The Associated Press

People aren't the only ones who love summer's warm weather. Mosquitos love the high temperatures and humidity.

KidsHealth.org, a Web site devoted to children's health, suggests these steps for keeping the pests at bay:

• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when summer's most prevalent insects, mosquitoes, are most active.

• Use screens on doors and windows.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Use insect repellants. The most effective and long-lasting ones contain DEET; products with 10 percent to 30 percent DEET provide about 3 hours of protection. However, check with your doctor when it comes to using repellants on very young children.

• Remove standing water from gutters, old tires, wading pools, tarps, potted plants and other outside buckets and pails, which can become mosquito-breeding areas. Also, be sure the water in pet dishes and birdbaths is changed regularly. "Playing outside is a lot of fun - bugs or no bugs. Fortunately, most bites and stings are relatively harmless," says Dr. Neil Izenberg, a pediatrician and editor-in-chief of KidsHealth.org.

"The two greatest risks from most insect stings and bites are an allergic reaction, which rarely may be fatal, and infection - also rare but with potentially serious consequences."

He adds: "Education and supervision are the best preventive measures that parents can take toward protecting their child. "With a little bit of care, you can have fun even when the insects come marching in."