Summertime brings not only evening cookouts and outdoor get-togethers but unwanted, buggy guests as well. Mosquitoes annoy, can also make an outdoor activity miserable and carry disease. Here are some ways to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

Get rid of all free-standing water in your yard. Watch for water in bird baths, watering cans, gutters, pet bowls and toys. Empty the water or replace it daily if it is in use.

1. Wear light colored clothing
2. Reduce any fragrances on your body or clothing
3. Perspiration attracts mosquitoes so take a shower before going outside if you are hot and sweaty.
4. Mosquitoes are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide so burn a candle or fire for a non-human source of both.

Using Natural Mosquito Repellents

A 2002 study by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) tested the effectiveness of chemical and natural repellents. The study revealed that repellent containing oil of eucalyptus was the most effective natural repellent with an average protection time of about two hours.

The repellent is sold under several names: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent (WPC Brands) Fite Bite Plant-Based Insect Repellent (Travel Medicine) and Cutter Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.

Keep in mind that most natural bug repellents must be refreshed more often than DEET-based products, because they aren't quite as long lasting.

Using DEET

DEET has been proven to be the most effective mosquito repellant. It should not be used on children under age two and on children over the age of two no more than 10% DEET should be used. The study by the NEJM found that 23.8% DEET is effective at repelling mosquitoes for up to 5 hours. DEET has been associated with adverse reactions in some people. Rashes, skin swelling and itching and eye irritation are common complaints.

Precautions for using any insect repellent:

• Carefully read all labels and follow instructions
• Do not use underneath clothing, only on exposed skin and clothing
• Avoid prolonged or excessive use
• Do not allow children to apply repellents themselves
• Do not apply repellents directly on children. Apply first to your hands and then put it on the child.
• Do not apply to the hands of small children since this may result in accidental eye contact or ingestion.
• Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, rashes or irritated skin.
• Avoid breathing in repellents when applying and do not apply directly to your face.
• When returning indoors wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly during the day or on consecutive days.
• Do not use human insect repellent on your pets
• Call the National Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if your suspect your child has had a reaction to insect repellent. Discontinue use, and wash the skin with soap and water.

For more information on effective repellents visit the following websites:
EPA website at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/index.cfm
Center for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/repellentupdates.htm

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