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.