Fight the bite. Mosquito prevention tips for people, children, pets, and around the home.
You can prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellants and using screens on open doors and windows.
You can prevent mosquitoes from breeding by getting rid of any standing water or treating it with mosquito dunks.
Read more below!
Use EPA-registered Insect Repellent
- When outdoors, use insect repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on skin or clothing. Always follow instructions on the product label.
- An insect repellent called permethrin can also be used to treat clothing ahead of time and will last on clothing, socks, and shoes for several months. Dried permethrin spray will remain active after several washes. Be sure to apply it to clothing a few days before to allow for proper drying. Do not wear clothing that is still wet from Permethrin spray! Since permethrin can be toxic to cats, don’t let your feline friends around permethrin treated clothing until the clothing is dry!
Repellant Application for Kids
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products containing no greater than 30% DEET on children.
- Do not use insect repellent on babies under 2 months of age.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should never be used for children under 3 years of age.
Maintain Window and Door Screens
- Use screens on windows and doors.
- Repair any holes or tears in screens.
Tip, Toss, and Cover
- Some mosquitoes lay eggs in containers of water.
- Dump water that collects in containers each week.
- Wash out containers each week before refilling them with clean water.
- Cover or store boats or buckets upside down to prevent water from collecting in these containers.
Use Mosquito Larvicide Dunks
- Rain barrels, bird baths, and ornamental ponds are all locations where mosquitoes can breed.
- Use mosquito larvicide dunks in stagnant water sources during warm months when mosquitoes are active to kill mosquito larvae.
- Follow instructions on the package for correct use.
