Don't give mosquitoes a chance — Take back the summer and get outside!

(NC) – Despite our undying love for hockey and our ability to withstand long cold winters, when summer arrives, most Canadians never want it to end. In fact, according a recent survey conducted by Vision Critical on behalf of OFF!, many Canadians would go to drastic lengths to extend summer by a month – 32 per cent would forgo their morning coffee, 40 per cent would lose an hour of sleep and 41 per cent would even give up their smartphones for a day!

Unfortunately, while warmer temperatures usually signal the start of much-anticipated outdoor fun, they also bring unwanted guests onto our patios and backyards – bothersome mosquitoes and bugs that often ruin our favourite summer moments.

According to the same survey, more than half of Canadians (53 per cent) have stayed indoors to avoid being bitten by bugs during the summer season, with 16 per cent saying they spend more than three hours a day or more indoors to avoid annoying insects.

“Besides the nuisance factor, stinging or biting insects can sometimes present a threat to our health,” says Jim Lovisek, professional animal and insect wrangler, who partnered with OFF! to help Canadians spend more bug-free time outdoors. “Long-lasting insect repellents provide the best protection when mosquitoes are at their worst – but too often, we forget to pack repellents to keep ourselves and our families protected.”

Part of summer fun is being spontaneous – whether it’s a last-minute hike in the great outdoors or an impromptu picnic in the park. Packing a portable mosquito repellent such as OFF! Mini Spray in the golf bag, tackle box or back pack helps protect from bothersome bugs in any situation or setting – and is the easiest way to extend the summer season.

More tips on managing unwanted insects this season are available online at www.bugsmart.ca

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