Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

The best defense against mosquito-borne disease is to avoid mosquito bites. You can reduce contact with mosquitoes by taking the following actions:

• Prevent mosquito breeding sources in your backyard and neighborhood by eliminating standing water
• Wear light colored pants and long-sleeved shirts, when outdoors
• Apply an EPA-approved and CDC-recommended repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus to clothing and exposed skin - When using sunscreen, apply repellents after applying sunscreen
• Try to stay indoors during dawn and dusk
• Apply screens to doors and windows and keep them well maintained to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home
• Stock ornamental ponds and other standing water sources with mosquito fish

Repellents

Apply an EPA-approved and CDC-recommended insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.  when you are outdoors. Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. Avoid applying repellent to children less than 2 years old. Use care in applying repellent on children; repellent on their hands may get into their mouth and eyes, causing irritation.

Find the insect repellent that is right for you (United States Environmental Protection Agency search tool)