Indoor control Mosquitoes can be prevented from entering homes by keeping windows and doors tightly screened. Reduced lighting at night in and around the home will reduce attraction. Indirect, subdued lighting is much less attractive to the mosquitoes. Similarly, outdoor dog kennels should be screened. Use these materials as directed on the label.
Repellents are very useful in protecting against mosquito bites.
Repellents provide protection for up to five hours, depending on amount of perspiration, skin rubbing, temperature, and abundance of mosquitoes. Protection is rarely 100 percent when one is exposed to a heavy mosquito population. Application should be made to clothing and to exposed skin areas but not around the eyes, nose or lips. Follow carefully all directions on the label. Because repellents with high concentrations of DEET can damage plastics and some synthetic fibers, newer formulations contain about 30 percent microencapsulated repellent.