Preventing mosquito bites can save you not just from itchy red bumps, but also from catching mosquito-borne diseases. These mosquito protection tips will help you minimize your chances of getting bitten by these pesky—and sometimes deadly—insect predators.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

Protect yourself from mosquitoes by following these tips:

1. Use Insect Repellent

When spending time outside, wear an insect repellent containing an active ingredient such as Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, PMD, or 2-undecanone. Apply as directed. If you also wish to wear sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and wait approximately 15 minutes before applying the insect repellent. There is no need to apply insect repellent to skin that is covered by clothing.

Do not forget to reapply the repellent as directed.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Dress in clothing that covers the arms and legs, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Avoid thin materials, as mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. Clothing with a loose fit and naturally tight fabric weave is best. Wear a hat to protect your face, ears, neck, and scalp. For footwear, skip the sandals and wear socks and shoes (or boots).

3. Stay Inside When Mosquitoes Are More Active

Mosquitoes can bite any time of day or night, but many breeds are most active at dawn and dusk. During these times, stay inside or in a place with screen protection, such as a screened-in porch.

4. Minimize Body Odor

Mosquitoes are attracted to body odor. Shower and stay inside for a while if you have just finished exercising or if you have become especially sweaty. Mosquitoes are also attracted to higher carbon dioxide amounts, which are common in pregnant or overweight individuals, people who are exercising, and people drinking alcohol or eating spicy foods. Take steps to minimize exposure in these situations. 

5. Stay Cool

Mosquitoes are attracted to higher body temperatures. If you are warm or have just finished exercising, stay inside. Use air conditioning or fans to help you stay cool and control your body temperature.

Tips to Protect Your Children from Mosquitoes

You can protect your children from mosquitoes with these same tips, but with the following modifications:

1. Apply Insect Repellent to Children

Adults should apply insect repellent to children (do not let them apply it themselves). Follow the above guidelines for insect repellent active ingredients and application after sunscreen. When applying insect repellent to children, adults should spray it onto their own hands and then rub it into the child’s face. Avoid spraying insect repellent on or near children’s eyes, mouth, cuts, irritated skin, and hands. There is no need to apply insect repellent to skin that is covered by clothing.

Do not forget to reapply the repellent as directed.

2. Use Netting

Cover strollers, baby carriers, and playpens with mosquito netting when outside.

Tips to Protect Your Home from Mosquitoes

Protect your home from mosquitoes by doing the following:

1. Close Windows and Doors

Keep windows and doors (including garage doors) closed as much as possible. Use screens for an added barrier, and repair holes in screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

2. Use Safe Temperature Control

Keep screens closed if you open windows or doors. When possible, use air conditioning instead.

3. Avoid Stagnant Water

The mosquito’s preferred breeding ground is stagnant water. Empty, scrub, cover, or toss items that hold water, such as birdbaths, planters, and flowerpots, whether they are indoors or outdoors. Even swimming pools should be kept covered when not in use (especially during off-seasons).

4. Clean and Maintain a Mosquito-free Environment Outside Your Home

Do not allow your property to attract mosquitoes. Mow the lawn often. Reduce plant litter (fallen leaves, brush, etc.). Clean out clogged gutters and drains, and repair leaky water pipes or failed septic systems. Address standing water (see above tip). Tightly cover water storage, or use wire mesh with holes that are smaller than the size of a mosquito. If you have larger bodies of water that cannot be covered or dumped and will not be used for drinking, use larvicides. Use outdoor pesticides (hire a pest control professional if necessary) to kill mosquitoes living outside around your home.

5. Clean and Maintain a Mosquito-free Interior

Because mosquitoes can enter your home and lay eggs indoors, it is important to maintain a clean environment. At least once weekly, empty and scrub any water vessels (such as pot saucers or vases). If necessary, use an indoor insecticide and hire a pest control professional.

6. Increase Air Flow

Breezes and fans make it difficult for mosquitoes to fly. Mosquitoes often fly low to the ground because of this, so strategically angling a fan downward can help keep them away. 

7. Fill Your Landscape with Mosquito-Deterring Plants

Consider filling your yard with mosquito-deterring plants like marigolds, citronella, lavender, basil, lemongrass, rosemary, and mint. Alone, this may offer only minimal protection, but when combined with the other tips above it can discourage mosquitoes from hovering around your property.

Tips to Protect Against Mosquitoes While Traveling

Travelers are the most common spreaders of mosquito-borne illness. Viruses and parasites that are not commonly found in the continental U.S. can easily be spread by a traveler who is bitten by an infected mosquito. Take every precaution to minimize your chance of mosquito bites when traveling.

1. Pack Insect Repellent

Use insect repellent regularly while traveling. Your insect repellent should contain an active ingredient such as Picaridin, DEET, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, PMD, or 2-undecanone. Apply as directed. If you also wish to wear sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and wait approximately 15 minutes before applying the insect repellent. There is no need to apply insect repellent to skin that is covered by clothing.

Do not forget to reapply the repellent as directed.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Dress in clothing that covers the arms and legs, such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Avoid thin materials, as mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. Clothing with a loose fit and naturally tight fabric weave is best. Wear a hat to protect your face, ears, neck, and scalp. For footwear, skip the sandals and wear socks and shoes (or boots).

3. Treat Clothing and Gear If Appropriate

Permethrin-treated clothing and gear can provide extra protection if you are traveling in areas with high mosquito populations. 

4. Use a Mosquito Net

If you will be sleeping outside or staying in a place without a screen door protection, pack a mosquito net. Be sure to set it up properly, and avoid sleeping pressed up to the net (mosquitoes can still bite through the holes).

5. Choose Lodgings Carefully

Wherever possible, choose lodgings with air conditioning or window and door screens.