CS258143A February 2, 2016

Mosquito Bite 

Prevention (United States)

Not all mosquitoes are the same. Different mosquitoes spread 

different viruses and bite at different times of the day.

Active ingredient

Higher percentages of active

ingredient provide longer protection

Some brand name examples*

DEET Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon

Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023,

Bayrepel, and icaridin

Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug

Guard Plus, Autan (outside the United States)

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)

or para-menthane-diol (PMD) Repel

IR3535 Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition, SkinSmart

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites

Use insect repellent

Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent with one of the following active 

ingredients. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Type of Mosquito

Aedes aegypti,

Aedes albopictus

Viruses spread Biting habits

Culex species West Nile

Chikungunya,

Dengue, Zika

Primarily daytime, but 

can also bite at night

Evening to morning — 

do not bite at night

* Insect repellent brand names are provided for your information only. The Centers for 

 Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

 cannot recommend or endorse any name brand products.
www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes

 Always follow the product label instructions.

 Reapply insect repellent every few hours, depending on which product 

and strength you choose.

» Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.

» If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect 

repellent second.

Natural insect repellents (repellents not registered with EPA)

 EPA has not evaluated natural insect repellents for effectiveness.

» Examples of ingredients used in unregistered insect repellents include: 

citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil, or soybean oil.

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites (continued) 

If you have a baby or child

 Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children.

 Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.

 Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or

 Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.

 Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut 

or irritated skin.

» Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a 

child’s face.

Treat clothing and gear

 Treat items such as boots, pants, socks, and tents with permethrin or purchase 

permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

» Permethrin-treated clothing will protect you after multiple washings.

See 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.

Mosquito-proof your home

 Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep 

mosquitoes outside.

 Use air conditioning when available.

 Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in and near standing 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 inside and outside your home.