Insect (bug) bites are usually harmless, but some can cause illness. Insect repellent can help protect kids from bug bites, but it's important to use it safely.

To use insect repellents safely:

• Follow the directions on the repellent's label. 
• Put repellent on skin on the arms and legs not covered by clothing.
• Put repellent on the face by spraying into an adult hand and then wiping it across the child's forehead and cheeks (away from their mouth and eyes).
• Don't put repellent on young children's hands, because they might put them into their mouths.
• Don't put repellent on cut or irritated skin.
• Don't reapply the repellent unless your child gets wet or is sweating a lot.
• Wash skin with soap and water as soon as kids come back inside to remove repellent.
• Keep repellent out of the reach of children. Call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 if you think your child may have gotten insect repellent in their mouth or eyes.

Different repellents include:

• DEET in concentrations of 10–30% is safe to use on children over 2 months old. The higher the concentration, the longer it lasts. Do not apply it more than once a day.
• Picaridin is available in concentrations of 5–10% and is safe to use on children over 2 months old.
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (made from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree) can be used on children over 3 years old and lasts up to 2 hours.
• Permethrin is sprayed on clothing and gear (such as sleeping bags). It should NOT be sprayed directly onto skin. The protection can last about a week, even if clothing is washed a few times. Don't use permethrin clothes or gear for young kids, because they may suck or chew on the material.

• You have any questions about how to use insect repellent.
• Your child develops a rash from the repellent. Wash skin with soap and water as soon as possible.

What else can prevent bug bites? To help prevent bug bites:

• Have kids wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts in the woods.
• Kids shouldn't wear perfumes or scented hair spray when going outdoors.
• Avoid areas where insects gather.
• Try to keep kids indoors or in screened-in play areas at dusk and dawn, when insects are most active.
• Use screens on doors and windows. Repair broken or damaged screens.
• Don't give mosquitoes places to breed. They lay their eggs in water, so get rid of standing water in things like buckets, trash cans, gutters, and tires. Empty and clean birdbaths, dog bowls, and flowerpots often.

Do insect repellents keep away bugs that sting? No, they don't keep away stinging insects such as wasps, bees, and hornets. They do keep away mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, biting flies, and chiggers.