Don't let the bugs keep you and your children indoors! Here are some tips:

• Apply sunscreen to your child before applying insect repellant.
• Dress kids in lightweight, long-sleeve shirts with fitted cuffs.
• Dress kids in long socks and tuck pants into them, especially at dusk and dawn.
• Choose light-colored fabrics, such as pastels, which attract fewer insects than dark colors.
• Avoid perfumes, strongly smelling shampoos or scented soaps, which can attract insects.
• At the end of the day, inspect your kids for ticks, including their armpits and groin.
• If spending the night outdoors, use mosquito netting or a tent. Choose a site away from stagnant water, restrooms or other areas where insects gather.
• In areas with insect-borne disease, spray tents and clothing with permethrin repellant.
• Put up and seal the net or tent before high insect activity periods such as sunset. Before sleeping, vigilantly clear the tent of insects.
• Always apply insect repellant for your child.
• Apply repellents lightly – do not use more than you need.
• Apply repellent only to clothing or to exposed skin, not under clothes.
• Don't apply repellent to your child's hands (so it is less likely to get in his eyes and mouth).
• If using a spray, make sure you are in a well-ventilated space so your child isn't breathing in the spray.
• If your child has a reaction to the repellent, take the bottle with you to the doctor's office.
• Apply insect repellants (with 10 to 30 percent DEET if risk of insect-borne disease) to exposed skin, avoiding the areas around the lips and eyes and any broken skin.
• Wash children's skin with soap and water once they no longer need the repellent protection.
• If your child has had a serious reaction to an insect bite or sting in the past, talk to your doctor about carrying a self-injectable epinephrine kit in case of a life-threatening reaction.
• Teach children to use caution in areas with potential insect hazards, such as anthills, wasp nests or spider hiding places – remember their best protection is to not disturb them!

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