It is summertime! We enjoy the outdoor sun and summer activities. However, we have company. Insects! During the summer, insect bites will increase. Most are harmless. Here are some measures to help you manage insect bites. Insect bites can cause different types of bodily reactions. The following tips should help you take the right actions based on your child’s reactions. Some symptoms that mean this is a severe bite are when: Difficulty in breathing, unable to swallow, feeling flushed or near or passes out and the site is massively swollen when the child is unable to move limbs, fingers, or toes. Some of the other signs include severe itching or rash, coughing, wheezing, choking, or difficulty in talking. There can be swelling of the tongue or lips or your child may become pale. This is called an anaphylactic reaction. If you notice the above-mentioned signs, your child needs immediate attention! Call 9-1-1 ASAP! Mild reactions occur when the skin turns red or even may blister. There is no fever, itching at the site, and mild swelling. Treatment for mild reactions: Clean site with soapy water. I recommend having hydrocortisone cream 1% on hand. Apply this to the local site as soon as there is redness at the local site. You can use an OTC antihistamine for children 6 years or older. If less than 6 years old, discussed with a health care provider prior to taking. Bee Stings: Remove as quickly as possible and apply ice to the site. Apply ice to reduce swelling. Avoid trying to pinch and pull the sting out. This can cause more of the poison to enter the skin. Seek care for non-urgent matters: If the site develops white drainage, increase in pain, and redness then a health care provider may need to prescribe an antibiotic. Many insect bites and stings are treatable at home. It is recommended to provide the following forms of first aid or primary care when your child has been bitten or stung: · Wash the area of the skin around the bite · Use a plain and unscented moisturizing cream to decrease the itch · Use wet and cool towels to help with pain and swelling · If a limb has been bitten, make your child rest keeping the limb raised above the height of the heart. Apply insect repellent as often as the manufacturer directs. Also, there are several methods of insect repellent such as insect repellent candles, yard screens, and yard sprays to distant insects from coming near. Keep covered with long pants and sleeves, especially in woody areas and grassy areas. Avoid walking barefoot. · Keep all foods covered and make sure to wipe clean any spills · The rubbish bins must be securely closed to keep insects away · Keep children away from pools of stagnant water where mosquitoes may breed · Use netting to cover infant strollers · Make sure the windows are closed before turning lights on in your bedrooms · Fit the windows with insect screens · Use electric-powered insect repellent devices · Use insect sprays from the market These are some methods to help prevent insect bites and how to treat them if you may encounter them.