The Best Bug Repellents for Kids

HGTV editors and a pediatrician share recommendations on how to keep kids bite-free this summer.

Ah, the joys of summer: pool days, outdoor adventures, ice cream and sunshine. One thing no one looks forward to though? Bug bites. Pesky mosquitos and ticks suck the fun out of summer faster than ice cream melts. To help protect your kids against these annoying buggers and get back to carefree outdoor living, we rounded up the best bug repellents recommended by our editors as well as health and safety tips from a pediatrician.

One of the most important reasons to use bug repellents is to reduce the risk of infection from tick- and mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Lyme, Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever and West Nile Virus. "It's great for kids and families to be outside to play and take hikes in the woods," said Dr. Sophie Balk, Attending Pediatrician at Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Professor of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and member of the AAP Council on Environmental Health and Climate Control. "Unfortunately, insects are outside too! Diseases transmitted by certain insects can cause serious health effects in children and adults." Generally, you can avoid serious illness by checking for ticks after outdoor play and appropriately using insect repellent. Head here to continue reading about the best bug repellents to keep your kids safe this summer.