Summer allows more time for children to play outdoors, but when kids are covered with bug bites after spending time outside, parents may start to worry about diseases by mosquitoes, such as West Nile Virus (WNV). Luckily, parents can take simple steps to prevent bites and diseases spread by bugs.
Use an effective insect repellent
Parents may feel overwhelmed by the many bug protection products in the grocery aisle, wondering which ones are best. CDC recommends a variety of effective products.
Most pediatricians recommend using products with 30 percent or less of these ingredients on kids. Once you’ve bought an insect repellent, use it whenever you and your children are outdoors. Put a few bottles or packets of repellent anywhere you might need them– in the car, by the door, in your bag. Make it easy so you’ll remember. As hard as it may be to think about, any single bug bite has the potential to bring illness, so it’s worth taking a moment for prevention.
Please remember to follow the “four Ds” to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes that may carry WNV virus:
Mosquitoes are most active during this time during DUSK/DAWN. If possible, stay indoors during the early morning and evening hours.
DRESS in long sleeves and pants if you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are most active
Before going outdoors, remember to apply an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). DEET is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is the most effective and best studied insect repellent available. Use a repellent containing 25 percent to 35 percent DEET when it is necessary to be outdoors. Children ages 2-12 should use repellent with 10 percent DEET or less. Products containing picaridin and permethrin have also been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, as has oil of lemon eucalyptus.
To keep the mosquito population at bay around your home, DRAIN standing water in old tires, barrels, buckets, cans, clogged rain gutters, and other items that collect water. Change water in pet bowls, flowerpots, and birdbaths at least twice a week.
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