Prevention at Home

At home Practice the 6D's:

DRAIN any Standing Water:

Any water that stands for a minimum of seven days around a home is designated as standing water. Many places can hold water that can become stagnant and breed mosquitoes. Common sources include: trash cans, bird baths, old tires, boats, outdoor water features, hot tubs, wading pools, and swimming pools.

• At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans.
• Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
• Remove discarded tires, and other items that could collect water.
• Repair leaky faucets and sprinklers
• Don't over-water lawns and shrubs

DAWN and DUSK are Times to Avoid Being Outside When Possible:

The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning -- or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

DRESS Protectively:

When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when you are outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.

DEFEND Yourself Against Mosquitoes:

By using an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure you follow all label directions! More Information about repellants.

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Generally, the more active ingredient a repellent contains the longer it can protect you from mosquito bites. Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors.
  • Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands.
  • Whenever you use an insecticide or insect repellent, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's DIRECTIONS FOR USE, as printed on the product.

DOOR and Window Screens Should be in Good Working Condition:

Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having well-fitting screens on both windows and doors.