Quick Tips: What You Can Do to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Posted: 01-Jul-2003; Updated: 28-Dec-2006

• Change fountains and birdbaths at least twice a week.
• Clean debris from rain gutters early in spring and check them regularly.
• Clean, filter and treat pools. Empty children's pools and turn them over when not in use. Keep pool covers clean and dry by propping them up to drain water.
• Encourage natural enemies. For example, stock ornamental ponds with goldfish. Mosquitofish (a type of minnow, also known as Gambusia) devour mosquito larvae. Dragonflies and damselflies are also mosquito predators.
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn or dusk or early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Whenever you are outside, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
• If you have to be outside for a prolonged period of time, insect repellants may be appropriate. If you use DEET insect repellent, keep in mind that applying DEET has its own risks, particularly neurotoxicity in children. (The most effective repellents contain DEET in varying concentrations. DEET alternatives have not  been tested or been in use as long as DEET and therefore it is not clear how effective they are.) If you use DEET, read the label carefully, follow the directions, and apply it sparingly and as infrequently as possible, to clothing and exposed areas of skin. Do not apply to a child's face or hands, or to skin that is scratched or irritated. For children over two years of age, use DEET repellents with concentrations below 10 percent (avoid applying DEET to children under age two) and below 30 percent for adults. Do not use DEET on infants. (Find out more about  DEET from EPA.)
• Install or repair holes in screen doors or windows so mosquitoes cannot get into your house.