The Buzz on Bug Spray

Summer is finally here. For most of us, this means more outdoor activities (bike riding,swimming, family gatherings, camping, etc). The kids are out of school, adults take vacations and it’s time for fun in the sun!! There is no bigger buzz-kill than having to deal with pesky critters. Here are some tips to keep your summer bite free!

BUG OFF!

Insects (mosquitoes, gnats, chiggers, ticks,etc.) commonly bite us and can make us miserable. There are many safe and effective insect repellents that you can use to protect you and your family,including those that use ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, citronella, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or soybean oil. When applying bug repellent to children, remember to only use products that are approved for children. Another thing to do is always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and wash off the insect repellents when you return indoors.

What You Need To Know

• The AAP (The American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that parents should not reapply insect repellents with DEET more than once a day.
• 
  You should usually avoid combination products with a sunscreen and insect repellent, such as Coppertone Bug and Sun and Bull Frog Mosquito Coast. The main problem with them is that sunscreens should be reapplied every few hours, while insect repellents should not. However, they may be a good option if you are sure that you will only be out for a few hours and you want the convenience of a 2-in-1 product.
• 
  To be safe, only apply insect repellents to exposed skin. Do not apply it under clothing, on a child's hands, near the mouth or eyes, or over cuts and irritated skin.
• 
  Wash off insect repellents once you or your child are indoors and will no longer be exposed to insects.

The Children’s Guide to Safety:

Children under 6 months old:

• Do not use insect repellents with DEET on infants under 6 months of age.
• Although there is no known hazard to breastfed infants, nursing mothers may wish to consider DEET alternatives, such as using protective clothing and avoiding exposure to insects. Use a net to cover your baby’s stroller or playpen when outside.

Children aged 6 months to 2 years:

• You can use products with DEET once a day.
• Use products with no more than 10% DEET.

Children between 2 and 12 years old:

• You can use products with DEET up to three times a day.
• Use products with no more than 10% DEET.

Children over 12 years old:

• You can use products with 30% DEET or less.

If needed, re-apply when it’s no longer working. The amount of time the product protects against insect bites depends on how much DEET it has:

• 30% DEET provides about 6 hour of protection. 
• 15% DEET provides about 5 hours of protection. 
• 10% DEET provides about 3 hours of protection.
• 5% DEET provides about 2 hours of protection.

*Always follow special guidelines when applying bug spray to children.

Alternatives

Bite Blocker:

The AAA says Bite Blocker herbal lotion is a safe, natural bug repellent
for kids and women who are pregnant. It is made with natural ingredients and has a protection time of 2 hours. It is safe for children as young as two
months old. It repels mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks.

Insect Repellant Wristband:

Sometimes it is hard to get your children to sit still long enough to spray
and reapply bug spray. With this alternative, you can skip the spray or lotion
and try a bracelet or anklet! The bands are DEET-free and contain citronella,
lemongrass, and geranium oils. They are effective for up to 100 hours if stored properly.

Following this helpful guide will get you and your children through this summer bite free! But always remember:

1. When not needed, don’t over use bug spray
2. Have your children wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing in dull, pale colors when possible
3. Wearing socks and tennis shoes instead of sandals can keep bugs away from toes
4. Stay inside early in the morning, and at dusk when bugs are at their worst

Being bite free will make for happy children, which makes for happy parents!

Dr. Rona L. Wadle, D.O.

Medical Director

Meadowbrook Urgent Care

33722 Woodward Avenue

Birmingham, MI 48009

248-919-4900

www.meadowbrookbirmingham.com