1. Avoid areas that are infested by mosquitoes (like large areas of swampy water, tall grassy areas, creaks, ponds, wooded areas,  etc.

2. Remove or treat areas of standing water with chlorine.

3. Treat clothing with DEET in concentrations of 10-30% (which can be used in children older than 2 months). We also use this on his skin. We spray his clothing before he puts it on and also spray any exposed skin.

4. Use Citronella Candles

5.  Avoid playing outdoors during peak times; dusk until dawn.

6.  Install and repair screens, making sure to check the screen doors and even the less used windows.

7.  Avoid scented body products like shampoos, lotions, and perfumes.

8.  Use a large fan outdoors to add a breeze to your outdoor function. Mosquitoes can’t fly in the breeze.

9.  The naturalists say the oils are the way to go…Lavender, Catnip, Eucalyptus, Pennyroyal, Tansy, Basi, Thyme, Cedar, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Lemongrass, etc. I don’t know if any of these work but it might be worth a shot.

10. And, you can always just crank the AC and stay in but that is not very summery or very “green”, of course. And, what fun is that for a little kid?

Treatment

1. Benadryl cream

2. Benadryl or Zyrtec are both great antihistamines. However, AJ can not take these at night because they counteract with his sleep medication. He can take Benadryl during the day and it works well.

3. Apparently, a cold shower reduces the swelling of welts because it constricts the capillaries, allowing fewer antigens and antibodies to cause a reaction. I don’t think AJ would stand for a cold shower but I may try it if he gets too many bites.

4.  At dusk we make him wear both long pants and a long sleeved shirt that are both coated in DEET. If he does not wear this (lightweight fabrics), even in the hottest temperatures, he must come inside.

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Post from: Blisstree

10 Ways to Avoid and Treat a Mosquito Allergy