Tips on how to beat the bugs

S.C. Johnson
News Release

Whether kids are spending time at camp, in the backyard, or the neighbourhood park, parents must take charge when it comes to preventing insect bites. Mosquitoes and ticks can carry debilitating and sometimes life-threatening illnesses. Children, in particular, are at risk because of their immature and still-developing immune systems.
There are several things parents can do to prevent mosquito and tick bites. Your children are not always by your side, so it is important to educate them about the dangers of biting insects. Follow the tips outlined below to protect your family and reduce the mosquito breeding and resting sites around your home. To find out more about repellents for all occasions, visit www.bugfreeliving.com.
First Thing's First:
·Dress children in light coloured clothing - mosquitoes prefer dark, solid colours.
·Cover as much skin as possible with long-sleeved shirts and long pants when mosquitoes are at their worst.
The most effective and reliable way to protect the entire family from biting insects and ticks is to use an insect repellent such as OFF! Skintastic MagiColour. This formulation is the world's first "disappearing" purple insect repellent to provide optimal protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects. This new formula goes on purple to ensure complete coverage, then disappears leaving your skin its natural colour.
When Applying:
·Always follow label directions when applying insect repellent. Apply to hand for application to face and neck particularly when applying repellent to a child's face. Parents should apply it on their own hands first and then on the child. Insect repellent should never be applied to young children's hands. Remember to apply thoroughly, since mosquitoes will find an unprotected area of skin as small as a dime.
·For extra protection, clothes may be sprayed with repellent. Follow label directions.
·Do not allow use by small children without close adult supervision.
After the Fact:
·If a child does get bitten, make sure they do not scratch the affected area - scratching could lead to infection.
·After an outdoor hike, check children for ticks. Check all clothing including socks, shoes, pants, and bags. Remember to also check the hairline carefully. Ticks are dark, so be particularly careful when inspecting dark-haired children. Nymphal ticks are about the size of a poppy seed, so be thorough.
·If a tick is found imbedded in the skin, use tweezers to grasp the tick's head, and pull the tick outward (without twisting or crushing) until the entire tick is removed. Wash the area, apply an antibiotic cream and cover the wound. If symptoms develop you may wish to send the tick to a laboratory to find out if the tick is carrying Lyme disease. Save the tick in a sealed jar with alcohol and record the date on the label.
Around the House:
·Make your home and property less inviting to mosquitoes. Trimming shrubs and brush can reduce the number of mosquitoes that seek shelter from the heat of the sun. Night-active mosquitoes that may carry disease will rest during the day in dense vegetation around your house and become active after sunset.
·Control standing water on and around your property to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites. Target any natural or artificial habitats where water typically collects including toys, tire swings, rain gutters, and natural wetlands around your home.
The most important thing to remember is that the summer is meant to be fun for children. Show them effective application techniques to help them enjoy the summer to its fullest. Take the time to pick out an appropriate insect repellent. Talk about these issues to any counselors, camp leaders, or babysitters that may be responsible for your kids this summer.
Now you can relax and let the summer be what it's supposed to be FUN!