It’s summertime and many of us are spending more time outdoors — whether at the beach, the pool, or in the backyard. As much fun as this time of the year is, it’s also the time when mosquitoes are out and about — threatening to ruin a good time.

To protect yourself against mosquitoes, the CDC advises to use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• DEET
• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

When applying mosquito repellent:

• Always follow the product label instructions
• Reapply insect repellent as directed
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second

To prevent mosquito bites on babies and children:

• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting
• When using insect repellent on your child:
  • Always follow label instructions
  • Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old
  • Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin
  • Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face

You should also take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Use screens on windows and doors, and repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors. Use air conditioning, if available. 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. Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.

To learn more, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/.../mosqu.../prevent-mosquito-bites.html

Credit: CDC

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