I couldn't get that tick off. I tried a tick spoon, eventually I had to have my husband get the tick off with tweezers. This tick was small and hard to remove we did manage to get all of it. Thankfully!! 

To be on the safe side I attempted to put on betonite clay, I couldn't get the mix right. However I remembered that I had a charcoal mask on hand, it works wonders on bug bites taking care of the sting and itch. Thus I reasoned it would do the same if the tick left me an unwanted gift of a virus. So far I am healthy and I have not seen any rings or irritation at the bite sight. 

 Check children, pets, and yourself for ticks. If you don’t have someone to help you, use a mirror to check all parts. Work your way up from bottom to top. Ticks like warm spots, so don’t miss any of those. Feel for bumps. Look for tiny dark spots. Most ticks are very small. 
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If you do find a tick, don’t worry. The earlier you spot it the better. Your odds of catching Lyme disease in the first 24 hours is extremely low.