CDC guidelines for reducing arbovirus infection risk:
- Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin.
- The more DEET a repellent contains, the longer it can protect from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent does not mean that its protection is better, just that it will last longer. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection.
- Apply DEET repellants to clothing since mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
- Do not apply repellents containing permethrin directly to exposed skin.
- After clothing is sprayed, there is no need to use DEET on the skin under the clothing.
- Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth, so avoid applying repellent to the hands of children.
- Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk, and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.
- Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
- Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with infants.
- Destroy mosquitoes breeding areas: empty water from flowerpots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans, and other items that collect water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
