How to Keep Annoying Bugs Away From Your House and Yard

Protect yourself from stings, bites, and creeping critters with these five tips

Catherine Roberts, Consumer Reports Senior Health & Food Reporter.

By Catherine Roberts
Senior Health & Food Reporter

June 1, 2025

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Whether it’s an itchy mosquito bite you get while sitting in your yard or a tick you find on your skin after gardening, insects and arachnids (like ticks) can significantly affect your life and health.

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Illustration: Chris Philpot

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Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the May 2025 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.

Catherine Roberts

Catherine Roberts is a health and science journalist at Consumer Reports. She has been at CR since 2016, covering infectious diseases, bugs and bug sprays, consumer medical devices like hearing aids and blood pressure monitors, health privacy, and more. As a civilian, her passions include bike rides, horror films and fiction, and research rabbit holes. Follow her on X: @catharob.