IT is a fact of camping life that at some stage some creepy crawlie or other will want to spend time in the tent with you.

This is fine, as long as they don't insist on trying to make a meal out of any exposed bits of flesh.

Some campers don't seem to be affected at all, although they are undoubtedly being bitten, but for others the irritation caused by an insect bite - or more likely several insect bits - can become unbearable.

Thankfully, there are heaps of products available now to both ease the pain or to prevent the bites in the first place.

One of the most well known is Jungle formula which offers the widest range of anti-bug and post bite treatments.

Jungle Formula has been on the UK market for over 20 years, and is among the leading brands of insect repellent.

Ift offers a wide range of products suitable for dealing with a wide range of bugs whether they are the infamous midges from Scotland or malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

From sprays of differing stengths to body wipes, it offers them all. Marks and Spencer is also offering its own -brand insecr repellent and after-bite sprays. They also do a range of wipes for £5, which can be wiped over exposed skin and need to be reapplied.every four hours.

If you are one of the unfortunate people who always has a bad reaction to insect bites it is worth taking vitamin B6 pill as this helps to build up the body's resistance. \ It is also worth using an insect repellent spray regularly from the minute you arrive at your destination.

Post-bite creams are pretty effective at easing the itching but in some really bad cases it is always worth visiting a pharmacist for advice.

Although the reaction to an insect bite can be uncomfortable, itchy and painful, it is rarely fatal.

The most irritating insects in the UK are mosquitoes and midges and in areas such as the Scottish Highlands and Lake District, they can be particularly menacing.

Travelling abroad, particularly to tropical areas is more dangerous and special care should be taken to protect yourself against being bitten especially by mosquitoes, which can carry serious diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever and West Nile virus.