DD keeps getting bitten by insects how can I prevent?

[EdwiniasRevenge]

DD3 (8) seems to be a tasty target for insect bites. She always has. She'll often wake up with 4-5 new bites if I don't use an insect repellent in her bedroom.

I use a Raid repellent in her bedroom - except it has run out and haven't been able to replace it yet.

How can I protect her during the day when she is out and about. I've never used insect repellents before - and don't really want to be covering her in cream every day.

Just looking for general advice really.

Beryl - definitely fleas ...only happened once and after I'd been trying to keep flea ridden cat out of the bedrooms while being treated ...so guess flea was desperate...

Okay, look up the School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine online. They have done plenty of research on insect repellents, especially against mosquitos. Avon Skin So Soft is not effective as a repellent. Ditto citronella. And garlic. And Vitamin B. And Neem oil.

If she's being bitten in the night, then make sure her bed is not the source of the bugs (bed bugs/fleas). If that's clear, follow the very good advice upthread to buy a bed net. Make it a treated one (you'll find it online). The treatment lasts for ages, and you can buy further treatments to top up the net.

The most effective repellent is Deet - and even that's not a sure thing. Deet's also pretty harsh for daily use on a child (or adult). The best natural repellent is citriodiol, aka extract of lemon eucalyptus. You will need to reapply during the day, but there are plenty of non-sticky preparations out there and sprays to make it quick and easy to put on her.

Good luck! I hate bug bites.

Another one for Avon Skin So Soft. Lived in the tropics for 4 years and had 2 kids out here. It was the only stuff which was effective and we were comfortable putting on a few day old baby. The dry oil you can slather on all over and not feel or smell like you are wearing insect repellent.

Ditto earlier post, make sure all plants standing in a saucer of water are removed. We even cut down plants that were cup shaped and held standing water to minimise risk of dengue fever.

Nets are known as princess beds around here as well!

what would any of you recommend for visiting the beaches in Spain, are there lots of mozzies there?

You won't usually get mozzies on the actual beach itself but as soon as you go up to the bars and shops on the promenade they could be around.

I use Skin So Soft on holiday and can honestly say we never get bitten when we use it...I do a triple whammy thingy, body wash, moisturiser and oil spray. Cannot praise these products enough. Dp used to get bitten all of the time and end up with huge lumps everywhere...no more though. Off to Thailand again soon and this works fantastic whilst we are there.
P.S....I do not work for avon