According to the CDC, mosquito-borne illnesses are a serious threat - especially in these humid Summer to Autumn transitional days.

  1. Use insect repellent: When used as directed, insect repellent is the BEST way to protect yourself from mosquito bites.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are safe for even children and pregnant women. All the EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
    • DEET: Products containing DEET include Cutter, OFF!, Skintastic.
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin): Products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan outside the United States).
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD: Products containing OLE include Repel .
    • IR3535: Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart.
  1. Treat clothing and gear: Treat items such as boots, pants, socks, and tents with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
    • Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to find out how long the protection will last.
    • If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
    • Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.
  1. Mosquito-proof your home: Take steps to avoid having mosquitoes enter your home.
    • Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
    • Use air conditioning when available.
    • Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in and near standing water around your home.
      • Once a week, empty, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers both inside and outside your home.