We all know that mosquitoes so dangerous
know the dangers of viruses carried by mosquitoes
Best way to protect yourself and your family from
becoming infected with WNV is by protecting
yourselves from mosquito bites.
- Repellents that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or Icaridin are most effective. DEET based products are available with concentrations of 5% - 30%. Ensure that you choose the correct DEET or Icaridin containing product that is suitable for the age of the person and for the time spent outdoors. This information is on the label.
- Non-DEET repellents are available in Canada as well, although data on their safety and effectiveness is limited.
- When using any insect repellent, carefully read and strictly follow the manufacturer’s directions. Even non-DEET repellents have restrictions on their use.
- For more detailed information visit our page on insect repellents .
- There is no evidence that the use of DEET or Icaridin by pregnant or breastfeeding women poses a risk to unborn babies or children who are nursing. However, as a safety precaution, women in these situations may wish to consider the use of non-chemical methods to protect against mosquito bites.
- 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: Repel contains OLE.
- IR3535: Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart.
Use protective clothing and gear
Weather permitting, wear:
- Long sleeves
- Socks and closed-toe shoes
- Long pants, possibly tucked into the tops of your socks
- Light colors
A hat that protects your ears and neck or one with mosquito netting that covers your face
you can do to prevent mosquito breeding on your property.
Do this "Three Ds" of protection
- Drain—Mosquitoes require water in which to breed, so carefully drain any and all sources of standing water around your house and yard, including pet bowls, gutters, garbage and recycling bins, spare tires, bird baths, etc.
- Dress—Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing—long sleeved shirts and long pants, hats, and socks
- Defend—While the AMCA recommends using commercial repellents, I highly recommend avoiding most chemical repellents for the reasons already discussed; try some of the natural alternatives instead.
- variety of herbs and other natural agents are soothing to the skin
Use an insect repellent if required. You only need to use a repellent if you are going to be outdoors during the early evening to morning hours when mosquitoes tend to be feeding, or when in a wooded, shaded or swampy area.
more protective measures
Protection against Mosquitoes
Roger S. Nasci, Robert A. Wirtz, William G. Brogdon
Vaccines or chemoprophylactic drugs are available to protect against some vectorborne diseases such as yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria; however, travel health practitioners should advise travelers to use repellents and other general protective measures against biting arthropods. The effectiveness of malaria chemoprophylaxis is variable, depending on patterns of drug resistance, bioavailability, and compliance with medication, and no similar preventive measures exist for other mosquitoborne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile encephalitis or tickborne diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, tickborne encephalitis, and relapsing fever.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates repellent products in the United States. CDC recommends that consumers use repellent products that have been registered by EPA. EPA registration indicates the materials have been reviewed and approved for both efficacy and human safety when applied according to the instructions on the label.
GENERAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Avoid outbreaks. To the extent possible, travelers should avoid known foci of epidemic disease transmission. The CDC Travelers’ Health website provides updates on regional disease transmission patterns and outbreaks (www.cdc.gov/travel).
Be aware of peak exposure times and places. Exposure to arthropod bites may be reduced if travelers modify their patterns or locations of activity. Although mosquitoes may bite at any time of day, peak biting activity for vectors of some diseases (such as dengue and chikungunya) is during daylight hours. Vectors of other diseases (such as malaria) are most active in twilight periods (dawn and dusk) or in the evening after dark. Avoiding the outdoors or taking preventive actions (such as using repellent) during peak biting hours may reduce risk. Place also matters; ticks and chiggers are often found in grasses, woodlands, or other vegetated areas. Local health officials or guides may be able to point out areas with increased arthropod activity.
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