|
Tips to Protect Your Family From Harmful Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are dangerous and can transmit life-threatening diseases, especially if you have children and pets at home. There are simple actions that you can take to reduce the risk of infection from one of these mosquito-borne diseases.
Apply insect repellent containing DEET.
Apply DEET to exposed skin when you go outdoors. DEET is the common name for N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, which is the active ingredient in the most widely used insect repellents applied to the skin. DEET does not kill mosquitoes; it simply repels them. DEET-based products are marketed worldwide in a variety of concentrations and forms designed to protect consumers from biting insects and ticks, and the serious diseases they can carry.
Wear appropriate clothing.
When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
Avoid using fragrant body products.
Mosquitoes are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Avoid soaps, shampoos, lotions, colognes, and perfumes with heavy fragrances.
Watch for peak mosquito hours.
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito 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.
Eliminate mosquito breeding places.
Mosquitoes are poor fliers, so most of the mosquitoes you see around your home come from your property or an adjacent neighbors property. Control means eliminating potential breeding locations from your property or changing the water regularly in containers such as birdbaths or wading pools. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water.
Use mosquito traps.
Mosquito traps are new technology to control mosquitoes outdoors. They lure mosquitoes into a container and then trap them until they die, allowing you to enjoy your backyard once again!
If you or a family member are bitten, here's what to do. To treat mosquito bites, you should wash them with mild soap and water. Try to avoid scratching the bite area, even though it itches. Some anti-itch medicines such as Calamine lotion or over-the-counter cortisone creams may relieve the itching. If you have any of the following symptons, seek medical help right away:
- Extreme swelling or infection at the site of the mosquito bite
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Sudden sensitivity to light
| 
