Most mosquitoes bite at dusk or at night, but some types will bite during the day. Almost all mosquitoes will try to bite you if you enter an area where they are resting.
- When possible, avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite.
- Wear light-colored protective clothing that covers your arms and legs. Tuck the pants legs into boots or socks and keep collars buttoned.
- Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and repair any holes.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors and around small babies
- Use mosquito repellents with about 30 percent DEET (about 10 percent DEET for children age 2 through 12). Adults should supervise repellent use by children. Do not use any repellents on children under 2 years of age without consulting your doctor. Apply them to clothes whenever possible and apply sparingly to skin if the label permits. Wash repellent off daily. Do not apply over cuts or irritated skin or near the eyes, lips or nose.
- Do not rely on insect light electrocutors (bug zappers). They do little to reduce biting mosquitoes in an area.
More tips at
dupagehealth.org.