How Can We Possibly Protect Kids from Insect Bites While Traveling?

Young child in a red cape battles a giant mosquito with a toy sword in a sunlit garden, surrounded by lush greenery and dappled light. — When you travel to places where mosquitos have voting rights and pay taxes, vigilance is key!

Our family loves tropical destinations, but they can come with some unwelcome downsides.

There’s the heat and humidity, the never-dry clothes, and… the bugs. Insects in warm, humid climates aren’t just annoying; they can also carry diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika.

So, how do you keep those pesky critters at bay while traveling? Here are some of our best tips to help you and your kids stay bite-free in bug-land.

1. Use Insect Repellent

Choose a kid-friendly repellent with DEET (under 30%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, as these are effective against mosquitoes carrying tropical diseases.
Reapply repellent frequently, especially in humid conditions where sweat can wear it off.
Avoid applying it to hands, eyes, mouth, or irritated skin.
If possible, spray it on clothing rather than directly on the skin.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH DEET? IS IT SAFE TO USE DEET ON KIDS?

Orange-capped OFF! FamilyCare insect repellent bottle, unscented with aloe vera, 6 fl. oz. Features people outdoors under trees.

I really and truly hate insect bites, and I am particularly sensitive to mosquitos. Seriously, if there’s a mosquito within a mile, it will find me, feast, and call in all of its relatives. I’ve always found that DEET-based insect repellents are the most effective for me, but you hear lots of scary stuff about DEET and I wanted to make sure it's also safe at protecting my kid from insect bites.

Here’s what the research says:

DEET is not an insecticide. It’s not poisonous to mosquitoes. They, like many of us, appear to hate the scent. DEET has been extensively studied – with over 50 years of data on its use – and is considered safe for children when used correctly. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that DEET concentrations up to 30% are safe for children over 2 months old.
Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that DEET is one of the most effective mosquito repellents, especially in tropical regions.
To minimize risk, apply sparingly, avoid hands, eyes, and mouth, and wash off repellent when indoors.
Prefer alternatives? Picaridin is another effective and safe option for kids.

BESIDES INSECT SPRAY, HERE'S SEVERAL WAYS TO PROTECT KIDS (AND YOURSELF) FROM INSECT BITES WHILE TRAVELING:

1. Outfitting Your Ride

Use a mosquito net on the stroller. See below for our pick.

2. Dress for Skin Coverage

Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are essential in tropical areas. This will also help prevent sunburns – win-win!
Choose moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics to keep kids cool while still protecting their skin. We’ve used and recommend some great options that are both breathable and excellent for covering the little ones.
Opt for light-colored clothing, as dark colors tend to attract more bugs.
Tuck pant legs into socks to prevent unwanted hitchhikers.

3. Avoid Peak Insect Activity

Mosquitoes in tropical regions are most active at dawn and dusk, so limit outdoor activities during these times.
Avoid areas with stagnant water, like swamps, rice paddies, and dense jungle trails, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. When I lived in Singapore, this was our constant refrain: STAY AWAY FROM STAGNANT WATER.
Stay in well-screened accommodations to minimize exposure.

4. Keep the Environment Bug-Free

Use mosquito nets over cribs, strollers, and beds—especially in accommodations without proper screening. A light spray of DEET at the flaps and seams of a mosquito net works like a charm at keeping bugs away from weak points.
Ensure windows and doors have intact mesh screens to keep bugs outside. A little DEET around the holes in a screen is like a liquid patch for window weak points.
Always check for standing water around your lodging and notify staff if you notice any breeding spots. (Remember the refrain!)
If you know you’re going to be in a jungle environment, consider a mosquito net you can hang around your and the child’s bed.
Failing everything else, wake your husband at 2:00 AM when that familiar high-pitched whine drags you from the depths of sleep. Turn on EVERY light in the room and MAKE him find the invader!

5. Thoughts on Natural Repellents & Barriers

I honestly never have great luck with natural repellents in a super mosquito-y area, but here are some of the options if you’d like to try!

Essential oils like citronella, tea tree, and eucalyptus can help, but always test a small amount first to check for skin reactions.
Research suggests bug-repelling wristbands simply aren't effective. Use permethrin-treated clothing for added protection.
If dining outdoors, use mosquito coils or plug-in repellents to deter insects.

6. Check for Bites & Remove Ticks

After outdoor activities, do a thorough tick check, especially on the scalp, behind ears, underarms, and around the waist.
If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers and clean the area with antiseptic.
Monitor any bites for signs of infection or allergic reaction and seek medical attention if needed.

Mosquitoes! They're one genuinely unsavory aspect to world travel that we all contend with at some point. My husband rarely gets bit. Some of us are utter magnets. But beyond worrying about how to protect kids from insect bites while traveling, it's worth some peace of mind to remember not every mosquito is carrying something nefarious, and even less – approximately 1 in 300 – are likely to develop an illness as a result of a bite by an infected mosquito. So, fight the good fight. But try to keep some perspective when that itchy red dot invariably appears.

Keeping the Bugs at Bay? Click below to check out some TSA size-approved curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children.

Visit GEAR UP For More Outstanding Travel Essentials