An unexpected sting from a wasp or a tick bite after a day in nature: bugs are just part of summer, especially for little ones. There are a lot of myths about insect bites and stings. Should you suck out the venom or not? And should you twist a tick when removing it? With these tips, you’ll know exactly what to do, and how to prevent bites and stings in the first place.
How to prevent insect bites
Prevention is always better than cure, and sometimes it’s easier than you might think. A mosquito net, for example, remains one of the best ways to keep mosquitoes away while your child sleeps. Want to keep wasps at bay? Avoid wearing perfume and skip sweet-smelling body products for your child. It also helps to keep sweets, meat, and fish indoors, wasps love those, too. Steer clear of stagnant water and blooming shrubs, and if necessary, use a child-friendly insect repellent.
How to prevent tick bites in your child
Tick bites happen fast. In the Netherlands alone, ticks bite around one million people every year, and they can transmit Lyme disease. You can reduce the risk of a tick bite by dressing your child in tall socks and light-colored, full-coverage clothing. This makes it harder for ticks to latch on, and easier for you to spot them. It also helps to stick to walking paths and avoid tall grass or dense bushes. Be sure to check for ticks afterward, especially in warm, hidden spots like the groin, backs of the knees, buttocks, and armpits. DEET works well against ticks, but don’t use it on children under 2 years old. For children between 2 and 12, choose a product with no more than 30% DEET.
Did a tick bite your child? Here’s what to do
Children are especially vulnerable to tick bites because they often don’t notice when it happens. If you find a tick, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. The quicker you act, the lower the chance of Lyme disease. Got a tick remover or tick card? Follow the included instructions. If you’re using regular tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out straight with a steady motion. Don’t twist, unless your tool specifically tells you to. Always clean the bite afterward and take a photo of the area so you can monitor it. Contact your doctor if symptoms appear or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.
First aid for wasp, hornet, or bee stings
Stings from wasps, hornets, or bees are painful and unpleasant. It can be a scary moment when your little one gets stung, so it’s important to stay calm and provide the right care. Don’t try to suck out the venom, it’s already absorbed, and this can make the skin worse. It’s better to cool the area with ice cubes or a cold pack. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a cloth and apply it to the sting for about 10 minutes. If there’s a lot of itching, head to your local pharmacy for a child-safe anti-itch remedy.
The pain usually subsides within a few hours. If the stinger is still in the skin, scrape it off gently using your fingernail or the blunt side of a knife. Was the sting in your child’s mouth or throat? Call 911 immediately and have your child suck on an ice cube to reduce swelling.
What if your child has an allergic reaction to an insect?
In most cases, insect bites and stings are harmless and only cause mild, temporary symptoms. But in some children, allergic reactions can occur. The most common type is a mild reaction. This usually includes redness, swelling, and itching at the sting site. The affected area can be large, sometimes more than 4 inches in diameter. On darker skin, the area may appear darker than the surrounding skin. It can be painful or very itchy, but usually goes away on its own. If more serious symptoms develop, like difficulty breathing, drowsiness, or signs of illness: call 911 right away.
