Kids & Bug Spray: What’s Safe to Use?

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Updated: 10:39 PM Jun 23, 2008 Kids & Bug Spray: What’s Safe to Use? Doctors say you should look at the label before putting bug spray on your kids this summer season. Posted: 8:09 PM Jun 23, 2008 Reporter: Meghan Kulig Email Address: meghan.kulig@weau.com

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This time of year, a trip into the great outdoors can be miserable if you forget the bug spray. But, what’s the best protection to use on your kids?

A family medicine doctor with Marshfield Clinic says parents can use bug spray with DEET on kids 2 months of age and older.

Dr. Brandon Parkhurst says you should only put bug protection on your kids once daily – and avoid getting it on their hands.

He says you should also look for sprays with at least 10% but no more than 30% DEET.

"We like use the least concentration possible and we sort of judge that by how long the exposure might last,” Dr. Parkhurst said.

He says you’ll get about one hour of bug protection for every 5% of DEET you use.

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