Most of us have been bitten by a mosquito or similar insect at one point in our life. Usually just an annoyance, insect bites can also prove very serious. Insect Repellent Awareness Day aims to promote the use of insect repellents to not only prevent bites but the spread of diseases, such as Malaria, carried by insects. Insect repellents can be used in various forms, including sprays, creams and tablets, and can help reduce insect bites significantly.

Launched in 2014, Insect Repellent Awareness Day was founded by scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to help people understand the importance of using repellents both in this country and, most importantly, when travelling abroad. Schools can tie in a celebration of the day with projects about bugs and perhaps link in with first aid knowledge around what to do if you are bitten and how to use repellents.