Bug Bite Prevention

A recent article in U.S. News and World Report lists recommendations from the U.S. National Library of Medicine on how to safely apply insect repellant. Protective clothing is always a good idea, especially when camping or enjoying the outdoors at dawn or dusk. But these tips on how to apply insect repellant may come in handy for the nature lovers among us.

1. Consider applying insect repellent to clothing to avoid skin irritation.

2. It doesn't take much! Use a minimum amount of repellant on exposed skin, avoiding contact with the eyes. Wash it off as soon as you come inside.

3. Although DEET is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, the article cautions against using such a highly concentrated repellent on children and pregnant women.

4. Be careful to never ingest or inhale insect repellent.

5. Avoid putting a lot of repellent on young children's hands - the danger here is that they may inadvertently rub their eyes or put fingers in mouths.

6. Children under 2 years of age should not wear insect repellent for more than 24 hours.

For more information on bug-repellent clothing, see our previous blog entry here. Another article on avoiding mosquito bites can be found at Newsweek's online site. San Diego Country's Vector Control division has great information on mosquito facts and control here. Although summer is winding down, we have had some humid days and several cases of West Nile virus reported locally. For an update on reported cases of West Nile in San Diego County, click here. Taking reasonable precautions just seems sensible.