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Home › Articles › Home Safety Issues › The Buzz on Bugs and Babies

The Buzz on Bugs and Babies

Summer's Small Pests Can Pose Big Dangers

By Laurie L. Dove

Pages:  1  2  3  

While the CDC reports that when used according to the manufacturer's directions no serious illness has been linked to use of DEET, many parents are looking for chemical-free ways to protect their children. Child-friendly insect repellents usually include oil of lemon, eucalyptus and other plant-based bug barriers.

A chemical-free approach worked well for Sara Thompson and her young son, Xavier. "We used mosquito netting everywhere," says Thompson of her son's outdoor experiences near their Endicott, Wash., home. "We had his playpen covered with mosquito netting so he could be outside. We also have him take garlic oil. It's yucky tasting, but it makes a difference."

Thompson says there are "tons of varieties" of organic bug repellents, some of which even contain sunscreen. Although they can be used with varying results, when you find one that is right for your child, there should be an absence of mosquito bites to prove its effectiveness.

By taking a few precautions – and preparing yourself with solid information – there's no need to run for cover the moment you hear a mosquito buzz. After all, there are few places young children enjoy more than the great outdoors. Keeping them protected from summer's smallest predators will make it fun for you, too.

Bug Barriers

Don't want to douse your child with bug spray? No worries. There are plenty of other precautions that help prevent West Nile virus:

  • Plan your child's outdoor playtime according to the risk of exposure. If your child is outdoors in the early morning or early evening, he is more likely to get bitten because there will be more mosquitoes looking for food.
  • Mosquitoes are most often found near standing or stagnant water. Whether it's a puddle or wading pool, it's a good idea to stay away if you want to avoid bug bites.
  • If you are taking your baby on a walk, cover the stroller or carriage with a mosquito net. There are many different types available at discount and specialty stores and from online retailers.
  • Mosquitoes stick close to home. They rarely go more than a mile from their original breeding site, so eliminating standing water can make a noticeable impact.
  • If you are thinking about buying an "ultrasonic" mosquito device, save your money. These trendy products are not effective in preventing mosquito bites, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


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