1. Timing is Everything
One of the best ways to prevent insect bites while hiking is to hike when bugs are less active. Crawly creatures tend to come out of the woodwork, literally, where the sun doesn't shine. Try to get the bulk of your hike in during the morning and afternoon, staying in sunny locations instead of spots of shade--with your sunscreen, of course.
2. Tick Tips
Ticks are nasty bugs and can really be a downer for your hiking trip. However, ticks generally hangout in tall grass, brush or low-hanging tree branches, so steer clear of their habitats and you should be fine. Additionally, ticks seem to take hiding on damp, cloudy days, so if the sun is shining and the earth is dry, take extra care to avoid tick bites.
3. Watch Where You Walk
The itsy-bitsy spider tends to hang from a web in areas you can't see very well. You can prevent spider bites by simply keeping your eyes open, watching for webs and low-hanging branches. Stay on the path as often as possible and always scan the ground before taking a seat.
4. Do It With DEEt
Good old insect repellent with DEET should be your best friend when in the wilderness, to prevent itchy bites or allergic reactions. DEET will help to prevent mosquito bites while hiking and even deters ticks; however, make sure that you shower to remove the chemicals from your skin as soon as possible. Additionally, you can treat clothing with Permethrin, which comes in spray or detergent form. You can even purchase pre-treated clothes if you don't want to spray your clothes.
5. Prevention Practicals
A few small details can go a long way when trying to prevent bug bites while hiking. Food, sweet drinks, perfumes and even deodorants attract insects, so avoid strong scents as much as possible, and keep your foods stored tightly. Mosquitoes tend to congregate around stagnant water, so don't make camp around that little pond. Finally, if you stop to eat or camp for the night, use citronella or bug repellent candles to keep things calm around the campfire.
