Protecting Yourself From Mosquito Bites
Actions that have been shown to prevent mosquito bites
include:1
- Use of insect repellent with DEET (N,N diethylmetatoluamide)
on your clothes and skin. The repellent is available in varying strengths up to
100%. In young children, use a preparation containing less than 24% strength,
because the chemical can be absorbed through the skin.
- Use of bed nets (mosquito netting) sprayed with or soaked in an
insecticide such as permethrin or deltamethrin.
- Wearing clothing
treated with an insecticide such as permethrin.
Other things you can do that may help include the
following:
- Wear protective clothing (long pants and long-sleeved
shirts).
- Use plant-based insect repellents (such as neem oil) on
exposed skin.
- Use bath oils that coat the skin before bedtime.
These oils may help prevent mosquito bites for a short time.
- Use
chemicals that repel or kill flying insects around sleeping areas. These
products include sprays and mosquito coils or small machines that release
chemicals into the air.
If you have a higher risk for malaria (for example, if you are
pregnant, very young, very old, or have had your spleen removed), you should
try to avoid areas where malaria and mosquitoes are present.
References
Citations
Croft AM (2010). Malaria: Prevention in travellers,
search date November 2009. Online version of Clinical Evidence (7).
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Last Revised | April 20, 2011 |