Summer is an exciting time of year; the weather has warmed, school holidays are just around the corner and sadly the mosquitoes have come out to play! Here are some great tips from Para’Kito on how to protect babies and children from mosquitoes this summer.

Mosquitoes are an unfortunate side effect of glorious summer weather; whenever  the nights are warm you can just about bet that the mozzies will be out and about,  which only means one thing, bites. Mosquito bites can be very common among  young children with these itchy red bites being easily scratched open by little hands,  which can lead to scabbing, scarring, and skin infections.

To keep mosquitoes at bay, look for a mosquito deterrent that offers long lasting  protection for your children. But be careful – not all deterrents are created equal! It  is important that you find one that works the best for your family.

The majority of deterrents on the market at the moment are chemical-­‐based  products that can cause skin irritations, allergic reactions and require reapplication  every 30 minutes or so. With many brands using DEET (Diethyltoluamide); a strong  pesticide intended to kill insects, countless Australians are seeking natural  alternatives that are gentler on the skin without lowering their level of protection.  After all, do you really want those sorts of chemicals seeping into your child’s  delicate skin?

To keep your children safe from mozzies this summer, here are some simple tips for  a natural and alternative approach to repellents:

1. Cover up.  The key to avoiding mozzie bites is to not give them anything to bite!  Covering up can be hard in the warmer months, but by encouraging  your  children to wear light loose fitting clothing you’ll be helping to protect their  skin from being a mozzie’s next meal.

Loose fitting clothes or muslin wraps are great in the heat as they breathe  and will help keep the mozzies astray.  Mosquitoes are attracted to darker  colours, so wearing light coloured clothing will protect children and babies  more effectively.

2. Using mozzie nets over beds, cots and prams . As the nights become warmer and more humid, mosquitoes attack many  children during their sleep. Mosquitoes are so tiny and can often fly through  security screens on windows and doors, making them an unwanted intruder  in your home.

Protect your family whilst they sleep with mosquito nets; essential in providing protection and reducing discomfort caused by biting insects.  Mosquito nets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and if they do not reach  the floor, they should be tucked under the bed, allowing for full protection  from pesky mozzies throughout the night.

3. Para’Kito  Unlike other mosquito deterrents on the market, Para’Kito is one that you’ll use time and time again. As an 100% natural and eco-­‐friendly insect and  mosquito deterrent, Para’Kito’s secret is in the active pellet that conveniently  slips into a wrist band or clip whilst diffusing a blend of 7 essential oils  extracted from plants including lavender, geranium, citronella, pine tree, patchouli, clove and peppermint at a continuous rate for 15 days.

These oils mask the presence of humans from mosquitos around the clock for  15 days straight; essentially making the wearer invisible. Para’Kito is a  naturally safe alternative to other products on the market as it has no direct  contact with the skin and leaves no noticeable odour like other deterrents on  the market, making Para’Kito ideal for children, babies , expecting mums and  allergy sufferers.

4. Empty pools of water.  Mosquitos breed in still water and are attracted to hot and moist  climates/areas . Take a look around your backyard and empty all paddling  pools, pet drinking bowls, birdbaths and pools of water.

Once children are done playing outside in paddling pools, immediately empty  the remaining water, to reduce the risk of mozzies within your backyard.

5. Avoid peak mosquito times. Most mosquitos are night biting insects and are most active around dusk,  dawn and early evening.

Try to discourage your children from playing outdoors at these times, or if it’s  not possible, make sure you limit the amount of time your children spend  outdoors at these times and remember to cover up and use your deterrents!

Brought to you by Para’Kito http://au.parakito.com/australia