Bugs-Be-Gone: A Simple Guide to Protecting Your Kids from Pests

When kids go outside, they’re at risk of pest bites, stings and diseases. Fortunately, a few simple prevention strategies can reduce the chances of them coming into contact with pests in the first place.

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

Removing long grasses, woods and stagnant water in your yard can discourage ticks, mosquitoes and chiggers. Dressing your children in long clothing, such as a shirt, pants, socks and hat is another protective measure.

Identifying and Getting Rid of Common Household Pests

Common household pests can cause a range of problems, from health risks to structural damage. While not all pests require professional extermination services, there are several steps you can take to your home and family from these uninvited guests.

The first step in getting rid of common household pests is identifying them correctly. Some of the most common house pests include ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas and bedbugs. To identify these pests correctly, you’ll need to look for signs of their presence such as droppings, egg sacs or shed exoskeletons.

Once you have identified the problem accurately, it is time to tackle the issue. There are a number of ways of doing this, depending on the type of pest you have. 

If you have ants or cockroaches, for example, you can use a combination of traps and insecticide sprays to get rid of them. For fleas or bedbugs, however, it is best to contact a professional exterminator who will be able to eliminate them quickly and effectively.

It is also important to take preventative measures to stop pests from entering your home in the first place. 

This includes sealing cracks and crevices on windows and doors, using screens on all openings, eliminating food sources like crumbs, and cleaning out any debris or clutter that could be providing a hiding spot for pests. 

The final step in getting rid of common household pests is to maintain the measures you have put in place. Ensure that any cracks or crevices are still sealed, screens are kept intact, and that your home is regularly cleaned. This will help to keep the problem from returning and ensure that you can enjoy a pest-free home. 

Insects and Pests Outside the House

Insects aren’t just a nuisance, they can also pose a risk to children’s health and well-being. In addition to the discomfort caused by itchy bug bites, some insects may carry diseases that can be harmful to children’s sensitive immune systems.

To protect your kids from pests while playing outside, have them wear long pants and shirts with tightly-woven fabric, and don’t let them apply perfumes or scented lotions before heading out. 

Insects are attracted to these scents, and kids are especially vulnerable to bites from bugs that feed on standing water like mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, and fleas.

To help prevent fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes from breeding in your home, empty any containers that collect water, including bird baths, flower pots, roof gutters, and fire pits. Also, vacuum and dust your furniture regularly to remove fleas and other pests that love warm, dark places. 

Repellents and Traps for Pest Control

Repellents are one of most common methods of controlling pest populations. They are interfering with the pests’ so that they do not want to enter or stay in certain areas. Repellents can be chemical, physical (like scented objects), or biological (like pheromone traps). Common chemical repellents are sprays, granules, and bait stations. 

Physical repellents like scented objects or light can be used to make an area unappealing to pests. Biological traps such as pheromone traps can also be employed in order to attract adults of certain pest species.

Traps are another popular method of controlling pest populations. Traps can be used to capture, kill, or monitor pests. Physical traps such as sticky boards, nets and glue traps are all effective for capturing or killing certain pests. 

Pheromone traps use specialized lures to attract and capture adult pests, while light traps use ultraviolet light to attract insects like moths and mosquitoes. 

Surveillance traps such as pitfall and funnel traps can be used to monitor the presence of pests in an area. Using a combination of different types of traps is often the most effective way to control pest populations. 

Repellents and traps are two important methods for controlling pest populations. Repellents work by influencing the behavior of the pests, while traps can be used to capture, kill, or monitor them. Using a combination of different types of repellents and traps is often the best way to manage pests in an area. 

Cleaning and Sanitation Strategies to Reduce Risk

Insects thrive in a dirty home. Cockroaches, rodents, and ants are common household pests that appear when a family lets down its cleaning duties. Pests are drawn to dirty homes for many reasons, including shelter, food, and moisture. 

Make sure to clean high touch surfaces in your home (doorknobs, railings, light switches, remotes, chairs, and tables) 1-3 times per day.

When kids play outdoors, it’s important to ensure they are protected from ticks and fleas, mosquitoes, and other bugs that can bite them. Make sure they are dressed appropriately, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes and black flies are most active. 

Encourage them to wear long pants and shirts with tightly woven fabrics, tuck their socks into their shoes, and wear a hat. In addition, avoid perfumes and scented lotions that can lure insects.

Before heading outside, have children apply a broad-spectrum bug repellant with 10-30% DEET. Reapply it according to the label’s instructions, making sure to cover exposed skin and outer clothing. 

After kids return from playing outdoors, wash them to remove any bug spray residue and allow them to get dry. Bathing them can also help reduce exposure to harmful germs and bacteria.

Sanitation Strategies to Reduce Risk of Infestation

Kids are at the highest risk for pest bites because their immune systems are still developing. Traditional pesticide sprays are harmful to children and can irritate their skin, eyes and throats. 

Their tiny bodies are closer to the ground than adults and are much more likely to inhale chemicals or ingest them by accident.

A few simple strategies can protect your child from bugs and reduce the risk of insect bites. Avoid dressing your child in bright colors or flowery prints because these attract insects. Avoid applying perfumes, scented lotions or hair sprays before going outside, and avoid being outdoors at dusk or dawn when insects are most active.

Make sure that you remove tall grasses, woods and standing water near your home because these are ideal habitats for mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers. Keep your child’s skin covered with long sleeves, pants and socks, and wear a hat to prevent ticks from crawling into their ears or head.

Professional Pest Control Services

Pest control professionals have the experience and expertise to understand the root cause of your pest problem. They can identify which pests you have and then come up with a strategy to control them. They may also offer recommendations for preventing these pests from coming back. 

Some pests are difficult to eliminate, especially those that live in hard-to-reach areas. A professional can help you with a preventative pest plan that includes regularly scheduled treatments to address the root causes of your pest problems.

Some pests can pose health risks for your family. Cockroaches can spread bacteria that can cause diarrhea and food poisoning. Rodents can carry a bacterium that can lead to Staph infections in humans. And bed bugs can cause itchy, welt-forming bites.

To avoid pests, be sure to hire a professional that has an excellent reputation. Look for a company with a website that provides honest testimonials and customer reviews. 

You should also make sure that your pest control service meets all legal requirements, such as licensing, bonding and insurance policies. Also, check with your local university extension office to learn more about pests and the best ways to manage them.

Takeaway

Keeping your children safe from pests doesn’t have to be a difficult task. 

With the right knowledge and preventive measures, you can effectively prevent pests from invading your home and ensure that your kids are able to enjoy the outdoors without worry. 

When in doubt, contact a professional pest control company for help and advice. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your family is protected from the dangers of pests.