Protecting Yourself Against Mosquito Bites

The following are common-sense measures to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and potential contact with mosquito-borne diseases. It is unwise to overreact to the WNV situation by using and abusing pesticides and insect repellents, exposure to which can be far more hazardous than annoying insect bites, which are generally not harmful.

Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight." Repair or replace screens wherever necessary
	Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening when Culex mosquitoes are active.
Replace outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights.
Wear light-colored clothing while working outdoors between dusk and dawn. Avoid heavy perfumes. Limit outdoor activities after dusk as skin temperature and sweat are both mosquito attractants.
Plant-derived repellents, like citronella candles, garlic, rosemary, and mint, provide safe, short-term protection, perhaps less than two hours. Click here to learn more.
	Wear headnets, long sleeve shirts, and long pants if venturing into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes or wooded areas.
Use mosquito repellents sparingly, and apply only to clothing – preferably  before getting dressed.  Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's directions for use. Click here for more information.
	Insect repellents should NOT be applied to very young children, three years or younger.
	Do NOT spray repellents or any other pesticides around food or children.

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