Bug Bites and Backyard Play: Keeping Summer Adventures Itch-Free
Summer brings sunshine and playtime, but also buzzing bugs and itchy bites. Whether you're exploring Columbus parks or enjoying your backyard, mosquito and tick exposure can turn summer fun into a scratchy situation. Dr. Jimisha Patel at Thrive Pediatrics shares bite-free tips to help your child stay safe and comfortable during July’s outdoor adventures.
Mosquito Prevention Basics
Dr. Patel’s Recommendations:
Apply child-safe insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
Avoid areas with standing water, like birdbaths and clogged gutters.
Dress kids in long sleeves and pants during evening hours or in wooded areas.
Use fans or citronella candles in patios and backyard seating areas.
Tick Awareness Tips
Stick to well-traveled paths when hiking or playing near brush or trees.
Tuck pants into socks and wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.
Do a full tick check after outdoor play, especially around the ears, scalp, waistline, and knees.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers and monitor for rashes or symptoms.
Backyard Play Safety
Keep your home and play space fun and safe:
Empty kiddie pools and outdoor toys that collect water.
Trim overgrown grass, remove leaf piles, and maintain landscaping to reduce tick habitats.
Use bug-safe spray on outdoor furniture or shaded play areas.
Supervise play near gardens or wooded fences where bugs are more active.
Natural Bite Relief
Keep calamine lotion or anti-itch cream handy.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
For persistent itching or bites that swell or blister, contact your pediatrician.
Thrive Pediatrics Is Here for You
Dr. Patel and the Thrive Pediatrics team are here to support your family through all the summer fun—and the unexpected bug bites too. Reach out if you have questions about repellents, allergic reactions, or bite-related concerns.
