YOUR ULTIMATE Summer Survival Guide

Now's the time to savor the sun, the fun, the ice cream! The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute share simple strategies for making the most of the season-safely.

Stay Comfy and Cool

Beat the heat and outsmart summertime pests with these smart solutions from our outdoor specialists.

Make Some Shade

Freestanding gazebos provide ample protection from the sun (and light rain). Some even incorporate counters, light fixtures, power outlets and more for true outdoor living space.

LAB PICK: The Rockport XL Steel Grill Gazebo ($2,000, backyard discovery.​com) is one of the best structures we've tested. The chic, industrial galvanized steel roof fends off rust and sun.

Control the Temps

We're testing more and more misting fans, which add a fine mist to an outdoor fan's cool breeze. Battery-powered versions draw water from a bucket so you can keep cool at the beach or a campsite.

LAB PICK: Testers liked the Craftsman V20 Cordless Misting Fan Kit ($99, craftsman.​com) for its compact design. Three fan and misting settings make it easy to calibrate the cooling.

Conquer Critters

The scent of conventional bug sprays and candles isn't ideal for outdoor dining. Enter the Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller ($30, thermacell .​com), which odorlessly creates a 20-foot skeeterfree zone using EPAreviewed metofluthrin.

LAB PICK: Thermacell's heat-activated tabletop device is simple to use: Power it up 15 minutes in advance, and it will create a protective dome.

The Basics of Swim Safety