Kiddie pools are a great way to keep kids cool and entertained during hot summer days. However, they can also attract mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance, pose a health risk. Let’s be honest: it’s just plain annoying. Mosquitoes are known to carry diseases, but some kids can also just be allergic to their bites and it can simply be bothering them. In the rest of this article, we’ll see what you can do in order to get them to stay clear from your kids’ pool and keep your lovely children happy and safe. Let’s see how to keep mosquitoes out of kiddie pools:
Keep the kiddie pool clean and empty
Before remediation, there’s prevention and one of the easiest ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your kids pool is to keep it clean and dry when not in use. Make sure to empty the pool after every use and rinse it with soap and water to remove any debris or dirt. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so eliminating any stagnant water in and around the pool will help prevent mosquito breeding(nasty). Sounds much like an effort? it’s actually not as bad and it helps keep the pool very hygienic for your kids who will, inevitably, be drinking some of that water at some stage.
Use a cover
Covering the children’s pool with a mosquito net or a tarp can help prevent mosquitoes from getting in. Make sure to secure the cover tightly around the pool so that mosquitoes can’t sneak in through any gaps. It has to be tight indeed as they’re the masters of sneaking in anywhere they’re unwanted. A cover can also help keep the pool clean and prevent leaves, bugs, and other debris from falling in. Keeps mosquitoes and other unwanted insects/materials out.
Use mosquito repellent
If you don’t have a net or for better efficiency, applying mosquito repellent to your child’s skin can help keep mosquitoes away from them while they’re playing in the pool. Look for a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil, which are effective in repelling mosquitoes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and don’t apply the repellent to any cuts or irritated skin. It’s also safer to use a kid’s specific repellent to make sure it’s adapted to their sensitive skin.
Add mosquito dunks to the kiddie pool
Mosquito dunks are small tablets that contain bacteria that kill mosquito larvae. You can add one or two dunks to your kiddie pool to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water. Mosquito dunks are safe for kids and pets and won’t harm the environment.
Keep the area clean
A groomed kiddie pool and garden will, in general, do better with insects and other undesirable species. Keep the grass trimmed for a nicer and cleaner look and if you only have pavers, also try to keep them clean so as to avoid attracting some unwanted insects.
Use a fan
Mosquitoes are weak fliers and have difficulty flying in strong winds. Setting up a fan near your kiddie pool can help create a breeze that will keep mosquitoes away. Plus, it will also keep your kids cool and comfortable on hot summer days. Win-win situation
Conclusion
By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep mosquitoes out of your kiddie pool. If you live in an area that is prone to mosquitoes, chances are that mosquitoes are just part of your daily life. Nevertheless, it’s always nice to keep them at bay and make sure that your kids play, swim and have fun in a nice and hygienic set up. Use nets, mosquito dunks or repellents and just sit back, relax and watch your little ones have fun
Q&A
Are there any natural ways to repel mosquitoes from kiddie pools?
Yes, there are several natural ways to repel mosquitoes. You can use essential oils like citronella, lavender, and peppermint, which have natural insect-repellent properties (don’t use them straight in the pool though). You can also plant mosquito-repelling plants like lemongrass, mint, and basil around the pool to keep mosquitoes away.
Can I use regular household bleach to clean my kiddie pool?
No, as it can be harmful to your child’s health. Instead, use a pool-safe cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar to clean the pool.
Can I reuse mosquito dunks?
No, it’s best to use mosquito dunks only once and then disposed of properly. Reusing mosquito dunks may not be effective in preventing mosquito breeding and can also harm the environment.
Is it safe to use mosquito repellent on infants and toddlers
Mosquito repellent containing DEET can be used on infants and toddlers. Follow straight the instructions advised on the label. You should avoid applying the repellent to their hands- they’ll end up in their eyes or mouths for sure- and use it only on exposed skin. For infants under two months, it’s best to avoid using mosquito repellent; instead use mosquito nets or protective clothing to keep mosquitoes away.
Can I use a citronella candle to repel mosquitoes from the kiddie pool area?
Yes, citronella candles is known to be effective in repelling mosquitoes, but they should not be relied on as the sole means of protection. You should still take other precautions like keeping the pool clean and dry, using mosquito repellent, and adding mosquito dunks to the water.
Can I use a kiddie pool cover to keep mosquitoes out if it has small holes in it?
No, if your kiddie pool cover has small holes in it, it may not be effective in keeping mosquitoes out. Mosquitoes can easily sneak in through small gaps and breed in the standing water. Make sure to use a cover that is tightly secured around the pool and has no holes or gaps.