Persons working or playing in mosquito-infested areas will find repellents very helpful in preventing mosquito bites. Use repellents containing ingredients such as diethyl phthalate, diethyl carbate, N, N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide (DEET), and ethyl hexanediol. For more than 40 years, DEET has been the standard in mosquito repellents. Check the label for these active ingredients. The area of skin to be protected should be covered evenly, because mosquitoes will find and bite untreated spots. It is often helpful to use spray repellents on outer clothing as well as the skin. Repellents are formulated and sold as aerosols, creams, solids (sticks) and liquids. You should keep repellents away from eyes, nostrils and lips. Protection generally may be expected to lact up to 6 hours following application. ***Check with pediatrician before applying insect repellent to infants and small children.***

To reduce the annoyance of mosquito bites and prevent transmission of mosquito-borne infections, a few common sense measures should be followed. These include:

• Avoid shaded areas where mosquitoes may be resting
  
  

• Limit evening outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active
  
  

• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants an socks
  
  

• Mosquitoes can be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors and porches tightly screened (16-18 mesh)
   

Avoiding and Repelling Mosquitoes and Other Biting Arthropods Fact sheet from UFL-IFAS with tips on avoiding and repelling mosquitoes. PDF

Mosquitoes and Mosquito Repellents: A Clinician's Guide This paper is intended to provide the clinician with the detailed and scientific information needed to advise patients who seek safe and effective ways of preventing mosquito bites. Annuals of Internal Medicine HTML

Insect Repellent Use and Safety - Questions and Answers This document contains questions and answers from the CDC concerning the use of insect repellents. PDF