Released July 2, 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Kids itching for a good time outdoors this summer may get their wish courtesy of Arkansas' chiggers, ticks and mosquitoes.

To avoid the bites, kids should avoid wooded, brushy and grassy areas when possible, says Margaret Harris, extension health specialist and assistant professor with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

"If you have to be in these kinds of areas, wear an insect repellent," she said. "Treat clothes, shoes and camping gear with permethrin. This repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes and other insects. Clothing that is pre-treated with permethrin is also available to buy."

She recommends a repellent that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and that contains no more than 10 percent DEET. Repellents should be sprayed on clothes and skin, although never on the face.

The EPA hasn't registered natural products for insect repellent use, but citronella has traditionally been used as a holistic repellent. Other essential oils with repellent properties are cedarwood, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, tea tree, cinnamon, rosemary, castor, clove, pennyroyal and bergamot.

"However, one should never ingest any of these products and should use them minimally on skin as they can irritate," Harris said. "Just because they are natural doesn't mean they are safe. These natural repellants may deter some bugs, but they are not effective against ticks and none of them are as effective as DEET.

"Also, if they do deter bugs, they deter them for shorter durations so should be reapplied every two hours," she said. "For application, avoid contact with eyes and hands, or on cuts, rashes or scratches. Try to conduct a skin patch test first. Some people are sensitive to plants and so may develop an allergic reaction, even to natural repellants."

Insect repellents aren't safe for infants, but mosquito netting can be draped over strollers or carriers for some protection.

"Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible," Harris said. "Yes, I know it's summer, but this adds protection. Ideally, you would tuck pants legs into socks or shoes, so for kids, legging-type clothing would be good."

Some pesky bugs are not easily dissuaded, even by extra clothing.

Chiggers and ticks

"Chiggers love grass and weeds so make sure your lawn is clipped and trimmed, and you can spread insecticide to keep them off your grass," she said.

Parents should check their children - including in their hair - for ticks and chiggers when they come inside.

"If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers," Harris said. "Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out. Then drop it in a plastic bag, seal it up and throw it away. Cleanse the area of the tick bite with an antiseptic, such as rubbing alcohol, or soap and water."

Early removal is important. A tick that stays on the skin for 36 hours can transmit Lyme disease.

"With chiggers it is a bit harder. You don't notice they've been biting until you see a rash 12-24 hours later," she said. "Usually the rash is located around the waist, ankles, arm pits and neck."

Chiggers don't carry disease, but scratching the bites can infect the skin. Harris suggests keeping children's fingernails trimmed.

"If they scratch and break the skin, it can lead to a bacterial infection and need treatment with antibiotics," she said. "Ideally, if your child was playing outside have them take a shower or bath right after coming back indoors. This not only washes away the insect repellant but can also wash away any wildlife still sitting on the skin."

Fire ants

Though this is the time of year kids want to be barefoot, parents should insist they keep their shoes on in case they encounter a mound of fire ants.

"If they come across fire ants, don't poke at them or try to play with them," Harris said.

Fire ants' venomous stings can cause swelling and sometimes allergic reactions - nausea, dizziness, hives or difficulty breathing - which warrant immediate medical attention.

Sunscreen

And, Harris reminds, insect repellent doesn't negate the need for sunscreen.

"First put the sunscreen on, then the repellent," she said. "Some sunscreens have insect repellents in them so make sure to check the label. I would recommend against those because sunscreens need to be reapplied but it is not recommended that repellents are reapplied."

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2009/0702bug_protection.htm

Editor: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu