Children’s Natural Remedies: Insect Bites
Kids love the outdoors. It’s outside where children engage all of their senses to explore, discover, and learn about their environment. Children are naturally curious but it is prudent to exercise a little caution, particularly when it comes to insects.
I’m the first one to run, jump, or shriek at the site of anything crawling, flying, or jumping near me. Since your child looks to you for comfort and security, the above is not likely the best example. Here are some tips on preventing and treating insect bites and stings.
While you may have heard that DEET is THE insect repellent of choice to prevent diseases acquired from mosquitoes and ticks, there are reports of questionable toxic effects. I was at Whole Foods a few days ago and made a list of all-natural, DEET-free insect repellents suitable for children. Keep in mind that apart from Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, none of the following have been approved by the CDC as effective alternatives to DEET. Most of the following products must be reapplied regularly in order to maintain effectiveness.
California Baby’s Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray contains citronella, lemongrass, and cedar essential oils which are safe and effective for keeping pesky pets away including mosquitoes, ticks, and biting flies. What’s great about the spray is that if your child has already been bitten the spray will help soothe and relieve existing bites. Reapply often as smell is what keeps the bugs away.
Buzz Off! Keep pesky pests at bay with the following preventive tips:
- Remove standing water, which acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Keep your grass trim so mosquitoes and ticks don’t take up permanent residence.
- Light a citronella candle.
- Install screens on your doors and windows.
- Have your children wear light colors to deter mosquitoes and visualize ticks.
- Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when bugs are most prominent.
- Have your children wear long pants/sleeves if you’ll be in an area known for high concentrations of mosquitoes and/or ticks.
- Add rosemary or sage to your grill. The smell will help ward off unwanted guests.
- Avoid placing fruity or floral fragrances on your kids. They attract mosquitoes.
- Choose a safe insect repellent.
Aubrey Organics’ Gone! is a safe and natural outdoor spray containing an SPF of 10. It contains herbal and aromatic oils to shield you from uninvited guests. It’s perfect for those long hikes in the woods.
Bite Blocker Organic Insect a Repellent is safe (even for children) and as effective as DEET, providing up to 8 hours of protection. They also make an herbal wipe that is designed for use on small children.
Badger Balm’s Anti-Bug Balm is a blend of Citronella and other herbal oils to keep bugs at bay. This product was tested in India where the Malaria mosquito is fierce and in the biting fly wilderness of Georgia. Bugs…bite on that!
Repel’s line of insect repellents includes a Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent. This plant-based insect repellent is effective against mosquitoes and deer ticks for up to 6 hours.
All Terrain’s Herbal Armor line includes an all-natural DEET-free kids line. Products include a repellent with an SPF of 15 and a Bite Soother Spray.
Buzz Away is an all-natural insect repellent derived of soybean and geranium oil and provides up to 8 hours of protection. Be sure to check out their Sting Soothe and Citronella Candle.
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent is a blend of rosemary, citronella, lemongrass and other bug-repelling oils.
DIY: Remember when I told you about the wonderfully versatile properties of essential oils? Here is a recipe for an all-natural insect repellent. Be sure to check with your pediatrician before using herbs on your child.
Herbal Insect Repellent
2 1/2 teaspoons total of any combination of the following essential oils: basil, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium and/or rosemary (available at health food stores)
1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol (available in liquor stores)
Place ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Transfer to small bottles for storage. To use, rub a small amount on any exposed skin (test first to be sure your skin will not be adversely affected by the repellent) or dab it on clothing.
So what happens after the bite?
First and foremost, clean it with soap and water to prevent infection.
Don’t Scratch that Itchy! From experience, the most uncomfortable part of a bug bite is the incessant itching. Cold compresses can provide instant, temporary relief. Rubbing a mixture of baking soda and water, oatmeal and a banana, a garlic clove, or aloe vera gel are all natural remedies for the itchies. Try to encourage your child not to scratch so as not to increase the risk of infection.
If you’re in need of a product to make your child comfortable, check out the companies listed above. Many of them offer an all-natural bite soothing product.
If you feel the bite is infected or your child is suffering an allergic reaction, be sure to call you pediatrician.
While insects may can be frightening, they actually serve several important purposes. Be sure to pick up a book that will introduce your child to the fascinating world of insects. Stay tuned next week for an exciting new series!
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August 1st, 2008 at 1:46 am
Works great on your dogs, too! But NEVER use essential oils on cats.
Great review!
Connie
http://www.myjewelboutique.com