Here's how to properly use insect repellents to protect your little ones from insects!

There's nothing more enjoyable than watching our little ones play outside, right? But sometimes they get bothered by insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Even a small insect bite can be a big problem sometimes. So today, let's talk about the insect repellents we use to protect ourselves from these insects and how to use them safely.

What are these insect repellents? Why are they important?

Simply put, insect repellents are liquids, creams , or sprays that are applied to the skin or sprayed onto clothing to keep biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and bedbugs away. Some of these repel insects, while others mask our scent so that insects cannot "detect" us.

Think about it, diseases like dengue and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes. Ticks can cause various diseases. So, insect repellent is a very important thing to protect our children from such diseases. But the most important thing is to choose and use the right one, in the right amount, and for the right person.

What types of insect repellents are there? How do we choose?

There are many different types of insect repellents on the market. Not all of them are suitable for everyone, at all ages. Therefore, it is very important to have a good understanding of this.

1. Repellents containing DEET

DEET is a long-standing and highly effective insect repellent.

• What kind of insects? It protects against small animals like mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, fleas, and chiggers .
• Can children use it? Yes, it can be used on children over 2 months old . However, those with a concentration between 10% and 30% are recommended for children.
• Important points:
• As the concentration increases, the duration of protection increases. For example, 10% DEET provides protection for about 2 hours, while 25% DEET can provide protection for about 5 hours.
• Do not apply more than once a day, especially to young children.
• Some children may be allergic to DEET, so test it on a small area first.

"DEET is something that has been extensively tested and proven to be safe. But it's essential to follow the instructions exactly."

2. Repellents containing Picaridin

Picaridin is a repellent that is considered to be as effective as DEET, but a little gentler on the skin.

• What kind of insects? Provides protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies.
• Can it be used on children? Yes, it can be used on children over 2 months old . It usually comes in a concentration of 5% to 10%.
• Important points:
• It has less odor than DEET and is less likely to stain clothes.
• DEET may be more suitable for children with sensitive skin.

3. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)

This is an oil naturally made from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree.

• What kind of insects? It protects against insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies , and gnats .
• Can children use it? This is recommended for children over 3 years old .
• Important points:
• It usually provides protection for about 2 hours, so you may have to reapply frequently.
• This is not "pure" oil of lemon eucalyptus (i.e. the essential oil), so don't use it. It should be a product formulated as an insect repellent.

4. Permethrin

This is something a little different.

• What is this? Permethrin is not something you put on your skin. It is an insecticide and repellent that you spray on clothing, tents, and sleeping bags.
• What kind of insects? Protects against mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and chiggers.
• Important points:
• Never spray directly onto the skin!
• You should spray it on your clothes and let it dry thoroughly before wearing it.
• Even if clothes treated this way are washed several times, they remain safe for about a week.
• Do not apply Permethrin to the clothes of very young children (sucking and chewing age) or to the fabrics they use, as they may put it in their mouths.

And what about the other things? Citronella, herbal oils, repellent strips?

Sometimes we see things like citronella candles, botanical oils, and repellent bracelets. However, these often provide little or no protection. So don't rely on them alone, especially if you're in an area where insect- borne diseases are common.

How to use insect repellents safely?

Okay, now we know what types of repellents are available. Now let's see how to use them correctly and safely . This is the most important part.

• Read the label carefully: Before using any insect repellent, be sure to read the instructions on the label. It will tell you everything from how much to apply, how often to apply, and what age group it is suitable for.
• Apply only to exposed skin: There is no need to apply over clothing. Apply only to exposed areas such as arms, legs, and neck.
• How to apply to the face:
• Never spray directly on the child's face.
• First, put some repellent on your hand. Then, gently rub it on your child's forehead and cheeks (avoiding the mouth and eyes ).
• Do not apply repellent to young children's hands: Young children often put their hands in their mouths. Therefore, if repellent gets on their hands, it can get into their mouths. Therefore, avoid applying repellent to young children's hands.
• Do not apply to cuts, scrapes, or areas with skin problems: Repellents should only be applied to healthy skin. Applying them to areas with wounds can cause inflammation and other problems.
• Be careful about reapplying: Do not reapply more often or for longer than the recommended time period on the label. Reapply only if your child sweats a lot or gets into water, as directed on the label.
• Wash with soap after returning home: As soon as you return home from being outside, wash the areas where you applied the repellent thoroughly with soap and water.
• Keep it out of reach of children: Insect repellent is like medicine. Therefore , keep it in a safe place, high up, out of reach of children and out of their mouths.
• If you accidentally get insect repellent in your child's eyes or mouth: If you think your child has gotten insect repellent in their eyes or mouth, take them to the nearest hospital immediately. Or call your family doctor. (In countries like the US, there are emergency numbers like `Poison Control`, but in Sri Lanka, it is best to go to the emergency department of a government hospital.)

Other things you can do to protect yourself from insects

In addition to using insect repellent, there are some other simple things you can do to reduce insect problems.

• Wear appropriate clothing: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are best.
• Avoid insect-infested times: Early morning and evening are the times when insects like mosquitoes are most active. If possible, limit taking your little ones outside during those times.
• Eliminate standing water around your home: Mosquitoes breed in areas where water is stagnant. So, keep things like coconut shells, tires, and flower pots clean and free of standing water.
• Use mosquito nets: Using a mosquito net while sleeping at night is a very good protection. Also put a mosquito net in the crib of small children.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

It would be very helpful if you could remember these points from what we've discussed today:

• Not every insect repellent works for everyone. You should choose a repellent based on factors such as the child's age, skin type, and the insect population in the area.
• It is essential to read the product label and follow the instructions exactly.
• `DEET` and `Picaridin` are two effective repellents that can be used on children over 2 months of age. But be careful about the concentration.
• Lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) is suitable for children over 3 years old.
• Do not apply `Permethrin` to the skin. It is for clothing and equipment only. Be very careful when applying it to small children's clothing.
• Do not spray directly on the child's face or get it on their hands.
• When you get home, wash the areas where you applied the repellent thoroughly.
• Keep the repellent out of reach of children.
• If you have any doubts or questions, seek medical advice.

It's hard to stay completely free from insects. But if we take care of simple things like these, we can go a long way in protecting our little ones. Their happiness and health are the most important things to us!

` Insect repellent, DEET, Picaridin, Permethrin, child safety, mosquito protection, insect bites