Mosquito Magnet?

Summer means more sunshine, more outdoor play, and, of course, more bug bites.

If your child seems to get bitten more than others (and ends up with big, red welts that look worse than they are), you’re definitely not alone. Some kids really are mosquito magnets, and their immune response can make even a single bite look dramatic, especially on the face. It can be frustrating, especially when you’ve done everything right, including bug spray, long sleeves, and even avoiding dusk. And yet…the bites still show up.

The good news? There are safe, effective ways to prevent bites and help your child feel more comfortable when they happen.

Why your child might be a mosquito magnet

Ever feel like mosquitoes make a beeline for your child while other kids are left alone? It’s not just in your head.

Some research supports the idea that certain people are naturally more attractive to mosquitoes. One factor seems to be the level of specific acids produced on the skin, byproducts of our unique body chemistry and skin bacteria that contribute to how we smell. Genetics, hygiene habits, and even our skin microbiome can all play a role.

Other factors that might make your child more appealing include:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Mosquitoes use it to locate hosts. The more you exhale, the easier you are to find.

• Body temperature and sweat: Warm, sweaty skin can increase attraction.

• Blood type: People with Type O blood may get more bites, though this link isn’t consistently strong.

So yes, your child might be the unfortunate buffet at the mosquito potluck. But there’s still a lot we don’t fully understand. The same child might attract more bites one day than another, depending on the setting or even what they’re wearing or doing.

Also worth noting: children’s bites often look worse because their immune systems mount a bigger local reaction. It’s usually not an allergy, just a dramatic (and super itchy) protest to mosquito saliva.

What insect repellent actually works?

When it comes to bug spray, a lot of parents reach for the most “natural” option first. And that makes sense. But the most important question to ask is, Does it work? Especially if your child is prone to bites or has big reactions, reliable protection matters.

Here’s how the most common types stack up:

DEET

DEET is one of the most common active ingredients in many insect repellents. It gained a bad reputation in the 1980s due to reports of encephalopathy (brain swelling) in children, but there’s no evidence that DEET was the cause. More recent research shows that DEET is a safe and reliable option when used as directed. DEET isn’t the villain in this summer story, it’s actually one of the heroes.

• Safe for babies 2 months and older

• For children 2 months to 2 years, start with DEET <10%

• For children over 2 years, DEET 10–30% is appropriate

• Start with the lowest effective concentration and increase only if needed

• Always follow the product label for how often to apply. Overapplying doesn’t improve protection

If you live somewhere mosquito-heavy, DEET is a solid choice. Just follow the application instructions and reapply only as directed.

Picaridin

Picaridin is another highly effective insect repellent that’s safe for babies 2 months and older. It’s a popular alternative to DEET because it’s nearly odorless, feels lighter on the skin, and isn’t greasy. My FAVORITE-I call it our summer perfume :)

• Products with 5% Picaridin provide about 3 to 4 hours of protection, while 20% Picaridin can last 8 to 12 hours

• Generally well-tolerated, low odor, and non-greasy

• Best effectiveness is seen with concentrations around 20%

If you’re looking for a repellent that feels lighter on the skin and has less scent than DEET, but still holds up in mosquito-heavy environments, Picaridin is a great option to start with.

Essential oil–based options

Plant-based repellents like oil of lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and soybean oil are another option, especially for families who prefer a more natural approach. These products are typically recommended for children 3 years and older, and they tend to offer shorter-term protection than DEET or Picaridin.

• EPA-registered options are more reliable than homemade or unregulated versions

• Most provide protection similar to 10% DEET but wear off faster, often within 1 to 2 hours

• Not all essential oil products are tested for safety or effectiveness, so read labels carefully

If you’re in an area with lower mosquito activity or using repellent for a short outing, essential oil–based sprays can be a reasonable choice. But if the bites keep coming, don’t hesitate to switch to something longer lasting.

What about stickers, patches, and bracelets?

These products are often made with essential oils like citronella and seem like an easy, natural solution, but their effectiveness is very limited. Protection is mostly confined to the area right around the patch or bracelet, which means the rest of the body is still exposed. They might help a little, but they’re not a reliable substitute for a full-body topical repellent.

Need help finding a repellent based on your child’s age or local insect risk? The EPA’s repellent search tool lets you filter by ingredient, duration, and bug type.

Repellent Safety Reminders

Once you’ve chosen a repellent that works for your child, applying it correctly makes all the difference. Whether you're using DEET, Picaridin, or an essential oil–based product, following these safety tips will help ensure it’s used effectively and safely:

• Read the label and follow instructions. More isn’t better—reapply only as directed based on the concentration and product type.

