29 answers

Insect Repellent for 21 Month Old

Does anyone have a suggestion for a safe insect repellent/treatment for insect bites for my 21 month old? And a safe method to get rid of the problem? We just moved to a new apartment and she wakes up every morning with insect bites on her neck and back. I assume they are flea bites and that someone used to keep a pet here.

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There was a study on ridding homes from fleas without chemicals from Ohio State. They said to vacuum daily for 1 week and then 3-4 times per week for another week or two and that should rid the room of fleas. You may also need to vacuum the mattress especially the seams in case it is bed bugs which have made a come back in recent months. If there are 3 bites in a row then it is bed bugs (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Good luck.

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T.,

www.mercola.com sells one. He claims it is more effective than DEET! Worth a try.

Good luck.

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Avon Skin-so-Soft is supposed to be safe for all. That's the only suggestion that I have. Good luck!

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More Answers

There was a study on ridding homes from fleas without chemicals from Ohio State. They said to vacuum daily for 1 week and then 3-4 times per week for another week or two and that should rid the room of fleas. You may also need to vacuum the mattress especially the seams in case it is bed bugs which have made a come back in recent months. If there are 3 bites in a row then it is bed bugs (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Good luck.

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They might actually be bed bugs. I honestly didn't think they were for real until my sister had an all-out battle with them and nearly had to buy all new bedroom furniture!! She ended up having to work with an exterminator. As far as an insect repellant goes, I am a customer of a wellness company that doesn't actually have insect repellant but does have safe products that can be combined as effective insect repellant. All the products would be safe for your daughter. I can send you more information if you're interested.

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I also recommend Green Mama's for organic remedies, also Redenta's. For research, a great resource is Howard Garrett's website:

http://dirtdoctor.com/

He is a well-known organic activist and has a radio show that has wonderful tips and information.

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Green Mama's on Davis in (I think) N. Richland Hills carries a concentrated horse care product (stay with me here)called Natural 7 by Equi-organics that uses only natural ingredients that is non-irritating, free of harsh chemicals, and perfectly safe to use for people. It needs to be diluted with water and put into a diffuser/spray bottle and it smells wonderful unlike most nasty bug repellents. Active ingredients are: Aloe Vera Gel, Citronella Oil, Clove, Rosemary, Melalueca Oil (Tea Tree Oil), Eucalyptus, Cedar Wood, and Orange oil. We paid $20 for a 32 fl, oz. bottle of it last spring and used it all summer long on a family of four (plus occasional neighbors and guests) and we still and 3/4 of the bottle which makes it pretty darn economical.

Since you suspect fleas, I'd treat your carpets, bedding, and any pets for fleas too. Just vaccuuming won't remove them. There are a variety of treatment products out there from simply using diluted Tea Tree Oil to using full out pesticides. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

I second the Burt's Bees suggestion. I just picked up a new tub of it for this year.

Also, in addition to being fleas or bedbugs, they could be spiders. (I'm battling some now in the master bedroom, sigh.) Your apartment complex should foot the bill for an extermination. Good luck.

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Try the family deet free versions. Also, I would have a pest person come and check and spray for fleas and possibly bed bugs.

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I've been using Skin So Soft by Avon on my 16 month old son anytime we go out and it's been working great. You might want to check the mattress to make sure it is not bedbugs if the only time she's getting bites is in bed. Otherwise, seeing it's an apartment, make your leasing office aware of the problem and have them come out and spray. If you are washing the blankets and sheets every few days and the bites continue, more than likely it is not fleas.

1 mom found this helpful

I use Burt's Bees insect repellent. There is also No-Bite-Me that is for prevention and after bites. I think I found it at www.leapsandbounds.com

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