How do I prevent mosquito bites?

Use EPA-approved repellents with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin, wear long sleeves and pants, and treat clothes with permethrin for best protection against mosquitoes.

Use proven bug repellents on your skin. Apply EPA-approved repellents containing DEET (20-30%) or picaridin (20%)[1]. These work for 6-12 hours and are safe when used as directed. Reapply as needed based on the product label.

Cover up with the right clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active [2]. Treat your clothes with permethrin spray for added protection as it kills mosquitoes on contact and lasts through multiple washes [3].

Control mosquitoes around your space. Remove standing water from containers like flower pots, buckets, and bird baths weekly since mosquitoes lay eggs in still water [4]. Use screens on windows and doors, and consider using fans outdoors as mosquitoes are weak fliers. These simple steps cut down the mosquito population around your home and camp.

References

1. CDC. Preventing Mosquito Bites. August 2024.
2. Ho BM, et al. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Tick-Borne Illness. Wilderness Environ Med. 2021.
3. CDC. About Permethrin-Treated Clothing and Gear. May 2024.
4. EPA. Find the Repellent That Is Right for You. August 2013.