3 Things Parents Know About Dealing with Mosquitoes and Bug Bites

There are so many things to love about summertime — the long days, relaxed schedules, and trips to the pool and the beach. But there are a few things about summer I would change if I could — my perpetual sweat mustache, the way storm clouds seem to hover whenever I fire up the grill, and top of the list, the onslaught of mosquitos. Mosquitos see me (and my younger child) as their own personal buffet, and they seem to be unable to get their fill, so I’m always looking for ways to keep the bugs at bay so that I’m not riddled with itchy mosquito bites. 

I’m not alone in my struggle against these little flying pests. Faith Durand, Apartment Therapy’s SVP of content and EIC of Cubby, shares my animosity toward the backyard bugs. Lucky for me, she’s done a ton of research to find the best products on the market. Faith knows that combating mosquitos requires a multipronged attack that includes solutions for repelling mosquitos and preventing bites. In this article for Cubby, she highlights the best products for avoiding bites, more intimate outdoor scenarios, and hosting bigger outdoor get-togethers.

Read: I Tried (and Failed) to Keep Mosquitoes Away for Years — Then I Found 3 Products That Really Work

Where I live, in swampy Richmond, Virginia, mosquitos are a fact of life all summer long, so I’ve tried dozens of repellents to try to keep myself and my family bite-free. But since we have sensitive skin, that rules out a ton of the options on the market. Add a dislike of overpowering smells and greasy residues, and we’re left with even fewer options. It can be overwhelming to find a bug spray that meets our needs and is also safe for kids. So, I was delighted to read Trisha Sprouse’s review of an effective Deet-free bug spray that she and her family can tolerate. In this article for Cubby, she shares the chic-looking repellent is available as a spray or in travel-friendly wipes, and the mild, citrusy scent is reminiscent of an Orange Julius.

Read: This DEET-Free Bug Spray Is the Only One My Kids Don’t Hate

Inevitably, even with the best prevention in place, you’ll probably end up with a mosquito bite or two (or, if you’re like me, a dozen) before the end of the summer, and we all know how itchy and annoying those bites can be, especially for little kids. Cubby Executive Editor Cambria Bold discovered an ingenious trick for soothing pesky bug bites with an unexpected product that you might have on hand, especially if you have a baby in the house.

Read: The Unusual Yet Practically Magical Product I Use to Stop Itchy Mosquito Bites