Bug Off: Essential Tips for Insect, Mosquito and Tick Bite Prevention
September 15, 2025The great outdoors should be enjoyed safely and that includes protecting your family from bug bites! Mosquitoes and ticks can spread illnesses, but with a few simple steps, you can keep everyone safe and itch-free!
Choose the Right Insect Repellent
Choose insect repellents that are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Effective ingredients include:
- DEET (20-30%): has long-lasting protection, safe to use in children 2 months or older
- Picaridin: Works similarly to DEET but gentler on skin
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE): Natural and effective however should not be used in children under 3 years old
- Permethrin: Should only be used on clothing, not directly on skin. It kills ticks on contact and lasts through several washes
Important tip: Keep repellent away from children’s hands to prevent accidental ingestion or contact with eyes or mouth.
Dress Appropriately When Outside
- Dress children in light-colored clothing!
- Tuck in shirts into pants and pants into socks
- Wear long shirts and pants
- Spray clothes with permethrin
Perform Tick Checks
Tick checks should be performed after outdoor activities, especially when in wooded or grassy areas. Be sure to:
- Perform a thorough tick check on yourself and your children. Pay special attention to areas behind ears, underarms and between legs
- Shower quickly in order to wash off any crawling ticks
- Wash and dry clothes on high heat to kill any hidden ticks
Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites
Mosquitos lays eggs in standing water. You can stop them by:
- Emptying water from flowerpots, birdbaths and gutters
- Turning over kiddie pools when they are not in use
- Cleaning outdoor toys that may have water in them
Remove Ticks Safely
Found a tick? Do not panic, follow these steps!
- Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to skin’s surface as possible
- Pull upward slowly and steadily. Do NOT twist!
- Clean the bite area and your hands with alcohol, scrub or soap and water
- Call your doctor if your child is having a fever, rash or feels tired in weeks after the bite.
By following these easy steps, your family can have fun in the sun without worrying about painful bug bites. Be prepared, stay safe and have a great bug-free time in the outdoors!
