We don't need foreign insects, our own are bad enough! I react really badly to horsefly and midge bites. At least they don't carry malaria (YET). Even without the biting insects, I would always advise wearing proper footwear when gardening (based on personal experience). It's so easy to think, I'm only going to *** , won't take long, etc. I made the stupid mistake of trying to edge a lawn wearing Scholl sandals. OK, I only needed to make a few cuts, but I ended slipping off the spade and cutting into the bottom of my foot. Painful, bloody, but fortunately it didn't get infected. Now I always make sure I wear my fave boots (don't do wellies). I got some walking boots from Milletts around 3 years ago, cost me £30, but worth their weight in gold. Good treads, so you don't slip, leather uppers, so your feet don't sweat, and sturdy enough to last at least a few seasons. Best way to avoid insect bites is to keep covered, long trousers, long sleeves, boots, and use Jungle Formula on exposed bits of skin. It really is worth it.