Toxicologic Information About Insecticides
Used for Eradicating Mosquitoes
(West Nile Virus Control)
April 2005
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides recommendations for avoiding mosquito bites at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm. Briefly, these include
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to exposed skin whenever you are outdoors by following the directions on the insect repellent product
- When possible, wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Treating clothes with repellents containing permethrin or DEET will give extra protection, because mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.
- The hours from dusk to dawn are peak mosquito biting times. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times—or take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during early evening and early morning.
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water.
- Check to see if an organized mosquito control program exists in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program (see e.g., www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/city_states.htm).
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