NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Spending time outside is one of the best parts of the summer, but it also means kids can experience bites from insects like mosquitoes, ticks, ants, spiders, and more.

While most of these cause mild pain or itchy bumps, sometimes more serious symptoms can arise.

That’s why Dr. David Ugobi, a pediatrician at Sanford Health Clinic in Minot, says, preventative care is key.

He recommends dressing your kids in protective clothing, like long sleeve shirts that are lightly colored, to still stay cool, but keep bugs from latching onto the skin.

He also says it’s a misconception that bug spray with DEET can’t be used on children.

For kids who are three months or older, he says, use a bug spray with DEET or picaridin if kids are playing outside, especially during dusk and dawn when the bugs are most active.

However, he says to make sure to pay attention to the percentage of the diet on the label.

“Use the lower concentrations but repeat the application often,” explained Dr. Ugobi. “In other words, take 10% DEET for instance, on the babies two months and up, and after two hours, if you’re still out there, apply it again. Rather than applying 30% DEET that would last six hours but that could cause sensitive skin.”

Dr. Ugobi also says it’s important for parents to check their children often for bugs and bites.

If irritation, redness, swelling, or cold-like symptoms progress, it’s imperative you see their pediatrician.

He also says to check your animals for ticks or different bugs that have latched on to them before they head inside for extra precaution for your little ones.

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