Avoiding Bug Bites!

We've used a topical solution in the past called "Afterbite" ... it comes in a pencil like applicator with a sponge top, and is basically ammonia (I think...) ... it does help, if put on quickly.

http://www.tendercorp.com/product.php?category=Insect%20B...#

Don't get the afterbite that has benzocaine.. I don't think that does much good.

Also.. watch out for mosquito bites... we're having a LOT of problems in Texas with West Nile Virus... including several people that have died from the severe form...

Have you tried those new repellants that are like little fans. You just hook them to the bike, maybe one in front and one in back and go on your way. That way you aren't putting anything "on" your child. They seem to work pretty well.

Try Herbal Armor... although I think like most Deet-free products it only lasts about 2-3 hours.
Mosquitos LOVE me. I have no idea why. My son is the same, but my husband and daughter hardly get bitten.

Hi Sara,

essential oils help (peppermint, rosemary --do not put directly on skin--). also, check the laundry products and body wash/shampoo, etc. some scent attract the little critters! not attracting them will help with any repellents you may use. also you can spray the repellent on their clothes/socks and it will not be in contact with her skin. good luck! ~C.~

I would use deep woods bug spray with deet only when biking. I do not need a bunch of moms/dads yelling back that it's not safe. A couple of hours a week is not much exposure, I'm sure she'll be fine. I would think all the diseases carried by Mosquitos would scare me more than deet. Also when she gets back, make a paste with baking soda and water, this will help draw out the poison. And give her half a dose of benadryl that also will reduce the swelling. Don't let her eat bananas the morning of the ride. The potassium in them will attract the Mosquitos right to her. If she's still itchy, I have luck with Benadryl cream. Good luck... Figure it out, it would be a shame to take away daddy daughter time... They both need it.

Since I don't like to use anything with DEET or harmful chemicals to repel bugs, I went in search of a natural repellent & found "Camping Buddy" essential oil stick by Woodapple Farms. (woodapplefarms.com) It really works for my daughter & I, and it is inexpensive ($4 + shipping, unless you live near Floral City, Florida - where the farm is located) No more huge mosquito bite welts for us! Criss (the owner) makes awesome natural soaps, too!

I am the same way. I am a bug magnet and mine sometimes swell up to the size of a baseball! I currently have 8 bites right now. I used to use the all natural deet free stuff, but it was just not working. I have since (this year) decided to cave in and use the stuff with deet. It has been the only thing that works for me. Other than that, all you can do is wear long sleeves and pants.

Garlic.

Either start eating lots, or give her garlic capsules. I eat a lot of garlic, and I can go outside and camping for an entire weekend with no issues, when everyone else comes home completely ate up.

1part pure vanilla extract and 1part water. If you decide to use the extract that isnt pure, you must use more water and it tends to be sticky. I am originally from MS and this has worked when we had no money to buy the Avon skin so soft spray.

Avon works for about 20 minutes until the smell wears off.

You have to decide between the hazards of repellent and the very real hazards of disease-bearing mosquitos. In our area, there is a serious threat of EEE and West Nile, so we have to use repellent. Discuss with your pediatrician.

The other thing you can do is put her in light weight but long sleeved shirts and pants plus a hat. You can spray repellent on the clothing and the hat if she doesn't put her hands in her mouth.

You can also decide that mountain biking isn't a good thing for a child who can't use repellent.