Repellents containing 30% to 50% DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are recommended for adults and children over 2 months of age and effective for several hours. Repellents with lower amounts of DEET offer shorter-term protection and must be applied more often. DEET can irritate skin when applied directly in high concentration or for long periods of time. It can even cause severe skin reactions in certain individuals. Despite rumors to the contrary, DEET has never been scientifically proven to cause cancer. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source Repellents containing up to 15% picaridin, which must be applied often, are available in the US. Repellents with higher concentrations of picaridin may be available in some regions outside the US.
If you have the money, camping and sporting goods stores often sell specially-designed pants and shirts made out of strong yet lightweight material. These clothes offer maximal protection from mosquito bites along with a relatively high level of comfort. Clothing may also be sprayed with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for greater protection. (Remember: don’t use permethrin on skin. )
Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
Mosquitoes are especially common in jungles and swamps in Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, Sub Saharan Africa, and Oceania. If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to travel to a certain part of the world, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Malaria Travel Information website. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source This site gives a country-by-country breakdown of malaria prevalence, as well as any noted malarial drug resistances.
Many species of mosquito stay fairly close to where they hatch and breed. If you can give these wet, standing areas a wide berth, you’ll avoid these species entirely.
Discarded tires or industrial containers Construction ditches or trenches Pools Natural low points on a piece of property Clogged storm drains
Another seasonal factor which can influence mosquito populations is flooding. Some parts of the world, like Egypt’s Nile River, experience periodic flooding. Standing water from the flooding can cause a dramatic boom in mosquito populations.
