HELP PROTECT YOUR KIDS FROM MOSQUITOES

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With over 3,000 different mosquito species¹buzzing around the world, protecting your kids from these tiny vampires can feel like a daunting task. We’re here to help with expert tips for applying insect repellent, treating mosquito bites, avoiding these biting pests during playtime, and more.

AVOID MOSQUITO HANGOUTS

One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away from your kids is to keep your kids away from areas where mosquitoes like to hang out. This includes areas that are heavily wooded, are overgrown with vegetation, or have standing water where mosquitoes like to breed. For tips to help make your yard less attractive to mosquitoes and more play-friendly for your kids, readHow to Help Get Rid of Mosquitoes.

PICK THE RIGHT CLOTHING TO HELP PROTECT KIDS FROM MOSQUITOES

Tightly woven long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and anything that covers up the body can help protect kids from mosquito bites. However, it’s best to go with loose-fitting clothes as mosquitoes can sometimes bite through tight-fitting material.

MOSQUITOES GROW UP FAST

If you think your kids grow up too fast, consider this: the Aedes mosquito lays approximately 100 eggs at a time and her brood of bloodsuckers can grow from an egg to a mature adult in just 7-10 days!²

Watch a videoshowing how Aedes aegypti mosquitoes grow from an egg into a flying (and biting!) adult.

HOW TO USE MOSQUITO REPELLENTS ON KIDS³

Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when applying insect repellents on kids:

• Follow all instructions on the label when applying insect repellent on babies and children.

• Do not use insect repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) on children under 3 years old.

• Apply the repellent to an adult’s hands first and then rub them on the child.

• Never apply insect repellents on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

• Avoid applying repellents around the child’s mouth and eyes and be sure to use sparingly around their ears.

• Do not apply repellents to kid’s hands because they often put their hands in their mouths.

• Apply just enough insect repellent to cover your child's exposed skin and the outside of their clothing.

• Don't use products that combine insect repellents with sunscreen because sunscreen may need to be reapplied more frequently than repellents alone.

• Apply sunscreen products first. Then apply the insect repellent.

HELP KEEP MOSQUITOES AWAY FROM BABIES WITH A NET

Help protect your baby from mosquitoes when you’re outside by placing a mosquito net over their stroller. Use mosquito nets over beds and cribs to help protect children of all ages while they sleep.

WE RAISE AND NURTURE THOUSANDS OF MOSQUITOES A DAY

On any given day, theInstitute of Insect Science for Family Healthis home to thousands of mosquitoes. Our scientists breed them, feed them, raise them, and watch them grow with one goal in mind—to find new ways to help protect you and your little ones from these bloodsucking pests.

BE SMART ABOUT PLAY TIME

Mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, depending on the species. However, mosquitoes tend to be more active—and thus more likely to bite your kids—at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening. To help keep mosquitoes from biting your children, bring them indoors to play during these times..

KID-FRIENDLY MOSQUITO BITE TREATMENT⁶

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If your kid does get a mosquito bite, follow these easy tips from the Mayo Clinic to help relieve the itch and treat the bite fast:

• Wash the area that was bitten with mild soap and water.
• Press something cold, like ice or a cooling pack, to the area to reduce blood flow.
• Put calamine lotion, baking soda paste, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on the bite to help reduce inflammation and relieve the itch.
• Cover the area with a bandage to help keep tiny fingers from scratching (and potentially infecting!) the bite.
• Give your kid an oral antihistamine if the mosquito bite is very itchy. Be sure to read the label carefully and use only as directed.

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