It is back-to-school and our kids spend more time outside the house. Dirty surroundings have always been linked to dengue because it provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. What some moms may not know is that there are certain habits and activities that make kids more prone to mosquito bites.
Here’s a helpful list of things to watch out for:
1. Kids sweat – a lot.
Sweat provides mosquitoes two reasons to bite our kids: moisture and odor secretion. The rainy season may not exactly be the reason why mosquitoes started munching on your precious ones. Make sure to put a hankie or small towel inside their pockets and bags so they can wipe off excess sweat on exposed arms and legs.
2. Skipping the shower.
Mosquitoes zero in on their targets by using their sense of smell and their sense of sight. Kids move around a lot. This, along with the perspiration caused by physical activities, makes them an active target for mosquitoes. You can’t stop kids from running around even if you try; but telling them that mosquitoes would hound them in school will make your (early) morning bath ritual easier.
3. Used socks, stinky feet.
Turns out, mosquitoes don’t just like blood; they also like dirty socks and stinky feet. Daniel Kline, an entomologist, left his used socks out for three days and the bacteria growth made an effective mosquito lure. Give the kids a reward for putting their used socks immediately in the hamper and for meticulously washing their feet when they shower.
4. Avoid dark colors.
Mosquitoes are some of the most visual bugs there is. According to James Day, a Medical Entomologist at University of Florida, mosquitoes can easily find their victims who are wearing colors like black, red, and dark blue. It’s better to dress the kids in lighter, cooler earth tones and pastels.
5. Strong scents make you attractive.
We all love good smelling kids! But, moms watch out! A mosquito’s sensory receptors pick up on a potential prey’s combination of chemicals and odors. So, lighten up on the strong smelling products that you use on them– especially the floral scented ones because when mixed with sweat, it can act as a mosquito magnet.
We may not be always in control of our kids’ activities and the places where they go; but, we can arm them against these deadly mosquitoes.
Give your kids their own personal protection by using Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Gentle Protect. Apply Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Gentle Protect on them just before they go to school to protect them from dengue-carrying mosquitoes for up to 8 hours. It has a non-greasy formulation and hypo-allergenic, making it a breeze for you to apply on them. Only Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion has been tested and endorsed by the Philippine Association of Entomologists. Remember, if you want to provide your kids with dengue defense that is expertly made for them look no further with Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Gentle Protect.