(CNN) -- Welcome to bug season, when mosquitoes, ticks and other creepy crawlers make even the bravest mom or dad hesitant to let the kids go outside. Not only are insects annoying, they can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease. But what's the best way to ward off these pests? A new report, released Wednesday by the Environmental Working Group, finds that no one bug repellent works against every insect, but your best bets are those products made with active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Four chemicals provide protection from biting bugs: Picaridin, IR3535, PMD, DEET
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Despite negative reputation, DEET was found to be most effective and least toxic
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Insect-borne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, experts say
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Covering up with clothing and draining standing water will also help prevent bites
DEET
DEET
Scientific tests have shown that four registered chemicals provide a high level of protection from a number of bug bites, according to the EWG report: Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (and its synthetic derivative known as p-Menthane-3,8-diol, or PMD) and @placeholder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, infected more than 5,600 Americans last year, and 286 people died from the virus, according to the @placeholder.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Incidences of the tick-borne illness have more than doubled over the last 15 years, according to the @placeholder.
Environmental Working Group
The @placeholder also notes that repellents should be a last resort when warding off insects.