Mosquito Bites in Kids: Prevention, Treatment and When to Worry

Here are some steps to help prevent mosquitoes from biting: 

• Wear protective clothing: If possible, wear long sleeves and pants and tuck your shirt into your pants, and your pants into your socks. Wear light colors because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. 
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. The most effective repellents contain one of these active ingredients:
  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus*
  • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)*
  • 2-undecanone
    • *Oil of lemon eucalyptus and PMD should not be used on children younger than 3 years old. Always follow the product label. Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent
• Avoid being outside during prime mosquito time: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and in the evening when the sun goes down. 
• Make sure your home is well screened: Installing screens on your windows and doors will help keep mosquitoes out of your house.
• Empty standing water around your home at least once a week. Mosquitoes lay eggs in birdbaths, buckets, toys, flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters, kiddie pools and anything else that collects water. Keeping these areas dry is one of the best ways to reduce mosquitoes around your home.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting: Infants need extra protection, also because many of the repellants are not safe for newborns.  

>Related: How to avoid tick bites and do a tick check the right way
 

Here are a few way to relieve the itching and swelling from mosquito bites.

• Wash the area with soap and water: This will help keep it clean and prevent infection. 
• Treat the area with a cold compress: This will help keep the swelling down. 
• Consider over-the-counter creams or antihistamines: Ask your pediatrician what is safest for your child’s age. 
• Always see a doctor if you are worried about infection: Monitor the bites for any changes. If they become red, swollen or painful, it’s time for a checkup. 

What are the symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus?

While there is no reason to panic when you hear about positive cases of West Nile Virus in CT, it’s always important to be on high alert. Symptoms vary greatly by disease, but watch out for:

• Flu-like symptoms after getting bitten: fever, headaches, body aches, and chills 
• Rashes
• Nausea
• Eye irritation
• Fatigue

Any of these symptoms may be related to other conditions or illnesses. If you recently traveled to a region inside or outside the US that’s high risk for mosquito-borne diseases, and have these symptoms, call your doctor.
 

Here are some additional mosquito prevention tips:

• If sleeping outdoors uncovered, use mosquito netting: The CDC recommends white, rectangular netting with at least 156 holes per square inch so the mosquitoes cannot sneak through. Nets treated with permethrin are best. 
• Use fans on patios or decks when possible. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so moving air can make it harder for them to land and bite. Continue using EPA-registered insect repellent for the best protection. 
• If you have a pool, keep the water treated and circulating regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.