Prevention of mosquito bites is another way of preventing disease. Adult mosquitoes bite inside and around homes day and night when the lights are on. To protect yourself, use insect repellent on your skin indoors or out, as well as mosquito traps or nets. Correctly and adequately, repellents are safe for kids and adults alike. Remember that even though some of them are classified as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), repellents don’t kill mosquitoes. So you may still see these annoying insects buzzing about. Repellents make it more difficult for mosquitoes to find you.
Common insect repellents include:
- DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) blocks a mosquito’s ability to find people who’ve applied it. Apply repellent with a 10% to 30% concentration of DEET to your skin and clothing. Choose the concentration based on the hours of protection you need — the higher the concentration of DEET, the longer you are protected. A 10% concentration protects you for about two hours. Remember that chemical repellents can be toxic, and use only the amount needed for the time you’ll be outdoors. Don’t use DEET on the hands of young children or infants younger than 2 months.
- Picaridin. This repellant, KBR 3023, offers protection comparable to DEET at similar concentrations. It also blocks a mosquito’s ability to find people who’ve applied it. Picaridin is nearly odorless, which may make it a good alternative if you’re sensitive to the smells of insect repellents.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus. This plant-based chemical may offer protection comparable to low DEET concentrations. Don’t use this product on children younger than 3 years.
- Others. Shorter-acting repellents that may offer limited protection generally contain plant-based oils such as oil of geranium, cedar, lemon grass, soy, or citronella.
When possible, wear long sleeves and pants for additional protection. Make sure window and door screens are secure and without holes. If available, use air conditioning (see also prevention for travelers).
Clothing tips to keep in mind include:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts;
- Wear socks;
- Wear long pants and consider tucking your pants into your socks;
- Wear light-colored clothing since mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors;
- Apply mosquito repellent to your clothing, shoes, camping gear, and bed netting;
- Wear a full-brimmed hat to protect your head and neck;
- Consider wearing a mosquito net to cover your head and face or torso