Avoid the Bite

Reducing Mosquito Exposure

Many mosquitoes are most active in the early mornings and early evenings around dusk (for example, Culex quinquefasciatus, the mosquito that vectors West Nile Virus. Some mosquitoes, such as the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), are active during the day as well. Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are vectors of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya viruses. Staying indoors is one way to eliminate exposure, but it is not always practical. If this is not possible, take the following precautions:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes to retain less heat, making you less attractive to mosquitoes.
• Treat clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET (diethyltoluamide).
• Apply repellents sparingly to exposed skin, avoiding the eyes, lips, and nasal membranes. Do not use it on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Always follow label instructions when applying repellents.
• Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by keeping window and door screens in good repair.
• Eliminate breeding sites before mosquitoes become a problem.

Additional Resources

• Mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus Transmission
• Countries and Territories at Risk for Zika (CDC)
• Learn How To Reduce Your Exposure to Mosquitoes (ADPH)
• Mosquito Bite Prevention (CDC)
• Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites (CDC)
• Sick with Chikungunya, Dengue, or Zika? (CDC)
• Find the Insect Repellent that is Right for You (EPA)
• Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases with Insecticides (CDC)
• Video: Preventing Mosquito-Borne Diseases with Insecticides (CDC)