Health Canada encourages safe use of bug repellents

Health Canada is reminding Canadians about the importance of using insect repellents safely to avoid mosquitoes and other insect bites.

Bites from mosquitoes, flies, and ticks can cause a number of health problems from itchiness and irritation to potentially serious diseases, including West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease.

Insect repellents help to minimize health risks from bites, but it's important to remember that they are a kind of pesticide and should be used only as directed.

There are many steps you can take to avoid bug bites:

-Cover exposed skin with clothing as much as possible, and only use insect repellents that have been approved by Health Canada. You can tell an approved product by the Pest Control Product (PCP) registration number on the label.

-Choose products that best suit your needs and activities. For example, if you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product with a lower concentration of repellent and re-apply only if you need a longer protection time.

-Before using any insect repellent, make sure to read and follow the instructions and warnings on the product's label. Many insect repellent products have restrictions for use on children and on the maximum number of applications allowed a day. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully.

-Apply only a small amount of repellent and only on exposed skin or on top of clothing. Never spray insect repellents directly into your face. Spray on your hands first and then apply to your face. Repeat applications only as needed and as directed on the product label.

-Keep all insect repellent containers out of reach of children and pets and supervise the application of insect repellents on children. Avoid applying repellent to children's hands to reduce the chance of getting the repellent in their eyes and mouths.