Take the sting out of summer insect bites

Summer months mean great weather in the Pacific Northwest and more time spent outside. It’s perfect for kids to get out and knock about in nature, but insect bites and stings can put the brakes on a fun outing.

The best way to prevent stings and bites by common insects is to avoid contact as much as possible. This can include obvious methods such as steering clear of hives and hills where bugs are congregating, as well as physical barriers like clothing that blocks insects from contact with your skin. This is particularly important to avoid contact with insects that are known to carry disease, like ticks.

Tried and true methods of decreasing insect bites and stings include:

• Long sleeves, pants and hats are great for protection from flying insects.

• Gaiters or socks worn outside of pant cuffs can prevent bugs from crawling in.

• Sleep under a mosquito net or in a tent (that stays zipped) if you’re camping.

• Steer clear of standing water.

• Consider a child-safe insect repellent and use according to directions.

• When you return home from heavily wooded areas, check for bugs like ticks that might have hitched along.

If your children spend a lot of time outdoors, however, they will likely encounter a bite or two. Most bites or stings from common insects like mosquitoes, ants and fleas are usually more of a nuisance than a danger. You can often treat itching and swelling with ice quite effectively, or with over-the-counter remedies. If symptoms persist, consult your family doctor or dermatologist.

While most stinging and biting insects in Oregon cause short-lived (but irritating) symptoms, there are some instances, such as severe allergy or specifically venomous critters, that may require additional intervention.

If your child has severe hives or has trouble breathing, they should go to the emergency room right away. If your child is moderately allergic to a particular bug’s venom or sting (and you might not know that they are) they may experience more discomfort than others such as extreme

redness, swelling and pain.

If you know or learn that your child has a severe allergy to bugs or bees, consider consulting a physician that specializes in allergies, called allergists or immunologists. They may be able to offer a course of treatment that can drastically reduce the risk of serious complications if your child is stung again, and may also prescribe injectable epinephrine to keep on hand for emergencies.

Bees and stings affect everyone differently, so if your child is experiencing more severe symptoms than others around them, consult with a medical professional.

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