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Don’t Get Bit |
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Avoid Mosquitoes
While not always practical, you can avoid places that you know to be mosquito-infested. This could be a good option if you have a weakened immune system and virus levels are high in your area.
Dusk and Dawn. Sunsets are not just romantic. The periods around sunset and sunup are the primary feeding times for most mosquito species. So during these periods when mosquitoes are actively seeking blood meals (you) are the times when it is most important to take actions to prevent bites.
Mosquitoes are attracted primarily by carbon dioxide (your breath). They are also attracted by heat, moisture, movement, dark colors, and lactic acid (chemical you produce under physical exertion).
Screens keep mosquitoes out of your house, gazebo, tent, or computer. If you have a window or door open without a screen, mosquitoes will follow the carbon dioxide gradient right to the buffet.
Long Loose Clothing that is light in color can help keep mosquitoes from getting to your skin. Keep in mind that mosquitoes routinely feed on alligators and birds. They can bite right through a tight cotton t-shirt. So keep it loose-fitting and light in color to attract less attention.
Netting is a good option in a heavily infested area.
Repellants are chemicals that mosquitoes avoid or mask your chemical signature from mosquitoes. There are several that can be applied to the clothing or skin. DEET, Soybean Oil, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and Picaridin are the four main ingredients the majority of studies have consensus on.
Use caution when applying to the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth, and don’t allow young children to apply repellents by themselves.
DEET (N,N-diethyl toluamide or N,N-diemethylbenzamide) In independent studies, it is easily the most effective and longest lasting repellant. There are many repellents with DEET in lotions, spritzes, and aerosols and with different percentages of DEET. The form is not so important. The percentage is. It does not make the repellant more or less effective, but it does make it last longer or shorter. 5-10% might last for an hour or two, 20% might last for 4 or 5 hours, and 50% might last from 8-12 hours. Studies show that above 50%, the duration levels off.
Picaridin (Cutter Advanced)
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8-diol)
Soybean Oil (Bite Blocker, CitroGuard)
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For more complete information including studies of repellant effectiveness and safety: Links on repellent safety/effectiveness at National Pesticide Information Center
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Biting Back. Permethrin is a pesticide that can be applied to clothing. It has a very low absorption rate through mammal skin, but is quickly absorbed by the exoskeletons of arthropods like mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks. (It is also effective against lobsters should you be attacked by one while wearing permethrin-treated clothing.) It does not wash out and will remain effective for 2 weeks on treated clothing. Permanone is one of the most commonly available brands.
A great combo is long-loose clothing treated with permethrin together with DEET applied to the skin. |
