Tiny Mosquito
Mosquito Control - Protection
Keeping mosquitoes away from you is the first step to avoiding a bite. Not wearing bright colors and strongly scented perfumes and lotions may help in keeping mosquitoes away, but these tricks are not 100% effective.
You must take all
necessary precautions to protect yourself and any children from mosquito
bites. While most bites are nothing more serious than an uncomfortable,
itchy bump, some bites may lead to more serious problems. Learn more about
the different diseases carried by certain
mosquito species throughout North America.
If you are going to be spending a long period of time outdoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using an insect repellent on exposed areas of skin. Whether you are outside during mosquito peak hours or not, it is a good idea to apply insect repellent when outdoors as a precautionary measure.
The most effective insect repellent is DEET (N-diethyl meta-toluamide.)
Here are the cautionary “don’ts” of this toxic repellent:
- DON’T apply DEET to portions of the hands that are likely to come into contact with the eyes or mouth.
- DON’T apply DEET under your clothes as your skin may absorb too much of the toxic substance.
- DON’T apply too much DEET on children. Use it sparingly, and don’t apply it near their hands or face. Pediatric insect repellents with only 6-10% DEET are available.
For even greater protection, clothing and mosquito nets can be soaked in or sprayed with permethrin—an insect repellent licensed for use on clothing. If applied according to instructions, this repellent can keep insects away for several weeks.
Insect repellents may be purchased in hardware, camping, and military surplus stores.
There are also natural mosquito control methods to help you keep the pesky creatures away.
A preventative measure for your home is to create a screen for your patio. This way you can enjoy the outdoors at home while keeping mosquitoes away from you and your family.
If you are travelling or camping, a mosquito net is a wise investment to help make your trip an enjoyable one.
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