05/03/2018
7 Tips for a bite free summer
Summer is coming and the skeeter are out! Take care to prevent bites and develop healthy habits for spending time outside.
1) Use repellent that works: Check the label and make sure one or more of the following is present: DEET, Picaridin, IR353, Oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthan-diol, 2-undecanone. For questions on specific repellants visit the EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
2) Apply over the top of sunscreen and re-apply if washed off or every couple hours depending on the formulation. Follow the directions on the label for best use.
3) Do not use repellents on babies younger than 2 months; keep them covered up with clothes, hat, net etc. Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD on children under 3 years old.
4) To cover your face in repellent spray on your hands and apply to you or your childrens faces. Take care to avoid the eyes, mouth, cuts, and any irritated skin.
5) Cover your crib/stroller/baby carrier with mosquito netting. See link below. (We have no financial incentive from products displayed): https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Stroller-Insect-Netting/b?ie=UTF8&node=2237490011
6) Wear long sleeves! We live in an age of light breathable materials so please make use of them. For best results you'll want a durable fabric that fits loosely. Skin tight, thin clothing doesn't do a good job of preventing bites. For an added boost, there are many companies that sell permethrin treated clothing or you can treat your own with permethrin spray (found on amazon among other places).
7) Lastly, make sure you take a moment and make sure that there is no standing water around your yard such as in tires, buckets, planters, toys, bird baths, trash cans etc. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water and don't travel far in their lifetimes. If you prevent mosquitoes in your yard and help your neighbors with theirs you'll have a much less itchy summer.
Includes how to apply them safely, which ones to use based on your unique situation, repellent safety and effectiveness, disease risk from mosquito and tick bites, protection time, active ingredients, EPA regulation and registration, and product labeling.
