Jun 15, 2016 4 min read

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As summer approaches, we are all hopefully spending more time outside. One aspect of our outdoor play spaces most of us don’t like to think about is the large number of insects that share that space with us. While most insects are harmless, some simple precautions and a bit of knowledge can help us avoid unnecessary and sometimes dangerous exposure to them.

First, know their habitats. Try to avoid allowing children to play in tall grasses, shrubs and thick brush, wood piles, and near standing water. Inspect playgrounds and play areas for nests and webs. Try not to disturb nests of bees, wasps or other stinging insects.

Second, dress the part. Long sleeves, pants and socks, although uncomfortable in warm weather, are helpful deterrents to insects that crawl and sting. When it’s just too hot to wear that much clothing, be sure to avoid bright colors and flowery prints. Use unscented soaps and lotions. Always do a thorough skin inspection after long play outside, especially if your children have ventured off the beaten path. Favorite spots for burrowing insects such as ticks are the hairlines and waistlines.

Third, use repellant. DEET is an active ingredient that can be found in most insect sprays and is safe and effective for children over the age of 2 months. It comes it two types, 10 percent and 30 percent. Both work equally well, but for different durations. 10 percent works for closer to two hours, and 30 percent for up to five hours. Pick the right product for the trip and be sure to bathe your child after coming indoors for the day.

Finally, be familiar with the enemy. Ticks, mosquitos, spiders and stinging insects such as bees and wasps are the usual suspects when a patient presents with a “bug bite.” However, even certain types of caterpillars can cause rashes if handled. Teach your children to “look with their eyes, not with their hands” when inspecting wildlife outdoors, no matter how harmless it might seem.

From West Nile to Lyme, many different types of illnesses can be transmitted by insects. If your child has been bitten by a tick, you can attempt to remove it with tweezers as close to the surface of the skin as possible and by pulling with gentle force. Stingers can be removed in a similar fashion, or by scraping a thin edge, such as a credit card or fingernail, along the exposed tip. For any insect bite, scrub the area with soapy water afterward and be sure to call your doctor to see if your child needs treatment. Never burn an insect that is attached to your child’s skin in an attempt to remove it.

Stinging insects can cause allergic reactions. Some are limited to small local reactions with small swelling around the sting or bite and minimal spreading redness. Others have more pronounced and sometimes life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis.

Signs of severe allergic reaction are spreading rash, wheeze or cough, vomiting, altered mental status, and swelling of lips or tongue. Call 911 immediately if you feel your child is having a reaction to an insect bite or sting, and if they have a known allergy always be prepared with an Epi Pen nearby.

You can’t change how many insect neighbors we have, but you can hopefully take these steps to help you enjoy a safe, happy summer outdoors alongside them.

Dr. Patrick Tate is part of the Children’s Community Pediatrics-South Hills Pediatrics Associates practice, which offers care in several offices including Brentwood, Jefferson Hills, and now the Mon Valley area with a location at 100 Stoops Drive in Monongahela. The office can be reached at 724-483-2040.