• Apply to clothing and exposed skin. Avoid cuts, rashes, or irritated areas.

• Don’t spray directly on the face. Instead, spray into your hands and gently rub it on, being careful to avoid the eyes and mouth.

• Avoid use in babies under 2 months. Stick to physical barriers like netting or long sleeves at that age.

• Store out of reach. Keep repellents safely stored to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

• Skip combo sunscreen-repellent products. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied more often, which can lead to overuse of the repellent. If you’re using both, apply sunscreen first, then repellent.

For younger kids, it's always best for an adult to apply the repellent to ensure even coverage and reduce the chance of over-application. And if you're trying a new product for the first time, do a small patch test to check for any skin reaction.

Other ways to prevent bites

Repellent is just one part of the picture. If your child is especially prone to bites, or if you’re heading somewhere with a lot of mosquito activity, adding a few extra layers of protection can make a big difference.

• Avoid peak mosquito hours like dusk and dawn when possible

• Dress your child in long sleeves, lightweight pants, and socks, especially in wooded or grassy areas

• Choose light-colored clothing, mosquitoes are more attracted to dark and floral patterns

• Skip perfumed lotions, soaps, or hair products before outdoor play

• Eliminate standing water near your home, which can quickly become mosquito breeding grounds

For babies under 2 months, who can’t use repellent yet, these strategies are especially important. Use mosquito netting over strollers or baby carriers, and stick to well-covered clothing to minimize exposure.

These extra steps may seem small, but they go a long way in keeping bites to a minimum, especially when used alongside a repellent that works for your child.

Treating bites when they happen

Even with all the prevention in place, bites still happen. When they do, here’s what can help:

• Wash the area with soap and water to reduce irritation

• Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling

• Use the bug bite thing AS DIRECTED on packaging. This is my savior in South Florida and can be used on kids and adults. Just avoid the face and neck

• Use 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day for itching and redness

• Trim nails to help avoid scratching and help it heal faster

• Unsure if it’s a local reaction or an infection? Check out this short video for a visual example.

Sometimes the swelling and redness can look intense, especially in kids. This is often Skeeter Syndrome, a local allergic reaction to proteins in a mosquito’s saliva. It’s not an infection, even though it might look like one. Symptoms usually show up within hours of the bite and can include big swelling, heat, redness, and itching that sticks around for several days.

It can easily be mistaken for cellulitis, but there are key differences: cellulitis tends to spread slowly, may come with fever or pain, and typically isn’t itchy. Skeeter Syndrome? Very itchy.

And yes, you can try the banana peel trick in a pinch. It’s not magic, but the antioxidants may help with mild inflammation. Just rinse afterward so your child doesn’t smell like snack time to the next mosquito.

For more images, tips (including my favorite tool), and when to see a clinician, watch the full PedsDocTalk YouTube video.

Final thoughts

Some kids just seem to get all the bites. But with the right tools, including reliable repellent, smart prevention, and a few post-bite tricks, you can enjoy the outdoors with a lot less stress (and a lot less scratching). You don’t have to choose between nothing or overdoing it. Start with what works for your family, and build from there.

On The Podcast

“They’ll eat if they’re hungry.” This CAN be true for many kids when it comes to feeding and picky eating, but for some kids it’s not great advice. I welcome Dr. Taylor Arnold, a PhD, registered dietitian, and founder of Growing Intuitive Eaters, and she is on a mission to foster a healthy relationship with food and teach adults how to talk to kids about food in a positive way. She joins me to discuss: 

• Why this advice can lack a lot of nuance 

• When to know or be concerned your child may have an underlying issue regarding feeding solids

• Why online guidance around feeding sometimes lacks necessary nuance

This episode is personal. My husband and I sit down for an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation about what it means to reparent ourselves while raising our son. It’s a raw look at how childhood experiences, good and bad, shape us as adults, and how we can consciously break harmful cycles for the next generation.

On YouTube

Gagging, food refusal, and picky eating! What’s normal and what’s not? As a pediatrician-mom, I break down common baby feeding concerns and real solutions. The video includes:

• Gagging vs. choking

• Refusing food or seeming disinterested

• Food throwing, swiping and meal mayhem

• How much food is enough?

• When to seek help for feeding concerns

• Pediatrician-mom tips

Ask Dr. Mona

An opportunity for YOU to ask Dr. Mona your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!