4 Ways to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

We all know mosquito bites are annoying, but as we learned from the 2016 spread of the Zika virus, they also can pose a serious health risk. Keep yourself and your loved ones bite-free by taking a few precautionary steps.

1. Banish Mosquito Pools: Look around your property and identify any areas that might be appealing for mosquitos to live and breed. Wet or highly-damp areas that generally go undisturbed are prime targets. Here are some great starting points to make sure no water is trapped:

• Clogged roof gutters
• Birdbaths
• Toddler pools
• Outdoor flower pots
• Fire pits

2. Cover Up: Planning on going outside when and where mosquitos are known to appear, such as at dawn and dusk? Minimize exposed skin by opting for long-sleeves, pants, and shoes. Some research also indicates that lighter-colored clothing can be effective in repelling mosquitos.

3. Keep ‘em Out: Good window screens can have a significant effect in minimizing the chance of mosquito bites inside the home. While your best bet is to close windows and utilize air-conditioning, if you do plan to leave windows open, be sure screens are securely in place and hole-free.  

4. Use Repellent: When all else fails, find an EPA-registered insect repellent made with either DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin (or icaridin), and follow the application directions listed on the package. Avoid DEET for children under 2 months of age. Remember that if you’re using sunscreen, apply it roughly 20 minutes before applying the bug spray for optimal performance of each, and if you’re staying outside for a long time, reapply as suggested.
 
There are dozens upon dozens of homemade remedies that claim to defend you against mosquitos, but your family’s health is not worth the risk. Follow the recommendations that have been tested by reputable sources for your best chances of keeping those nasty biters – and any diseases they carry – at bay.  

Third-party references and links provided in this article are for educational purposes only. No sponsorship or endorsement is implied. Information was used from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mayo Clinic.

©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2017