Bug Bites and Insect Safety for Children

Bug bites are a common part of childhood, especially during warmer months. Most are minor annoyances, but some insects carry diseases, and allergic reactions can be serious. Knowing how to prevent bites and respond when they occur helps keep your child safe and comfortable.

Insect Repellent: What Works AAP

The right repellent makes a big difference in preventing bites.

Effective ingredients:

• DEET: Most effective and longest lasting
• Picaridin: Effective alternative to DEET
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE): Plant-based option (not for under 3)
• IR3535: Another option

DEET safety for children:

• Safe for children 2 months and older
• Use 10-30% concentration (no need for higher)
• 10% protects for about 2 hours
• 30% protects for about 5 hours
• Don't use products combining sunscreen and DEET

How to apply repellent:

• Apply to exposed skin only
• Avoid hands, eyes, and mouth
• Don't apply under clothing
• Apply outdoors or in ventilated area
• Adults should apply to young children (spray on hands first, then apply)
• Wash off when coming indoors

Products that don't work well:

• Citronella candles (minimal protection)
• Electronic ultrasonic devices
• Vitamin B1 supplements
• Garlic
• Dryer sheets

Mosquito Prevention CDC

Mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus and, in some areas, Zika.

Reducing mosquito exposure:

• Avoid peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn)
• Eliminate standing water around home
• Use window screens
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when possible
• Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes

For babies:

• Mosquito netting over strollers and carriers
• Keep arms and legs covered
• DEET products safe after 2 months
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours if possible

Treating mosquito bites:

• Clean with soap and water
• Cold compress to reduce swelling
• Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone for itching
• Trim fingernails to prevent scratching
• Watch for signs of infection

Tick Safety CDC

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other serious illnesses.

Where ticks are found:

• Wooded and grassy areas
• Leaf litter
• Shrubs and brush
• Around homes in endemic areas
• On pets that go outside

Preventing tick bites:

• Stay on clear paths when hiking
• Wear long pants tucked into socks in wooded areas
• Use repellent with DEET or permethrin
• Treat clothing with permethrin (lasts through multiple washings)
• Do tick checks after outdoor activities

How to do a tick check:

• Check entire body
• Pay attention to: scalp, behind ears, armpits, groin, behind knees
• Check children after playing in grassy or wooded areas
• Check pets too

Removing a tick:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers
• Grasp tick close to skin
• Pull straight up with steady pressure
• Don't twist, squeeze, or burn the tick
• Clean bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap
• Save tick in sealed container if you want it tested

When to seek medical care:

• Bull's-eye rash around bite (possible Lyme disease)
• Fever, headache, fatigue after bite
• Difficulty removing tick
• Symptoms of illness within weeks of bite

Bee and Wasp Stings AAP

Stings are painful but usually not dangerous unless child is allergic.

Preventing stings:

• Avoid nests (check play areas)
• Don't swat at bees or wasps
• Avoid sweet-smelling products outdoors
• Cover food and drinks outside
• Wear shoes outdoors
• Avoid bright floral patterns

Treating stings:

• Remove stinger quickly if present (scrape, don't squeeze)
• Wash with soap and water
• Ice to reduce swelling
• Pain reliever if needed
• Antihistamine for itching

Signs of allergic reaction (call 911):

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of face, throat, or tongue
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Widespread hives
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting

If child has known allergy:

• Carry epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)
• Know how to use it
• Wear medical ID bracelet
• Inform caregivers and schools
• Seek immediate medical care after using epinephrine

Fire Ants AAP

Fire ants are aggressive and their stings are painful.

Fire ant prevention:

• Watch for mounds in yard
• Treat or avoid mounds
• Wear closed-toe shoes outside
• Be alert in areas where fire ants are common

Treating fire ant stings:

• Move away from mound quickly
• Brush ants off
• Wash with soap and water
• Cold compress for pain
• Antihistamine for itching
• Watch for allergic reaction

Spider Bites

Most spider bites are harmless, but some require attention.

Preventing spider bites:

• Shake out clothing and shoes stored outside
• Wear gloves when handling firewood or stored items
• Keep beds away from walls
• Check before reaching into dark spaces

When to worry:

• Black widow: severe pain, cramping, sweating
• Brown recluse: pain that increases, red/white/blue ring around bite
• Any bite with spreading redness, fever, or severe symptoms

When to see doctor:

• Severe pain
• Spreading redness or streaking
• Fever
• Suspected black widow or brown recluse bite
• Wound that doesn't heal

Preventing Infection

Signs of infected bite:

• Increasing redness
• Warmth around bite
• Pus or drainage
• Red streaks spreading from bite
• Fever
• Increased pain after first day

To prevent infection:

• Clean bites with soap and water
• Avoid scratching
• Trim children's fingernails short
• Use antibiotic ointment on open scratches

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care for:

• Signs of severe allergic reaction
• Bite from potentially dangerous spider or insect
• Signs of infection
• Multiple stings (especially in small children)
• Known allergies to insect stings
• Bull's-eye rash or symptoms after tick bite
• Bite that doesn't heal or worsens

Natural Alternatives

For those wanting natural options:

• Picaridin (synthetic but less odor than DEET)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (for children over 3)
• Covering skin with clothing
• Avoiding peak insect times

What doesn't work:

• Most "natural" repellents provide minimal protection
• Essential oils provide very short-term protection if any
• Eating garlic doesn't prevent bites

The Bottom Line

Protecting children from bug bites involves using effective repellent (DEET or picaridin), wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak insect times, and checking for ticks after outdoor play. Most bites are minor, but watch for signs of allergic reactions or infection. Know the symptoms of tick-borne illness and when to seek medical care.

Clara is here to help you navigate bug bite prevention and treatment!