The summer season is here and so are insect bites.

Although bug bites are common, they can be dangerous and hazardous to your health.

"For individuals who develop an allergic reaction, they would want to make sure that they have Benadryl, and if they develop a more severe allergic reaction, including difficulty swallowing, they need to seek emergency services," said Dr. Margie Andreae, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan.

If you do get stung, remove the stinger immediately, apply a cold compress, use a hydrocortisone cream and take Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve pain.

To avoid bites, use repellents with DEET, keep juice inside, avoid standing in water and cover up.

For more information on battling insect bites, go to www.med.umich.edu.