Mosquito Control Information from the CDC
Prevention
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. There is no vaccine to prevent EEE virus infection. The best way to prevent EEE is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
HOW TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM MOSQUITOES:
Use insect repellent
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and Icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-Menthane-Diol (PMD)
- 2-Undecanone
Find the right insect repellent for you by using EPA’s search tool and by visiting,
https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
TIPS FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN
- Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- When using insect repellent on your child:
- Always follow label instructions.
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
- Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
- Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
TIPS FOR EVERYONE
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM MOSQUITOES
- Consult with your vet about animal safe mosquito repellants and other preventative measures.
- Avoid being outside with your pet(s) when most mosquitoes are more active; just before dusk through the night until dawn.
- Remove standing water in your backyard.
- Check the entrances to your home for any tears in screens.
NATURAL INSECT REPELLENTS (REPELLENTS NOT REGISTERED WITH EPA)
- We do not know the effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural repellents.
- To protect yourself against diseases spread by mosquitoes, CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness.
For more information from the EPA visit: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
WHAT TO WEAR AND HOW TO TREAT CLOTHING & GEAR
- Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
-Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.
-Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple
washings.
-Read product information to find out how long the protection will
last.
-If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions.
- Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
For information on how to use Permethrin watch the video by visiting,
https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-bites/how-to-use-permethrin.html
STEPS TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES INDOORS AND OUTDOORS
- Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Use air conditioning, if available
- Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots,or trash containers.Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.
For more information on mosquito control at home:
https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/mosquito-control/athome/index.html