MOSQUITO INFORMATION

Tips to Avoid Mosquitoes
Late August 2011

Your holiday weekend plans may include barbecues or parties with family and friends. Chances are you won’t want to battle mosquitoes during those festivities.

Mosquitoes are attracted to anything they can get a blood meal from. By taking simple precautions, you can lower your chances of getting bit by mosquitoes and avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. If you plan to enjoy the evening outside, wear light colors, long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Mosquitoes can pierce tight clothing so be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing.

Repellants also play an important part in protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases. Products containing DEET and Picaridin typically provide longer-lasting protection than others, but products containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD) or UR3535 also provide a reasonable amount protection. Please follow label directions when applying mosquito repellants and see if it is appropriate to apply to children, as some may have concentrations not suitable for small children.

Another suggestion is to avoid perfume, colognes, or other heavy scents that may attract mosquitoes.

If you have questions, want to report a concern, or need additional information about mosquitoes, call Franklin County Public Health’s Mosquito Bite Line at (614) 525-BITE (2483) and leave a message; your call will be returned. You can also visit www.myfcph.org.

Follow us on Facebook (Franklin County Public Health) and/or Twitter (FC_PublicHealth) to receive notifications regarding mosquitoes or mosquito spraying as it is scheduled.