Reduce the number of mosquito bites you receive
While mosquito bites cannot be eliminated completely, they can be reduced by simple behavior changes when out amongst the mosquitoes. Some of these include:
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Effective repellents include products containing:
- 6 - 30% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Products with 6% DEET are effective for about 2 hours while products with 25 – 30% DEET are effective for 8 hours. DEET in high concentrations (greater than 30%) provides no additional protection
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- IR3535
Products containing picaridin, oil of lemon euclayptus, or IR3535 are effective for shorter periods of time than products containing higher concentrations of DEET.
When using Insect Repellant:
- Don't let children apply their own repellant and avoid applying repellent to the hands of children
- Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing
Other ways to Reduce Bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
- When the wind is calm or low, sit in front of a fan to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to fly and land on you to bite
- Install or repair window and door screens
- Note: Vitamin B and "ultrasonic" devices are NOT effective in preventing mosquito bites
