Not only are bug bites and stings painful, but they can also spread illnesses such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

Ways to Avoid Bugs

• Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
• Mosquito netting can be used over infant carriers.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
• To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.

Repellents

• Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied. 
• The American Academy of Pediatrics  and the Center for Disease Control recommend Insect repellents containing DEET and  Picaridin - these are are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
• Products containing DEET and Picariden are longer lasting than others.The CDC also recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus as being effective, but it is not recommended for children under 3. Other natural repellents are available, but they can still have ingredients that are toxic to young children and babies, so read labels and take note of the recommended age.
  The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent.
• The benefits of DEET reach a peak at a concentration of 30 percent, the maximum concentration currently recommended for infants and children. The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Repellents should not be used on children under 2 months of age.

Applying repellent to children and babies over 2 months

• When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child.
• Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears.  
• Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children and babies tend to put their hands in their mouths.)
• Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an adult do it for them.
• Keep repellents out of reach of children.
• Do not apply repellent under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing, wash treated clothing before wearing again. (May vary by product, check label for specific instructions.)
• Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products directly to you or your child's face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, and The Center for Disease Control

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