Insect repellents are available in various forms and concentrations. Only those approved, by the Environmental Protection Agency, should be used. In general, repellents should not be used under clothing, used over cuts, wounds or irritated skin, applied directly onto the face or onto children’s hands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of repellents containing the active ingredient DEET or PICARIDIN. The oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is also recommended, is a botanical. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, DEET products should not be used on infants younger than two months. All repellents should be used according to instructions.
When mosquitoes are biting, the time spent outdoors should be limited; wearing loose fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Window and door screens should be kept in working condition. Mosquito netting can be used to protect sleeping adults and infants, when outdoors. For information on how to help eliminate mosquitoes in your neighborhood, click on
Mosquito Prevention and and Protection.
For additional information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, please review by clicking on
Mosquito Bite Prevention, and in Spanish,
Prevención de picaduras de mosquitos. And by clicking on
Help Control Mosquitoes that Spread Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses, and in Spanish,
Ayude a controlar los mosquitos que transmiten los virus del dengue, chikungunya y Zika.
If traveling outside of the United States, please review by clicking on
Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers, and in Spanish,
Prevención de picaduras de mosquitos para viajeros.
