Prevention

Mosquitoes and chiggers: Many of these bites can be prevented by using an insect repellent before your child goes outdoors or into the woods. Always use repellents for infants less than 1 year old because they cannot bat the insects away.

Bedbugs: The bed and baseboards can be sprayed with 1% malathion, but young children must be kept away from the area because this substance is somewhat poisonous. You may need to call in an exterminator.

Fleas: Usually you will find the fleas on your dog or cat. If the bites started after a move into a different home, the fleas are probably from the previous owner's pets. Fleas can often be removed by bringing a dog or cat inside the house for 2 hours to collect the fleas (they prefer living on the dog or cat to living in the carpet) and then applying flea powder or soap to the animal outdoors. Careful daily vacuuming will usually capture any remaining fleas.