To prevent mosquito bites effectively, follow these key measures: Wear Protective Clothing
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to cover exposed skin. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is preferable as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors
- Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks to minimize skin exposure
- Consider treating clothing and gear (boots, tents) with permethrin, an insecticide, but never apply permethrin directly on skin
Use Insect Repellents
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and clothing as directed. DEET is safe for children over 2 months old in appropriate concentrations
- Avoid using oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under 3 years old
- Reapply repellents regularly according to label instructions
Avoid Peak Mosquito Activity Times
- Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk; try to stay indoors during these times
Mosquito Nets and Screens
- Use mosquito nets, especially pre-treated with insecticides, over beds, cribs, carriers, and strollers
- Ensure doors and windows have intact screens to prevent mosquito entry
Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites
- Eliminate standing water weekly from containers such as tires, gutters, birdbaths, pots, and toys to disrupt mosquito breeding
- Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter and debris to reduce mosquito hiding places
Additional Tips
- Use oscillating fans outdoors to deter mosquitoes
- Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights to attract fewer mosquitoes (note: these lights do not repel mosquitoes)
- Spread coffee grounds or tea waste in the yard to limit mosquito reproduction, although this does not prevent bites directly
By combining these strategies-protective clothing, effective repellents, environmental management, and physical barriers-you can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites
