Summer is here and so are mosquitos!
Today is officially the first day of summer! Time to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Whether you’re camping or just hanging out in the backyard, make sure to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquitos and their itchy bites! Mosquitos can carry harmful diseases like Zika and West Nile Virus. The most effective way to prevent bites and possible infection is with prevention!
Use Insect Repellent
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
Tips for babies and children
- Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children.
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.
- Instead, dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
Tips for Everyone
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors
- Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Use air conditioning, if available.
- Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
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