The Massachusetts summer brings sunshine, cookouts, hiking trails, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes and ticks. Whether you're headed to the Cape, camping in the Berkshires, or just enjoying your backyard, these tiny pests can leave behind more than just an itchy bite. They can transmit serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Bug sprays claim to protect you, but how reliable are they? Are natural remedies enough? And what should you do if you get bit?
At AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts, we treat patients every summer for tick bites, insect-borne illnesses, rashes, and infections. This blog breaks down the truth about bug spray fails, evaluates popular natural remedies, and provides clear guidance on what to do when you get bit. Click here to find the AFC location nearest you.
Why Preventing Bug Bites Matters in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a hotspot for tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses, especially during late spring through early fall. Common threats include:
- Lyme disease – Transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks, with symptoms like fatigue, rash, joint pain, and neurological issues if untreated.
- Anaplasmosis and babesiosis – Also carried by ticks and increasingly common in Massachusetts
- West Nile Virus – Carried by infected mosquitoes, can lead to fever, body aches, or neurological complications.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) – A rare but deadly mosquito-borne virus with high fatality rates in severe cases
The best way to avoid these illnesses is to prevent the bites in the first place. But how?
Bug Spray Basics: What Works and What Doesn't
Ingredients That Work
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several active ingredients shown to be effective:
- DEET (20%–30%) – Highly effective against both mosquitoes and ticks; safe when used as directed
- Picaridin (20%) – Odorless and non-greasy, just as effective as DEET for mosquitoes and ticks
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) – A naturally derived option that's effective but needs to be reapplied more often
- IR3535 – Found in many skin-safe repellents, effective against mosquitoes
Products containing one of these ingredients are proven to reduce bites when used correctly.
Why Some Bug Sprays Fail
Even the best bug spray won't work if it's:
- Applied only to clothes, not exposed skin
- Not reapplied after sweating or swimming
- Sprayed inconsistently or in low concentration
- Past its expiration date
Also, products with low DEET (under 10%) or heavily diluted essential oils often provide limited protection. Just because a spray smells nice doesn't mean it works. Looking for a bite evaluation? Walk into AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts.
The Truth About Natural Remedies
Natural solutions are particularly appealing, especially for children or individuals with sensitive skin. But not all of them live up to the hype.
Natural Remedies That Show Some Effectiveness
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus – The only plant-based option approved by the CDC. Works for up to six hours
- Citronella candles may help reduce the presence of mosquitoes in a small outdoor area, but they do not protect individual skin.
- Lavender, tea tree, and peppermint oils – This can deter bugs in combination but must be reapplied often and may cause skin irritation.
Natural Options That Don't Work Well
- Garlic supplements – No evidence they repel insects
- Wristbands and ultrasonic devices – Studies show they offer little to no protection
- Dryer sheets in pockets – Urban myth with no scientific backing
Bottom line? Natural remedies can be part of a bug-prevention plan but should not replace proven EPA-registered repellents.
Additional Prevention Tips That Make a Difference
Here are innovative strategies to avoid bites, especially in wooded or high-risk areas:
For Mosquitoes
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk
- Drain standing water near your home
- Use window screens and fans to reduce indoor mosquitoes
- Apply bug spray to exposed skin and clothing before going out
For Ticks
- Stay on marked trails when hiking
- Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot
- Tuck pants into socks and apply permethrin to boots and gear
- Shower within two hours of being outdoors
- Do tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets daily
Tick-borne disease can develop days or weeks after a bite. Know what to do if you spot a tick.
What to Do If You Get a Mosquito or Tick Bite
Mosquito Bites
Most mosquito bites are harmless but can cause itching and inflammation, leading to swelling. Here's what helps:
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply ice or a cool compress
- Use antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone
- Avoid scratching to prevent infection
Seek medical care if you develop:
- Fever or headache within a week
- Rash, vomiting, or muscle aches
- Signs of infection at the bite site
Visit AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts for evaluation.
Tick Bites
If you find a tick:
- Remove it carefully with fine tweezers
- Pull straight out without twisting
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Save the tick in a sealed container if possible
Watch for:
- Bull's-eye rash (Erythema migrans)
- Fatigue or fever
- Muscle or joint aches
These could be early signs of Lyme disease. If symptoms appear, do not wait. Visit your nearest AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts location for treatment. Early diagnosis often prevents long-term complications.
When to Visit AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts
See us if you or your child experiences:
- A tick bite followed by a rash, fever, or fatigue
- Swelling, redness, or pus at the bite site
- Multiple mosquito bites with an allergic reaction
- Flu-like symptoms after recent outdoor exposure
- Unexplained aches, stiffness, or nerve changes
Our team can offer:
- Tick removal and wound care
- Preventive antibiotics for suspected Lyme disease
- Evaluation for West Nile or EEE symptoms
- Treatment for infected or allergic bite reactions
We offer fast, walk-in care, with most locations open seven days a week. Find the one closest to you.
Bug bites might seem like a minor inconvenience, but in Massachusetts, they carry real health risks. Choosing the right repellents, avoiding ineffective products, and acting quickly when bites happen is essential to keeping your family safe this summer.
Don't let mosquitoes or ticks ruin your plans. If you're unsure what's causing the issue, or if symptoms start to appear, skip the guesswork and let the medical experts at AFC Urgent Care Massachusetts take a look. 👉 Walk into AFC Urgent Care today because the faster you treat a bite, the better your summer will be.
