Obviously, avoiding mosquito bites is preferable to treating them, especially
if you live in an area with a risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) or other mosquito-borne
diseases. (For more information, see Mosquitoes in the Southwest.) You can take
a number of measures to minimize the chance of bites.
Contact Your Public Health Agency
Contact your nearest public health agency for local information about WNV
and other mosquito-borne diseases and vector-control plans. (The word "vector" refers
to insects or other wildlife capable of transmitting a disease.) Report any dead
birds, which may have contracted WNV. Ask for an assessment of the potential
for vector-borne diseases in your area.
Police Your Home
At your home, you can help minimize mosquito populations by covering or reducing
potential habitats:
- Tightly secure water storage containers such as cisterns, water tanks
or septic tanks.
- Keep rain gutters clear of debris.
- Clean water pans in swamp coolers regularly.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and wading pools regularly.
- Maintain and chlorinate swimming pools regularly.
- Stock yard ponds with gold fish or mosquito fish, which feed on the insects'
eggs, larvae and pupae.
- Empty or discard unused flower pots, buckets, cans, tires and other objects
that trap water.
- Clean the vegetation and debris from nearby irrigation channels.
Wear Mosquito Repellents
You will likely find that the most effective mosquito repellents are those
that contain DEET, a well proven synthetic chemical that blocks the chemical
receptors on the insects' antennae, according to David Smallwood, writing for
the Canadian Geographical Society's Internet site. "…it has a remarkable
safety record," he said.
If you plan an outing in mosquito infested areas – especially between
late afternoon and early morning, when the insects are most active – you
should wear a repellent that contains 30 to 35 percent DEET, which will provide
protection for several hours. As suggested by the Los Alamos County of New Mexico
in its Internet site:
- Apply the repellent lightly, following label directions, to exposed skin
and outer clothing.
- Use repellents with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and with no
more than 10 percent for children.
- Do not use repellents with DEET for children under two years old.
- Do not use repellents with DEET – which can be an irritant – over
cuts and scrapes or near the eyes and mouth.
- Wash treated skin and clothing with soap and water after you return from
an outing.
- Store the repellent in a safe place, beyond the reach of children.
Avoid using fragrant soaps, shampoos, perfumes or colognes during your outing.
All can attract mosquitoes.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
In areas heavily infested with mosquitoes, consider wearing light-colored
(not floral-colored) shirts and pants with elastic or draw cords at the waist,
wrists and ankles. Otherwise you may find that the unwelcome insects have taken
your blood from your forearms and ankles.
For more information see Treating Mosquito
Bites and About Mosquitos.
