Q. How
can I protect my family from mosquito bites?
A. People
can protect themselves from mosquito bites by using a variety of
strategies. These include installing and maintaining fine mesh screens on
windows and doors; keeping outdoor lighting at a minimum near doors; and
replacing outdoor incandescent lights with yellow bug lights.
Probably the most effective way to prevent mosquito bites is to avoid
places where mosquito densities are high and to stay indoors at times of the
day when mosquito activity is highest (around dawn and dusk in the Bay Area).
If you must be exposed to mosquitoes, minimize exposed skin by wearing
a hat, long trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt. Some mosquitoes bite
through lightweight clothing, but covering most of the body definitely reduces
the number of bites received.
You may want to apply a mosquito repellent. Most effective
repellents contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). DEET is an irritant
to some people and it may damage synthetic materials such as clothing or
plastics. Commercial repellents contain different concentrations of DEET,
usually between 10 and 50%. Special formulations for children contain low
concentrations of DEET in an oil-based medium that slowly releases the compound
and limits its absorption through the skin; these also work well for
adults. Thoroughly apply the DEET to all exposed skin, including behind
the ears. Repellents are effective for about 4 hours or less depending on
wind, temperature, humidity, and sweat.
There are few effective alternatives to DEET. Some body lotions
such as Avon Skin-So-Soft offer some protection from mosquito bites, at least
in part by forming an oily film on the skin's surface that prevents the
insect's proboscis from penetrating. Materials that form a protective
layer on the skin must be reapplied frequently.
A multitude of other products claim to repel mosquitoes; most of these
are ineffective. These include wrist bands that contain an aromatic
repellent, ultrasonic emitters, electric grids, electronic repellers, aromatic
plants (the most common one is the so-called mosquito plant, Pelargonium x
citrosum), incense coils, vitamins (B1), and mixtures of
brewer's yeast and garlic. Researchers have shown that all these methods
are of little or no value in repelling mosquitoes. Electric bug zappers
are probably counterproductive because many of the insects caught by these
traps prey on mosquitoes.