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When the weather is warm, kids spend time playing outdoors. But sunny days can also bring pesky insects, like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies. These bugs can cause bothersome bites, which in some cases, can lead to serious illness.

Insect repellent is the best way to shield your child from bug bites. Here’s how to choose the right insect repellent for your child.

How to Choose an Insect Repellent for Your Child

Insect repellents are products that help keep insects away from people and animals, often by creating a vapor barrier that prevents insects from touching the skin. As a result, they can help protect your child from bug bites and the diseases insects may carry.

It’s important to know that insect repellent deters only biting insects, such as mosquitos, ticks, and biting flies. It doesn’t affect stinging insects, such as bees, honeybees, and wasps.

When selecting an insect repellent for your child, consider the following factors:

1. DEET — DEET is a powerful insect-repellent ingredient that is safe for all ages, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It effectively repels mosquitos and other common pests.
2. EPA-registered products — The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using insect repellent products registered by the EPA. The EPA has a search tool to help you find a safe repellent option. You can filter repellents by active ingredients, protection time, and whether you’re feeling concerned about ticks, mosquitos, or both. These products contain active ingredients like DEET, citronella, or other EPA-registered ingredients.
3. Picaridin — Like DEET, insect repellents containing picaridin are effective against mosquitoes and ticks. Picaridin is odorless, nongreasy, and doesn’t dissolve plastics.

Is DEET Safe for Children?

The EPA has approved DEET for use on children of any age. Negative effects related to DEET are rare. When used correctly, DEET doesn’t pose a health risk.

The AAP recommends that your child’s insect repellent contain no more than 30% DEET and be applied a maximum of once daily.

Parents of newborns and premature babies should proceed carefully when considering applying DEET or other chemicals to their child’s skin.

How Often Should I Reapply Insect Repellent?

When reapplying insect repellent to your child, always follow the directions on the label.

If your child is playing in the water or sweating, you may need to reapply the product more often.

If you’re using a repellent with DEET, reapply no more than once a day. You can apply DEET to exposed skin, clothing, socks, and shoes.

Avoid the face, cuts, hands, or irritated skin. Don’t apply insect repellant under clothing.

Are you applying sunscreen to your child as well as insect repellent? Make sure you apply sunscreen first and repellent second.

How Can I Apply Insect Repellent to My Child Safely?

When applying insect repellent to your child, follow these safety guidelines:

• Age matters — Don’t allow young children to apply insect repellent. Don’t leave children alone with the product. Keep a careful eye on older children to ensure they apply it properly.
• Always follow label instructions — The packaging will give you the correct instructions for safe use.
• Apply sparingly — First, apply repellent to your hands and then a thin layer to the child’s exposed skin. Avoid overapplication, especially on their face.
• Avoid certain ingredients for younger kids —  Avoid using products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
• Avoid the eyes and mouth — Avoid applying repellent near or in the eyes, mouth, cuts, irritated skin, or open wounds. Only apply to exposed skin — don’t put bug spray under clothing.
• Choose the right product — Opt for an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, citronella, or another approved active ingredient. These are effective and generally safe for children.
• Don’t apply to hands — Children frequently touch their eyes and mouth with their hands.
• Wash off — After returning indoors, wash treated skin well with soap and water.

Always read and follow label directions when using any insect repellent product.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are safe and effective.

What Should I Do if My Child Accidentally Ingests Repellent?

If your child accidentally ingests insect repellent, seek immediate medical attention. Though most insect repellents are for external use and are unlikely to cause harm if applied correctly, ingestion is potentially dangerous.

Here’s what you should do:

• Call poison control — Dial Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or your local emergency number. Provide them with details about the product ingested, including its active ingredients and concentration.
• Don’t induce vomiting — Avoid inducing vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional. Some repellents contain ingredients that may cause further damage if vomited.
• Observe symptoms — Watch for signs of distress, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Prepare to share this information with the medical team.
• Bring the product — If possible, bring the insect repellent container or label to the hospital. This will help health care providers identify specific ingredients and assess their risk.

Remember, seeking professional advice immediately is crucial if you suspect your child has ingested insect repellent.

How to Avoid Accidental Ingestion of Insect Repellent

Use bug repellent only as directed. Keep these products away from children to prevent tampering. These safety precautions may help prevent accidental ingestion:

• Hands and face — Wash your child’s hands thoroughly after applying repellent. Avoid touching the face or mouth with repellent-coated hands.
• Educate — Teach older children the importance of not ingesting repellent and explain that it’s for external use only.
• Storage — Store insect repellent products safely out of the reach of children. Keep them in a secure location, away from food or drink containers.

Vigilance and proper handling are key to preventing accidental ingestion of insect repellent.

Tips for Preventing Insect Bites

Insect-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Zika have been on the rise due, in part, to the effects of climate change. So, protecting your child from insect bites is more important than ever.

The CDC shares these tips to prevent insect bites:

• Minimize exposure. Take caution around stagnant water and heavily wooded areas where insects tend to congregate.
• Protect little ones. Make sure you cover your stroller or baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Use insect repellent.
• Wear protective clothing. Dress your child in loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing that covers their arms and legs. Choose closed-toe shoes. Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to cover gaps in your child’s clothing where mosquitoes can get to their skin.

When to Seek Care for a Bug Bite

Most bug bites and stings are mild and treatable at home, but there are situations in which you may need medical attention.

Contact 911 or your local emergency number if:

• You’ve been stung by a scorpion.
• You’re experiencing a severe reaction or symptoms of anaphylaxis, like trouble breathing.

Make a doctor’s appointment if:

• The bite or sting is near your eyes, mouth, or throat.
• The patch of red or inflamed skin is larger than 3.75 inches.
• Your symptoms don’t improve or worsen.
• You’re experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Remember, erring on the side of caution is always best. Consult a health care professional about your bug bite or sting to ensure safe healing and avoid complications.