{"id":49,"date":"2025-03-14T15:11:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T19:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/mosquitoes\/?page_id=49"},"modified":"2026-09-21T11:05:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T15:05:26","slug":"prevention","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/mosquitoes\/prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nFight the bite.\u00a0 Mosquito prevention tips for people, children, pets, and around the home.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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You can prevent mosquito bites <\/span><\/b>by using insect repellants and using screens on open doors and windows.<\/span><\/h3>\n

You can prevent mosquitoes from breeding<\/span><\/b> by getting rid of any standing water or treating it with mosquito dunks. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Read more below!<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Use EPA-registered Insect Repellent<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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  • When outdoors, use an EPA-approved insect repellent.<\/strong> Always follow instructions on the product label.<\/li>\n
  • Permethrin can also be used to treat clothing, socks, and shoes ahead of time and will last for several uses<\/strong>. Be sure to apply it a few days before use to allow for proper drying! Take caution when applying, especially around children and pets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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    Repellant Application for Kids<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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    • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products containing no greater than 30% DEET<\/strong> on children.<\/li>\n
    • Do not use insect repellent on babies under 2 months of age.<\/li>\n
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should never<\/strong> be used for children under 3 years of age.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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      Maintain<\/span> Window <\/span>and Door Screens<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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      • Use screens on windows and doors to prevent them from entering the home.
        \nMake sure to repair any holes or tears in screens!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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        Tip, Toss, and Cover<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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        • Some mosquitoes lay eggs in containers of water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Dump water that collects in containers at least every week. <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
        • Wash out containers at least each week<\/strong>\u00a0before refilling them with clean water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Cover or store boats or buckets upside down to prevent water from collecting in these containers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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          Use Mosquito Larvicide Dunks<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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          • Rain barrels, bird baths, and ornamental ponds are all locations where mosquitoes can breed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Use mosquito larvicide dunks in stagnant water sources during warm months when mosquitoes are active to kill mosquito larvae.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Follow instructions on the package for correct use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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            Fight the bite.\u00a0 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. \u00a0\u00a0 Read more below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nPrevention - Mosquitoes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/mosquitoes\/prevention\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Prevention - Mosquitoes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Fight the bite.\u00a0 Mosquito prevention tips for people, children, pets, and around the home. 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