Seeing a red bump (or bumps) on a kid’s soft skin is a nightmare for all parents. These bumps can be bug bites. The itching, burning and scratching of the affected bite area can be unbearable for kids. They may harm themselves more. So, what can you do? Firstly, hire experts for a pest control service and make your home bug-free. After that, you can follow these tips to keep your children safe:
1. Use the Right Repellents
There are plenty of options in repellents – creams, gels, sprays – you name it! However, you have to be cautious while choosing these chemicals. Not all repellents are for kids’ soft and sensitive skins. So, select a cream or gel with high DEET concentration, check the product’s label and apply it on the arms, neck, and face – basically the exposed body parts. Here are two repellents you can use regularly:
1. EPA-approved tick sprays
2. Mosquito sprays containing lemon oil eucalyptus or IR3535, DEET and Picaridin
Using these repellents will also keep insect-borne diseases at bay. You can also ask your pest control service provider for a kid-friendly solution. Along with choosing the right products, applying them plays a significant role in this procedure; here is how you should do it:
- Always spray these repellents outside your home, away from food and drinks, to avoid contamination.
- Do not apply to eyes or mouth areas.
- Wash your hands immediately after applying the cream.
- Read the label for the frequency of reapplying.
- Don’t combine sunscreens with repellents.
Note: You can advise your kids not to eat the cream or lick their hands.
2. Let the Kids Play in Safe Places
Make sure your kid is playing in insect-free areas. Heavy woodlands, vegetated areas, or areas with stagnant water might be more dangerous than an open playground. Mosquitoes, for example, flourish in stagnant water and dense vegetation and can bite your child, spreading illnesses and infections. Here is what else you can do:
- Don’t let your kids play near standing water; clean it up as soon as you notice it.
- Always inspect and repair screens.
- If you have toddlers, cover their strollers with mesh when going outside.
- Keep your garden well-trimmed and clean.
- Schedule a pest control service for regular inspection and treatments.
Also, avoid being outside at dusk and early. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks if you must go out during these hours.
3. Protect Them with the Right Clothing and Shoes
If your kid is playing in locations with plants or grass, they should be appropriately dressed to avoid and prevent bug bites.
- Wear light-colored clothing and keep an eye out for insects. That will assist you in detecting ticks that may have attached themselves to your kid’s clothing or pets.
- Before entering inside, shake off any insects. Once inside, these insects have more time to infiltrate your kids’ bodies and injure them.
- Tuck socks inside jeans. While this isn’t the most stylish advice, it helps keep ticks away from your legs. More significantly, it saves your children from days of itching, scratching, and misery.
You can limit the contact between your kid’s body and insects with suitable clothing and shoes. So, ensure proper use of these tools to protect your children from nasty bugs. Along with it, you can also make your place safe by scheduling a pest control service.
4. Shower Kids After Play-time
No one gets hurt by showering twice a day. Also, it will remove all dirt and dust from your kids’ bodies and make them feel fresh for dinner or homework. As no pest like cleanliness, they may not stick to your kid after a shower.
