You can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Avoid
mosquito infested areas. It is not necessary to limit outdoor activities, unless
local officials advise otherwise. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.
Properly reducing the mosquito population around your home and property can
be helpful as well and can be done by doing come of the following to help eliminate
mosquito breeding grounds:
- Eliminate standing water in your yard (if unable to eliminate dump or treat)
- Make sure that all windows and doors have screens
- Make sure all screens are in good repair.
If West Nile Virus is found in your area you can take some of the following
preventative measures:
- Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and socks
- Wear light colored clothing.
- Spray clothing with mosquito repellent containing permethrin or DEET since
mosquitoes may bite though clothing. Adults should apply repellent containing
at least 50% DEET.
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin. Repellents may irritate
the eyes and the mouth, so avoid applying to the hands of children. Products
containing 10% or less DEET are the most appropriate for children aged 2-12
years.
Note: Ultrasonic devices and vitamin B are not effective in preventing mosquito
bites.