Stop the buzzing

Burning mosquito coils indoors can control mosquitoes effectively, but this is not recommended if you have young children. If you have to keep the window open, place the mosquito coil downwind.

When using pesticide in the living room, keep the room shut for at least one hour to effectively kill all mosquitoes. Return to the room only after it is fully ventilated.

"When a mosquito bites, it injects a kind of formic acid into your skin that can cause inflammation and itching. Resist the temptation to scratch and the itch will soon go away," Huang says.

"For children, washing the bite with soap is the best and safest way to relieve discomfort. Calamine lotion is also good."

WATCH OUT FOR TICKS AS WELL

People who love camping in the countryside should apply insect repellent cream to the skin. Remember to choose a cream containing pesticide that has been proven safe in laboratory tests.

Other products, like mosquito repellents, wristbands or stickers, use essential oil rather than pesticides to repel mosquitoes and may not be e- ective. Huang warns of another deadly summer risk, the tick. It carries more than 80 viruses and every summer there are several reports of fatal tick attacks.

"When you are out camping in suburban woods, it is best to put on long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. After returning home, take o- your clothes, shake and wash them so as not to bring any harmful insects inside the house," she says.