The Ohio State University

Home LandscapeNotes It's that time of year when mosquitoes are active and many professionals in the turf industry work outdoors. To avoid possible infection from mosquito bites it's best to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you must be outdoors, be sure to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks. Light colors are least attractive to mosquitoes. Use insect repellents following the guidelines below.

How should I choose a repellent?

Always read the repellent label. When choosing a repellent, review the label for the active ingredient and its percent, protection times and use instructions. In general, the higher the percent of active ingredient a repellent contains, the longer the time it can protect you from mosquito bites. Protection times vary for different people and depend on factors such as the species of mosquito in the area, how much a person sweats and how hot it is outside.

DEET is the most common active ingredient proven to prevent mosquito bites. Picaridin is a product recently approved for mosquito control. Picaridin-based repellents ranging from 5-15% have shown similar protection times to DEET.

General guidelines for choosing a repellent for adults are as follows:

Repellents containing 15-30% DEET can be used by adults spending long periods of time outdoors (about 5 to 8 hours).

Repellents with less than 15% DEET or picaridin can be used by adults if time outdoors will be limited to 1 to 5 hours. Oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be used if time outdoors will be limited. Re-applying these repellents can extend protection times, but do not exceed the maximum number of applications recommended per day on the label.

What precautions should I take when using repellents?

Always follow directions on the repellent's label.
Apply a light coat of repellent to exposed skin. Heavy application is not needed to achieve protection.
Do not apply repellent to skin that is under clothing.
Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
Do not apply aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Instead, spray your hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Do not exceed the maximum number of applications marked on the label. After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water and always wash your hands before eating or drinking.

For more information check your local department of health, Center for Disease Control, or the National Pesticide Information Center.

photo credit: Alvesgaspar (Wikipedia)

Posted by Joanne Kick-Raack