How to Enjoy a Naturally Bug Free British Summer
Long evenings in the garden, country walks, riverside picnics and trips abroad are some of the loveliest parts of British summer life. They are also, sadly, when midges, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies make their presence felt. The good news is that with a few thoughtful habits and gentle plant based support, you can spend much more time outdoors and far less time scratching. Here is our warm, herbalist informed guide to a calmer, kinder season outside.
Understanding When Biting Insects Are Most Active
In the UK, midges, mosquitoes and biting flies tend to be at their busiest at dawn and dusk, particularly near still or slow moving water, woodland edges and damp meadows. Warm, humid evenings are often the trickiest. Knowing when they are most active can help you plan your time outdoors and make the simple adjustments that quietly make a real difference.
What Attracts Biting Insects to Us
Insects are drawn to a combination of carbon dioxide from our breath, body heat, sweat and certain compounds in our skin. Heavily scented perfumes, hair products and sweet body lotions can also act as gentle beacons. Dressing thoughtfully and choosing unfragranced toiletries during peak insect season can make you noticeably less appealing to passing midges and mosquitoes.
Natural Ways to Keep Midges and Mosquitoes at Bay
A handful of small, traditional habits can quietly transform your summer outdoors:
- Wear light, loose, long sleeved clothing at dawn and dusk in pale colours, which insects find less attractive.
- Avoid heavily scented hair products and perfumes when heading out for the evening.
- Keep an eye out for stagnant water in plant saucers, water butts and bird baths, where mosquitoes love to breed.
- Plant lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, mint and citronella scented geraniums near seating areas in the garden.
- Light a beeswax candle or use a gentle essential oil diffuser on the patio with lemon eucalyptus or citronella.
Choosing a Gentle, Plant Led Repellent
Many UK adults are now choosing kinder, plant based alternatives to strong chemical repellents, particularly for everyday outdoor use, sensitive skin and time spent with grandchildren. Natural insect repellents bring together well loved essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus, citronella, lavender and peppermint, all of which insects find unappealing while feeling kind on the skin. Our Napiers Bugbuster Outdoor Body Spray is one such option, formulated by our herbalists for everyday wear at home and abroad.
Whichever repellent you choose, a few simple application tips help it work its best:
- Apply to clean, dry skin after sunscreen has fully absorbed.
- Reapply every couple of hours, particularly after swimming or perspiration.
- For the face, spray into clean palms first and pat gently onto the cheeks and forehead.
- Carry a small bottle in your handbag or rucksack for top ups on the go.
Soothing Itchy Skin After a Bite
Even with the most careful precautions, the occasional bite is part of life outdoors. Resist the urge to scratch, as this can break the skin and prolong irritation. Cool the area with a clean, cold compress, then apply a calming, herbal aftercare formula to soothe heat and itching. Our Napiers Bite Ease Post Bite Comfort Serum is one we keep in our own handbags through the summer for this very reason, crafted with calming botanicals to gently support tender, inflamed skin.
If a bite becomes painful, increasingly swollen, infected or shows any signs of a wider reaction, please refer to the NHS guidance on insect bites and stings or speak with your GP. This is especially important for ticks, where prompt and proper removal matters.
