Insect Repellants

[Laurel]

What kind, if any, do you use on the children?

I watch two children. My grandson is a very fair skinned blonde child and my daycare girl is a very dark skinned black child. She doesn't seem to need anything but he gets bit all the time and even on his face.

In the past I've used Cutter brand Skinsations and it does seem to work but my daughter said I'm putting poison on him :: Actually a past daycare mom brought some and started me on that kind. I'm willing to change but he needs something.

I Googled 'natural insect repellants' but there were so many and it was overwhelming to decide among them. I'd rather get recommendations from you all on something you have tried and liked.

Also Deet or No Deet? I'm just not up on my insect repellants because they don't bite me much even though I am fair skinned also. Go figure?

Also, I would be kind of leary to use anything on his face but the bites on his face look so bad. Are you supposed to use it on faces or is there a better way?

Thanks, Laurel

[Cradle2crayons]

I use DEEP WOODS OFF 40% deet. The reason why is because West Nile virus is really bad here. Also, our bugs don't respond to any less deet than 40%.

Yes, we've tried skin so soft and every other natural method.

No, none of the other stuff worked.

Yes, our pediatrician s say its ok..that the risks of west Nile out weighs the risk of using the deet.

For the face, I spray a little on my hand, and using a finger dipped in it, I gently spread it on the face and ears

[Laurel]

I use DEEP WOODS OFF 40% deet. The reason why is because West Nile virus is really bad here. Also, our bugs don't respond to any less deet than 40%.

Yes, we've tried skin so soft and every other natural method.

No, none of the other stuff worked.

Yes, our pediatrician s say its ok..that the risks of west Nile out weighs the risk of using the deet.

For the face, I spray a little on my hand, and using a finger dipped in it, I gently spread it on the face and ears

Thanks, I'm not even sure what DEET is but a lot of them say No Deet.

Maybe it would be a good idea for her to ask her pediatrician and then she'll feel comfortable.

Laurel

[Cradle2crayons]

Thanks, I'm not even sure what DEET is but a lot of them say No Deet.

Maybe it would be a good idea for her to ask her pediatrician and then she'll feel comfortable.

Laurel

I would always recommend trying the least chemical most natural thing possible that WORKS. If no deet or natural works, then that is great.

Just because it says natural doesn't mean it works.

[Blackcat31]

Since I live in a state where the mosquito is our state bird..... ::, every kid in my care uses some sort of bug repellant.

I ask that parents supply it though so that they can make the decision as to what type, brand and kind they want to use.

DEET is NOT usually recommended for use on children but some of the mosquitos here are NASTY so that is sometimes the only option.

I leave it up to the parent to supply and then have them sign a permission slip for me to apply it.

[wendyb]

I use a brand from Avon. It's a combination of sunscreen and bug repellent. Love it be cause it means only having to apply one product and we live in an area that is known for Lyme disease.

[Leigh]

Here's the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-a...No+local+token

Up to 30% DEET is what they recommend. I don't mess around with "natural" bug repellents, I have yet to see one work...I once used Skin So Soft, because I heard it was an insect repellent-I would up with bugs STUCK TO the greasy mess on my skin (GROSS).

I don't like the idea of using DEET because of the controversy between mainstream medicine and the "natural" crowd, but I use it anyway (I am not POSITIVE that DEET is safe, but I KNOW West Nile is not.

[Play Care]

I use DEEP WOODS OFF 40% deet. The reason why is because West Nile virus is really bad here. Also, our bugs don't respond to any less deet than 40%.

Yes, we've tried skin so soft and every other natural method.

No, none of the other stuff worked.

Yes, our pediatrician s say its ok..that the risks of west Nile out weighs the risk of using the deet.

For the face, I spray a little on my hand, and using a finger dipped in it, I gently spread it on the face and ears

Just coming in to say this. After a girl in my neighborhood nearly died from a mosquito borne illness we were advised by our doctor to use spray with DEET. According to him, a lot of those natural sprays have been found to be ineffective (he tends to be "crunchy" so I believe him when he says that). He also said it should never be applied directly to skin, but the child should be wearing long pants/shirts and apply it to the clothing rather than the person. Is there a way to treat your yard - getting rid of any standing water, tall grasses?

Edited to add: the amount of bug spray with DEET you need to use is very, very small and it doesn't need to be reapplied. There are days when we need it (after a few rainy days) but mostly we do not. I also have parents sign a permission slip. They are welcome to supply their own if they don't like my brand. No one ever does.

[Laurel]

Since I live in a state where the mosquito is our state bird..... ::, every kid in my care uses some sort of bug repellant.

I ask that parents supply it though so that they can make the decision as to what type, brand and kind they want to use.

DEET is NOT usually recommended for use on children but some of the mosquitos here are NASTY so that is sometimes the only option.

I leave it up to the parent to supply and then have them sign a permission slip for me to apply it.

Haha, the state bird!!! I liked that.

Yep, I think I'll tell her to bring what she wants to put on him.

Laurel

[Laurel]

I use a brand from Avon. It's a combination of sunscreen and bug repellent. Love it be cause it means only having to apply one product and we live in an area that is known for Lyme disease.

Do you remember what it is called?

Thanks, Laurel

[Laurel]

Here's the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-a...No+local+token

Up to 30% DEET is what they recommend. I don't mess around with "natural" bug repellents, I have yet to see one work...I once used Skin So Soft, because I heard it was an insect repellent-I would up with bugs STUCK TO the greasy mess on my skin (GROSS).

I don't like the idea of using DEET because of the controversy between mainstream medicine and the "natural" crowd, but I use it anyway (I am not POSITIVE that DEET is safe, but I KNOW West Nile is not.

Oh okay, thanks so much! Good link.

Laurel

[Laurel]

Just coming in to say this. After a girl in my neighborhood nearly died from a mosquito borne illness we were advised by our doctor to use spray with DEET. According to him, a lot of those natural sprays have been found to be ineffective (he tends to be "crunchy" so I believe him when he says that). He also said it should never be applied directly to skin, but the child should be wearing long pants/shirts and apply it to the clothing rather than the person. Is there a way to treat your yard - getting rid of any standing water, tall grasses?

Edited to add: the amount of bug spray with DEET you need to use is very, very small and it doesn't need to be reapplied. There are days when we need it (after a few rainy days) but mostly we do not. I also have parents sign a permission slip. They are welcome to supply their own if they don't like my brand. No one ever does.

Oh that is really good information. I would have never thought to apply it to their clothes. Our yard is regularly treated with insecticides but I was thinking more of when I take them to the park.

Thanks so much!

Laurel