•Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
•Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
•Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
•To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
•Insect repellents containing DEET are the most effective.
•The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. The benefits of DEET reach a peak at a concentration of 30 percent, the maximum concentration currently recommended for infants and children.
•DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
•The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.
Caloney Mesik, RN, BSN
Bayfield County Health Department