Preventing Mosquito Bites

Strategies for preventing mosquito bites include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and being aware of peak mosquito hours. Other forms of prevention involve reporting dead birds to local authorities and getting involved with local mosquito control programs.

 

An Introduction to Preventing Mosquito Bites

Public activities, such as using products to kill mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes, are one part of mosquito control.
 
There are also steps a person can take in order to prevent mosquito bites. Strategies for preventing mosquito bites include:
 
  • Using insect repellent
  • Wearing protective clothing
  • Being aware of peak mosquito hours
  • Mosquito-proofing one's home
  • Helping the community.
     

Preventing Mosquito Bites by Using Insect Repellent

In order to prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellent on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent such as those with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Even being outdoors for a short time can be long enough to get a mosquito bite.
 
Use double protection: wear long sleeves during peak mosquito biting hours, and spray repellent directly onto your clothes.
 

Preventing Mosquito Bites by Wearing Protective Clothing

Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will provide extra protection. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD