Tips on How to Prevent Insect Bites on Children

Insect bites are typically itchy and may be uncomfortable, especially for children. Additionally, while most insect bites are harmless, some mosquitoes carry diseases. For instance, ticks can spread Lyme disease and insects can spread West Nile Virus. Fortunately there are several ways in which you can prevent insect bites on children.

Get Rid of Standing Water: Many children love to play outside in the summer in backyards. However, mosquitoes like to nest in standing water, and many individuals are not even aware they have it in their backyards, according to Wise Geek. Look under your potted plants and outdoor storage units, such as outdoor shelving to see if you have any standing water. If you do, get rid of it. Additionally, Wise Geek suggests putting mosquito-eating fish into a pond if you have one in your backyard.

Don't Allow Insects Into Your Home: Children do not only get insect bites outside, they can get them inside the home as well. Thus, another important way to prevent insect bites is not allowing mosquitoes into your home. Do not open your windows if they do not have screens in them. Additionally, keep your windows closed if your screens are not fitted correctly or have holes in them. Mosquitoes can get through very small holes in screens.

Ensure Your Pets Are Flea Free: If you have pets, they can bring fleas from the outside into your home. Fleas can bite children just as other insects can. Thus, another way to prevent mosquito bites is to ensure that your pets are flea free. You can get flea treatments for your cat or dog from your veterinarian, such as Advantage or Front Line. Many flea prevention treatments need to be given only once a month and they will help prevent insect bites to children by keeping fleas out of your home.

Avoid Floral and Fruity Scents: Another way you can prevent insect bites is to avoid using fruity or floral scents. Do not have your children use fruity or floral smelling lotions, perfumes, or soaps or shower gels. Additionally, you may want to avoid using floral smelling laundry detergent, fabric softener, and/or dryer sheets when washing your children's clothes. Insects and mosquitoes are attracted to these scents, so avoiding them will help you prevent mosquito bites.

Light-Colored Clothing: Wearing light-colored clothing is another good way to prevent bug bites. According to About, mosquitoes are attracted to dark-colored clothing. Dress your children in vibrant bright colors to avoid bug bites.

Avoid Insects' Favorite Times: Another way to prevent insect bites is to avoid the times of day mosquitoes like to be out. Insects love being out right before the sun rises and right after the sun sets, so avoid going out during this time of day, if it is possible.

Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing protective clothing is another way you can prevent mosquito bites to children. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, especially during the hours of the day insects love to be out - before the sun rises and right after the sun sets. It is also important to wear protective clothing when you are hiking or spending time in the woods or walking in tall grass.

Insect Repellent: Finally, insect repellent can help you prevent insect bites on children. Products, such as DEET and OFF deter insects and mosquitoes from your body. However, you need to be very careful in using these products with young children because they are toxic. Follow the instructions on the product for application.

Bug bites are typically not dangerous, but insects and mosquitoes do carry diseases sometimes. To prevent bug bites on children, utilize the tips provided in this article.

Sources:

Wise Geek: How Can I Prevent Bug Bites?:

http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-prevent-bug-bites.htm

About: Chemistry: Natural Mosquito Repellents:

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa050503a.htm

Mama's Health: Preventing Bug Bites:

http://www.mamashealth.com/insect/prevent.asp