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Play Safe: Bug Bite and Sting Prevention for Kids

Learn how to keep kids safe from ticks, mosquitoes, and stinging insects.

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Updated:

June 11, 2026

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Wasps building a nest. Image credit: by kundennote_com via Pixabay

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Whether it's spending time on the playground, family picnics, or a hike through the woods, there are endless opportunities for family time outdoors in Pennsylvania. However, spending time outdoors may also put you and your kids at risk of biting and stinging pests that can put a damper on outdoor activities.

What biting and stinging pests are in Pennsylvania?

Various biting and stinging pests can be found in Pennsylvania. Ticks and mosquitoes bite and feed on the blood of humans and other animals. In Pennsylvania, ticks bite throughout the spring, and mosquitoes become more common in the summer. Tick and mosquito bites are not only itchy but can also transmit disease-causing pathogens that can make you or your kids sick, making bite prevention key for safe family outings. Many stinging insects are also active in springtime, including yellow jackets, bees, and other wasps. Many of these insects live in nests, and, if they are disturbed or feel their nests are threatened, they may sting to defend themselves and their homes.

How can I prevent bug bites and stings?

There are several effective ways to prevent bites and stings, helping your family enjoy the outdoors safely, including:

Watch out for biting and stinging pests.

Not all biting and stinging pests are found in the same areas. Ticks are often found in forested areas and pastures with tall grass (Centers for Disease Prevention [CDC], 2025a). Wasp nests can be found both underground and above ground, such as along the sides of houses, in trees, and on barns. If your family is outdoors and notices any of these pests, be prepared to take steps to prevent bites and stings.

Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

If your kids are in areas with biting or stinging pests, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts can help prevent tick and mosquito bites and provide added protection against stings (CDC, 2025a).

Use an insect repellent.

Many EPA-registered insect repellents can help prevent tick and mosquito bites on children. EPA-registered insect repellents have not only been tested for safety and efficacy but also include guidance on the ages for which they are recommended. Repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535 can be used on children with no age restrictions, but repellents containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus are recommended only for children 3 years of age and older (CDC, 2025b). When in doubt, double-check the label on your specific product to confirm that it is safe for your child.

Be mindful of how to apply the repellent.

Always help young children apply repellent. Most insect repellents can be applied by spraying directly onto your child's clothes or skin. However, for applications on the face or neck, spray the repellent onto your hands first and then apply it to your child's face (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2025a, 2025b). Make sure to wash your hands after application. Taking this step helps prevent repellent from getting in your child’s mouth or eyes. Finally, on sunny spring days, if you are using both sunscreen and repellent, apply the sunscreen first, then the repellent (CDC, 2025b). Check the repellent label for additional application directions.

Do a tick check and remove attached ticks.

After outdoor activities, make sure to do a tick check. Ticks can attach anywhere, but they prefer to attach in covered areas, such as in the hair, behind the ears, and under the arms. Some ticks are as small as poppy seeds and can be difficult to find. Consider teaching your kids what ticks are and how to identify them so they know what to look for after a day outside.

If you or your child finds a tick, remove it as soon as possible (EPA, 2025a). Use a pair of tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin. Pull up on the tick with a steady, even pressure. Ticks can be difficult to remove, so help young children if they cannot do it themselves.

Administer first aid for bites and stings.

Finally, if you or your child has any bites or stings, several first-aid steps can be taken to soothe itchiness and other symptoms. First, if you or your child were stung, remove any stingers from the skin (CDC, 2010). Then wash the area with soap and water. If the bite or sting site is painful, apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes to relieve symptoms; if the bite site is itchy, apply an anti-itch lotion (Mayo Clinic, 2024). While most bites and stings can be treated with first aid at home, if you or your child experiences serious symptoms that suggest an allergic reaction, call 911 or your local emergency number and seek immediate medical help (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

Taking these simple steps can help prevent and treat bites and stings, and being prepared can ensure you and your children stay safe and have the best day outdoors.