Malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme disease are all spread by mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. While some cases are minor, others are more serious and have long-term ramifications. And bed bugs are not lagged in the competition to pose harm to the humans. Their bites can cause several skin problems, which, if not treated in time, case pose a serious risk. Bed bugs can enter your home in several ways, and once you find the infestation, take essential measures to eradicate them and save your beloved ones from their bites. Let us learn more about how to keep your kids safe from bug bites.
Safeguard Your Kids from Bug Bites
The following five suggestions can assist you in keeping your children safe from insect bites:
- Insect repellent should be used.
Apply insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET to exposed skin and clothing to keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests at bay. Always read the label before using the repellent and reapply it as advised. If you are using sunscreen, apply it first, then apply the insect repellent once it has dried. Use insect repellent-free sunscreen instead, as sunscreen must be applied freely and frequently, whilst insect repellent should be used sparingly.
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Spray the repellent on your hands and rub it into your child’s exposed skin, such as their arms, neck, and legs.
- Apply or spray outside;
- To avoid infection, keep it far away from food and drinks.
- Avoid getting it in your children’s eyes or getting it close to their mouths and noses.
- After applying, quickly wash your hands.
- Keep track of how many times you can reapply.
Look for one that has been pyrethroid insecticide-treated. If it doesn’t reach the floor, tuck it under the mattress for extra security.
- Wear suitable attire
If you are in an area where pets are a possibility, dress appropriately. In such instances, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and closed shoes, rather than sandals, should be worn to conceal exposed skin as much as possible. Pull your socks over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants for added protection. You can also use insect repellent with the active component Permethrin to pre-treat outer layers of clothes. Follow the instructions to the letter and let the clothing air dry for at least two hours before wearing them.
- Make use of bed netting.
Bed nets are an effective option to keep the mosquitoes away, especially if you sleep outdoors. Ensure that you are buying the net that has been pyrethroid insecticide-treated. If the net cannot reach the floor, it can be tucked easily under the mattress.
- Play in a secure environment
Make sure your child is playing in an insect-free environment. Riskier than an open playground is dense woods, vegetated areas, or areas with stagnant water. Mosquitoes, for example, flourish in stagnant water and dense vegetation and can bite your child, causing diseases and infections to spread.
Given that it is summer, there is no danger in showering twice a day. After your child returns from their playtime, it is recommended that they shower. This will lessen the risk of skin infections caused by sweat, as well as irritation and redness on the skin if an insect has bitten your child.
- In and around the yard
Take the following steps to keep mosquitoes and other insects out of your yard:
Hanging citronella plants in your place, especially where your kids spend most of their time, can be a safe option to keep the mosquitoes away from them.
Keep your yard free of standing water. It is better to cover your kid’s pool or water tables when not being used. Moreover, keep an empty utensil or bucket that can collect water-covered to prevent standing water. Levelling can be a good option if you have lower yards.
Despite one’s best attempts, bug bites do occur from time to time. Fortunately, most bug bites and stings may be treated safely at home.
- Taking care of youngsters who mosquitos have bitten
- Stop the swelling in its tracks. If you catch a mosquito nibbling on your child’s skin, gently brush it off with your hand, then apply ice to the area to reduce irritation and swelling.
- It is time to put an end to the scratching. Treat the bite with calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream as needed.
- Scratching is something you should avoid at all costs. Sharp, little nails can pierce the surface around a bite and allow bacteria to enter. In addition to doing everything you can to dissuade your child from scratching or picking at a bug bite, teach him that scratching or picking at it will only make it worse and that he must keep his nails short.
- Fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting are some disease signs and symptoms to watch out for. If your child shows any of these symptoms, make an appointment with his paediatrician and inform him that he has been bitten. When you witness symptoms of infection like a discharge, extreme redness, or a feeling of warmth near the bite, immediately contact your doctor.
Conclusion
As soon as you find a bed bug infestation at your home, make sure to call in the professionals for assistance to keep your kids safe from their attack. Because no matter how hard you try to get rid of them, you may end up spreading the infestation can cause more damage.