• By Yalonda Miller
• Posted Monday, June 2, 2014

Mosquitoes: Protection & Precaution

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner! Whether you’re traveling out of the country or just enjoying the beautiful North Carolina weather at home, be sure to use repellants and other general protection measures against biting mosquitoes. These measures become very important against mosquitoes as you find yourself spending more time outside working in your gardens or flowerbeds, hosting family and friends for cookouts or just relaxing on your porch.

Please read some of the general protective measures and a list of some of the repellants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information visit: Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Insects & Arthropods.

Protective Measures

• If you are traveling, be sure to visit the CDC website for updates on regional disease transmission patterns and outbreaks.
• Wear appropriate clothing like long sleeved shirts or hats. You can also tuck in shirts and pants, and closed shoes instead of sandals.
• Be aware of peak exposure and times and places.
• Use the appropriate insecticides and repellants for skin and clothing.
• Make sure there is no standing water around your home. Mosquitoes in the summer can breed in just a few ounces of water. Dump water out of all containers!

Repellant List

• DEET
• Permethrin
• Picaridin
• PMD
• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

For more information or questions regarding mosquitoes in Forsyth County contact the Environmental Health Division at the Forsyth County Department of Pubic Health at 703-3225.