How to Prevent Mosquito Bites for Kids in Midland

Summer and autumn evenings in Midland should mean porch time, backyard games, and catching fireflies. But if left unchecked, mosquitoes can turn these lovely moments into itchy misery. And this is especially true for kids who seem to attract every pest in the neighborhood.

Children are mosquito magnets, and it comes down to biology. They exhale more carbon dioxide relative to their size, have warmer body temperatures, and move around constantly. Add in sensitive skin that reacts strongly to bites, and you've got a recipe for uncomfortable kids and worried parents.

But there’s still a lot you can do if you’re having mosquito problems. Drawing from our experience as Midland mosquito control experts near you, we’ll share with you now some tips that you can use to save them from being trapped indoors all season.

Don’t Wear Clothes That Attract Mosquitoes

Dark clothes attract mosquitoes. And tight clothing, though you’d think it would be more protective, actually lets mosquitoes bite right through the fabric.

That’s why light-colored, loose-fitting clothes work best as barriers against mosquitoes. Long sleeves and pants work best when temperatures are agreeable.

But, of course, that's not realistic when temperatures hit the 80s. So for summer protection, choose lightweight fabrics with a tight weave. Treat clothes with permethrin-based repellents that last through multiple washes. These treatments work better than spraying kids directly with repellent before every outdoor activity.

Also important: socks and closed shoes matter more than parents realize. Mosquitoes target feet and ankles where kids can't easily swat them away. Skip the sandals during peak mosquito hours, which are dawn and dusk.

Use Mosquito Repellents

DEET remains the gold standard for mosquito protection, but you have to be careful how much DEET you put on kids. Products with 10-30% DEET provide adequate protection without putting too much on their small bodies. Higher concentrations sound like they’d work better, but they don’t. Higher DEET sprays simply last longer.

Apply repellent to exposed skin only, avoiding hands that go in mouths and near eyes. Let adults handle application rather than letting kids spray themselves. Wash treated areas when outdoor time ends, especially before meals and bedtime.

If your kids are not fans of DEET, you could also try picaridin. It doesn't feel greasy or smell strong, and it works as well as DEET for mosquito protection. Plus it doesn't damage plastics or synthetic fabrics the way DEET can.

Be Extra Cautious Around Sunrise & Sunset

Mosquitoes are most active during the first hour after sunset and the hour before sunrise. Plan outdoor activities for mid-morning through late afternoon when mosquito activity drops significantly.

Avoid areas where mosquitoes concentrate. That is, around standing water, in tall grass, and near dense vegetation. Choose open, sunny spots for play areas rather than shaded corners where mosquitoes rest during hot days.

Fans create air movement that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to land and bite. Set up portable fans on decks, patios, and play areas where kids spend time. The airflow disperses the carbon dioxide and heat signals that attract mosquitoes to children.

Make Your Property Less Attractive To Mosquitoes

Remove standing water around your Midland property where mosquitoes breed. Check toys, buckets, flower pot saucers, and clogged gutters weekly. Mosquitoes can fruitfully multiply in as little as a bottle cap of water, so small containers matter as much as larger ones.

Keep grass cut short and bushes trimmed back from play areas. Mosquitoes rest in tall grass and dense vegetation during the day, then emerge to feed when children are outside playing.

And if DIY doesn’t get the job done, you can always spring for professional treatment. At Mosquito Squad of Fredericksburg, we go after the areas where mosquitoes breed and rest around your property. We use plant-based treatments, rather than defaulting to heavy-duty chemicals, in order to reduce mosquito populations by up to 90% and provide protection that lasts up to 21 days.

We typically apply treatment where it matters most: vegetation and breeding areas, and not directly to spaces where children play. But rest assured, after the treatment dries, it is OK to play where treatment was applied.

Searching for Mosquito Control Near You in Midland, VA?

Consistent mosquito control throughout the season works better than one-off treatments. And this can go a long way toward protecting kids after mosquito problems develop.

For dependable Midland mosquito control, call Mosquito Squad of Fredericksburg at (540) 510-8445 or contact us online for a free assessment and quote.

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