Avoiding insect bites

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Bryan Sternbach
  • 4th AMDS Public Health Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Mosquitoes can bite anytime. Most bite from dusk to dawn. But use common sense, if you're being bitten, get out the repellent. Using insect repellent allows you to continue to play and work outdoors with a reduced risk of mosquito bites. Even if you're only outside for a few minutes, mosquitoes can detect your presence from more than 100 feet away. Mosquitoes are a major health hazard responsible for the transmission of yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, West Nile Virus and many other serious diseases. 

There are many brands of repellent on the market, but evidence suggests that using products with DEET or Picaridin based products are the most effective. In general, the more active ingredient (higher concentration) a repellent contains, the longer time it protects against mosquito bites. 

EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents: 

· Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin.
· Don't apply repellent to skin that is under clothing.
· Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
· After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
· Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
· Do not spray aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth. 

Guidelines for using a repellent on children: 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than two months old. 

When using repellent on a child: 

· Apply it to your own hands and then rub them on your child.
· Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears.
· Do not apply repellent to children's hands.
· Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent on their own, have an adult do it for them.
· Keep repellents out of reach of children.
· Mosquito netting can be used over infant carriers. 

Always follow the repellent label directions and ask your medical provider if you have any health concerns. If you suspect a reaction to a product, discontinue use, wash the treated skin and call a poison control center. If the product gets in the eyes, flush with water and consult a health care provider or poison control center. Sweating, perspiration or getting wet may mean you need to reapply repellent more frequently. 

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites; always use insect repellent when you go outside.