Protecting yourself from mosquito bites

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To prevent mosquito bites, follow these guidelines:¹

Limit your outdoor activity between dusk and dawn. Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms or use an electric fan in your room.
Wear protective clothing (long pants and long-sleeved shirts).
Use insect repellent with DEET (N,N diethylmetatoluamide) on your clothes and skin. The repellent is available in varying strengths up to 100%. In young children, use a preparation containing less than 24% strength, because the chemical can be absorbed through the skin.
Use bed nets (mosquito netting) sprayed with or soaked in an insecticide such as permethrin or deltamethrin.
Use flying-insect spray indoors around sleeping areas.
Avoid areas where malaria and mosquitos are present if you are at higher risk (for example, if you are pregnant, very young, or very old).

If you use a bed net treated with insecticide and use insect repellents on your clothes, you can reduce your risk of becoming infected with malaria.

References

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Citations
Croft AM (2006). Malaria: Prevention in travellers. Clinical Evidence (15): 1088–1106.

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Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	May 16, 2007

Last updated:	May 16, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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