How to Protect Children From Insect Bites and Stings in the Wilderness

Young people may be more sensitive to insect repellents, and once bit, tend to scratch more, increasing the risk of infection. Help kids avoid the discomfort of bites and the trauma of stings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Sporty Hats
• Mosquito Netting
• Permethrin Products
• First Aid Kits
• Insect Repellents
• Avon Skin-So-Soft®

1. Apply an insect repellent regularly to the child's skin if in an area where bites and stings are a risk. Use a repellent with the lowest possible concentration of DEET or use a natural repellent without DEET.

2. Dress the child in dark clothing thick enough that insects can't bite through it.

3. Teach the child to be respectful of bug's homes: this may mean not turning over rocks and logs (or doing so carefully and only with adult supervision), and not disturbing spider webs.

4. Teach the child to shake out shoes and clothing before putting them on, especially if they have been sitting outdoors.

5. Teach the child to freeze ("play statue") when he or she is being investigated by stinging insects so that the child doesn't frighten the insect into stinging.

6. Zip tent screens shut, and open screens only when entering and exiting the tent.

7. Have the child sleep enclosed in a mosquito net if in an area where mosquitoes or wasps are especially numerous or persistent.

8. Shake out the child's sleeping bag or bedding before going to sleep.

9. Have the child wear shoes at all times, especially after dark when insects are likely to be around.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply insect repellent to infants.
• Do not apply insect repellent underneath clothing.
• Wash insect repellent off of the skin after bites or stings are no longer a threat.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 11/22/2005 My baby backpack had a handy sun and rain shade. I slipped a standard, adult sized mosquito head net over the sunshade and had a nice protected place for baby's head and hands. The only problems I had were some insect stings right through the pants. Keep the baby Benadryl on hand for that.