Search Results for: blog gearing up for bugs and bites

Fairs, Zoos, and Parks—Summer Germs

With all the outdoor play and adventure, summer presents some health hazards unique to the season. Bug bites and bee stings are one reality we have to contend with—but so are all the germ and illness possibilities of outdoor events like fairs, festivals, zoos and parks. Germs and viruses live longer in warm conditions. Add this to the fact that children may be spending more time in outdoor locations where they are away from soap and water for long stretches and you’ve got a recipe for all sorts of “creeping crud”—as my mother used to call it. Any place where … Continue reading →

Home Remedies For Bug Bites

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I managed to hold out until May to get my first mosquito bites. Unfortunately, the little pests managed to chomp me in the armpit — a somewhat embarrassing place to try to scratch! Mild reactions to insect bites can be quickly and easily treated at home. Deal with the bite itself as soon as possible: If a stinger (like from a bee or wasp) remains in the bite site, try to pull it out as soon as possible! Use a flat knife or other flat edge to scrape out the stinger; venom may remain in the stinger and can be … Continue reading →

Gearing Up for Bugs and Bites

It used to be that I could count on several things happening every year in the season between May and September—there would inevitably be a bee sting or two, a battle with mosquitoes, someone would step on a nail or shard of glass, someone would get a tick or chigger, and there might even be some sort of scratches or bites from neighborhood pets. Who would have thought the leisurely months of summer could be such a danger for the average family? Fortunately, a little planning and preparation and I was ready for these realities of summer living and an … Continue reading →

What You Should NOT Have a Babysitter Do

With the summer months upon us, many of us will be utilizing babysitters more for our young children. And, as if safety isn’t a big enough issue, there are certain safety issues that should be taken under consideration when you do hire a babysitter to look after your child. As a matter of fact, there are certain things it is a good idea to NOT ask your babysitter to do: As a rule, babysitters should not be asked to take children swimming. I know this seems like being overly cautious and this is one of the premier summer-time activities, but … Continue reading →

Summer is the Start of the Sugar Wars

I do not know exactly why (although I have dozens of theories) but Summer and Sugar just seem to go hand-in-hand. It is not like we are one of those families who shun all treats and baked goods—but it does seem like I have to be extra diligent to watch the sugar intake during the warm months of summer. It isn’t just ice cream and soda (although my son is particularly fond of the root beer float—especially during the months of June, July and August), but summer seems to be all about popsicles and candy and other sugary, snacky foods. … Continue reading →

An Outdoor Room for Family Fun

The first nice warm summery weekend is such fun. This year, the warm weekend came on Mother’s Day weekend, which made it feel even more special. Our family likes to spend a lot of time outside. And it almost feels like a holiday when we migrate outdoors with our plants and chairs. First we swept the patio of leaves and dirt. We put the insect screen back on the gazebo and the cover on the top. We brought out the place mats, citronella candles and wind chimes we’d moved indoors for the winter, and decorated our outside living room. It’s … Continue reading →