When the first signs of spring appear, humans are not the only ones eager to greet the great outdoors...biting bugs and insects are also clamoring for a taste of spring. Flies and mosquitoes make up the fourth largest order of insects, comprising upwards of 60 thousand species. So whether you're in the woods, on the golf course or in your own backyard, you're bound to run into a pesky insect.

Most often biting bugs are a mere annoyance and can be avoided with a good repellent and proper precautions. Occasionally, however, the hazards of bites and stings can be significant. Approximately one hundred deaths a year in the United States are officially blamed on insect bites and stings, and researchers believe the actual number is significantly higher.

The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology estimates that as many as two million Americans are allergic to bee stings. At least 50 people die a year from anaphylactic shock, the condition resulting from such allergies. Also, each year, 30 deaths occur among the 85,000 people who seek medical treatment for allergic reactions to fire ant bites.

The list of diseases spread by insects should cause concern to anyone en-route for some R&R in the great outdoors. Mosquitoes in almost every state can carry encephalitis, and in California they can carry malaria. Ticks infected with Lyme Disease have now been reported in 49 states. And besides this illness, which can cause permanent problems such as arthritic joints, headaches and abnormal heartbeat, ticks also spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever.

Massive efforts to eliminate dangerous insects from the environment have largely failed. In fact, most states no longer set out to eradicate mosquitoes, but instead emphasize bite prevention. Experts in outdoor activities have come to the same conclusion. "We encourage people to take measures to protect themselves against insects any time they're going hiking," says Gwyn Fletcher, Communications Director for the American Hiking Society, which represents half a million outdoors people in over 100 affiliated trail societies nationwide. "The risk of having an outdoor experience marred by bug bites is just too great to ignore taking precautions."

Prevention is the preferred method of avoiding insect bites and their occasional serious consequences. An ounce of prevention is more than worth the effort when it comes to protecting you and your family while enjoying the outdoors.

Greenhead Brand Fly and Insect Repellent is the best prevention available!