Keep Kids “Bug Safe” This Summer

It’s June, the kids are ready for some outdoor fun, and bugs are, well, everywhere this time of year. Here a handy list of tips for keeping bugs at bay.

  • Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water and gardens where flowers are in bloom.

  • Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors.

  • To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it with a credit card or your fingernail.

  • Use insect repellents containing DEET when needed to prevent insect-related diseases. Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses. The current AAP and CDC recommendation for children older than 2 months of age is to use 10 percent to 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age.

  • Children should wash off repellents when returning indoors.

  • As an alternative to DEET, picaridin has become available in the U.S. in concentrations of 5 percent to 10 percent.

  • When outside in the evenings, cover up with long sleeved shirts, pants and socks to prevent bites.

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