How to prevent insect bites?

 In some cases, the sting of a bee, wasp or hornet can cause life-threatening allergic reactions, while mosquitoes are potential carriers of various infectious diseases. Avoid places where insects gather - stagnant water in the nature or yards (swimming pools, fountains), flowering gardens, compost, bins and garbage containers. Empty the containers and drain unnecessary puddles of water around the house. Here's what else you can do to protect yourself from insect bites:

• Be cautious in traffic as well - insects can enter the vehicle through open windows, and disturb the driver and passengers.
• Install safety nets on windows and yard/balcony doors, and check their condition regularly.
• Find and remove insect nests with professional assistance, especially near places where children spend time and play.
• Also remove dead insects. Their stings are equally dangerous, regardless of the fact that the insect is incapacitated.
• Make the right choice of footwear for children. Instead of walking barefoot or wearing shoes with an open upper (sandals, slippers), shoes with a closed upper provide better protection against insect bites.
• Adjust children's clothing. Bright colors attract insects, while white, green and light shades of brown are more repulsive to them.
• Avoid using cosmetics and personal care products that contain strong scents.
• Some foods and drinks attract insects. Sweets, ice cream, fruit, sweetened drinks, watermelon and tuna are examples of foods that attract insects. Avoid them, or cover them when eating outdoors.
• Explain to the child how to behave when faced with dangerous insects. If there is a dangerous insect in the immediate vicinity, do not try to drive it away by waving, hitting, or running away, but slowly move away from the spot.
• Protect children from mosquitoes and ticks. Long sleeves and trouser legs, socks and a hat provide a greater degree of protection from mosquitoes during periods of their activity (in the evening), as well as from ticks when the child moves through the woods, tall plants or grass. After returning from the nature, be sure to examine the hair, head, neck, skin folds and the skin all over the child's body to detect any ticks.
• Examine pets after a walk in the nature, as ticks can be carried on fur.

In case your child has ever had an allergic reaction to insect bites, in consultation with a doctor, make a plan of action in case of he/she is bitten again and inform everyone who cares for the child or is temporarily responsible for him/her (relatives, preschool or school teachers, etc.).