Summer means more outdoor fun for kids, but it also brings an increase in bugs and insects. While most bites and stings are minor, some can cause reactions or illnesses. Here’s a simple guide to help parents protect their children and know when to seek medical care.

How to prevent insect bites

Taking steps to prevent insect bites can help keep you comfortable and healthy all summer long. Try these tips to protect yourself and your family:

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and closed-toe shoes and tuck pants into socks in high insect areas.
• Apply bug spray that contains DEET (should be 30-40% DEET).
• Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before DEET-containing bug spray.
• Avoid going outside during peak times. Mosquitoes are most active around dusk.
• Avoid free-standing water, as this can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• If camping, ensure that you are fully covered either by a mosquito net or a zipped-up tent while you are sleeping.

Common Spring and Summer Bugs and Insects

Ticks

Ticks are common from spring through fall and live in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas. There are different species of ticks, and some can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease. Choose light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. After outdoor play, check children thoroughly for ticks, especially behind the ears, hairline, around the waist, under the arms, and behind the knees. If you notice a circular or bullseye rash on your child, you should have them seen by their doctor, as it could be a sign of Lyme disease. It’s important to note that while a bullseye rash is very common, Lyme disease can present with many different symptoms, including headache, lethargy, neck pain, fever, joint swelling/pain, and decreased appetite.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps are active all summer. Stings often happen when kids accidentally step on them or swat at them, and can cause pain and swelling. Did you know that some bees live in underground nests? If you see bees or wasps flying around a small mound of dirt on the ground, be sure to keep your child away from it. Stepping on them can agitate the insects and result in stings.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are most active from late spring through early fall, particularly between dusk and dawn. Their bites can be itchy and cause swelling. If you’re going to be outside, use an insect repellent with DEET. Natural scents such as citronella, lavender, peppermint, lemon eucalyptus, and rosemary can also help repel mosquitoes, though not as effectively as DEET-containing spray.

Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases, including West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

Treatment for Bites and Stings

If a mosquito, bee, wasp, fire ant, or spider bites your child, follow these steps:

• Clean the sting area and nearby skin with soap and warm water to help avoid infection.
• If a stinger is left behind, try to remove it by grasping at the base and pulling outwards in a swift motion.
• To relieve itching, apply soothing treatments such as aloe vera, calamine lotion, or a paste made from baking soda and water.
• To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold pack or cold washcloth for 15 minutes at a time, taking breaks between applications. Always wrap ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin, and refrain from using heat on the area.
• Do not break or drain any blisters, as this can increase the risk of infection and permanent scarring.
• Taking a picture of the insect can help your doctor identify it and treat it accordingly.

If you find a tick on your child:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as you can.
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick.
• After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet. If you would like to bring the tick to your healthcare provider for identification, put it in rubbing alcohol or place it in a sealed bag or container.

What to Look for After a Bite or Sting

While most reactions are mild, monitor your child closely. Common reactions to a bite or sting include redness, swelling, or itching at the bite site, mild pain or warmth, and small bumps or welts. However, you should watch for increased redness, swelling, or pus. If the tick found on your child’s body has been there for 2 days or more, watch for signs of Lyme disease such as a red or bullseye rash around the bite site, joint and muscle pains, fevers, headaches, and tiredness.

Although rare, some people can experience severe allergic reactions to bee stings called anaphylaxis. Call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Hives all over the body
• Dizziness or fainting

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your child’s healthcare provider if a bite looks infected, or if a tick bit your child and they develop symptoms.