Mosquitos spread several known viruses. While there are some diseases from mosquito bites that can already be treated, there are also those that are left without a cure. As the popular saying goes, prevention is still better than cure. Thus, it is best to prevent getting these diseases by protecting your child from mosquito bites.
Keep your surroundings clean
Mosquitos thrive in damp, dark, and unclean environments. Thereby, the first step in protecting your children, and the whole of your community from the widespread of diseases brought about by mosquito bites is by keeping your surroundings clean. Make sure that there is no stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. You can also check out several guides on mosquito foggers if you wish to implement fogging around your house and in your area to ensure that your surroundings are free from mosquitoes. Aside from this, you can get in touch with professional pest control services to implement mosquito fogging in your community.
Use mosquito patches or apply insect repellents
Depending on the age of your child, you can use mosquito patches, along with other insect repellents. Nowadays, there are a wide variety of insect repellents to choose from, but some may prove to be harmful to your child’s skin. Thereby, consider those that are made from natural and organic products to ensure that your child’s skin will be free from rashes or irritation.
Apart from creams and lotions, insect repellents also come in oils, which can be more concentrated, but more effective in repelling mosquitoes away. Nevertheless, if your child’s skin proves to be much more sensitive, then a mosquito patch is your best bet to keep mosquitos at bay. Mosquito patches can be put directly on the skin like a bandage, or stick to their clothes. In this way, whether your children are playing indoors or outdoors, you are ensured that mosquitoes won’t come near them.
Cover up your child
Mosquitoes are attracted to both bright and dark colors, including printed ones. Thereby, it is best to dress up your child in neutral colors of beige, gray, or white. This is because mosquitos have poor eyesight. Aside from this, it is best to cover up your child in shirts with long sleeves or use pants instead of shorts, especially in the outdoors. This is if the weather allows and they are still comfortable even if covered up.
Avoid scented products
Apart from being easily attracted to bright and dark colors, mosquitos tend to navigate towards different types of scents that may be from a certain lotion or perfume. This is the reason why it is best to avoid using a variety of scented products for your child. The best alternative is to use products with natural scents, or those that repel mosquitos.
Secure your children’s play area with screens and nets
Screens and nets can also help protect your child from mosquito bites. This is especially appropriate if you have a baby, whose skin is more prone to rashes and irritation upon the application of certain products such as insect repellents. Setting up screens and nets in your child’s sleeping and playing areas will protect them from mosquitos because they will not be able to reach your child while he or she is sleeping or playing.
Set up a mosquito trap
There are several forms of mosquito traps that you can use to catch these unwanted visitors. For one, an electric zapper trap is effective in attracting mosquitoes and eliminating them in a room. While electric zappers may prove to be effective, they may also pose certain dangers, which is why it is important to ensure that these are situated in places out of reach of your children.
Take care of plants with natural repelling capabilities
Apart from mosquito traps, you can keep mosquitoes at bay naturally by taking care of plants that give out chemicals that naturally repel insects such as mosquitos. Chrysanthemum and citronella are some plants that mosquitoes hate. Apart from repelling mosquitos, these plants can also bring life to a room. In parallel, it is a best practice to assess whether your child will have any allergic reaction to the plants to be able to remove these immediately upon the first sign of an allergy.
Mosquitoes are known as the culprits spreading several viruses such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Japanese Encephalitis. While these diseases can be treated if diagnosed in its early stages, these can also pose a serious health risk that may even lead to death. Thereby, prevent these viruses from hosting on your kids by protecting them from mosquito bites.