It's time for back-to-school, and for many parents, that means the little ones are back on the field for fall sports.

Michelle Nolan, who does double duty as a mom and marketing and advertising director at pest control company Truly Nolen, sent us these five tips to keep pests off your gear and out of the car:

1. Bring a soft-bristled brush — an old toothbrush works great — to get the dirt off cleats.

2. Double check Velcro straps to make sure no bugs are riding along.

3. Give your child’s scalp a good, thorough screening for head lice — especially if they wear a helmet.

4. Carry calamine lotion for mosquito bites.

5. Vacuum the car as soon as you get home, and store sports bags in the garage until you’re able to check for ride-along bugs.

» Check out the latest back-to-school deals

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Jo'wan Bellamy taught in the GNETS program for 17 years and recently transferred to Atlanta’s new behavioral program at Crawford Long Middle School. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com