Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUse PesticidesTry Natural RepellentsWear Protective ClothingProtect Children SafelyPrevent Bites at HomeAvoid Bites When Traveling
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Use Pesticides
Try Natural Repellents
Wear Protective Clothing
Protect Children Safely
Prevent Bites at Home
Avoid Bites When Traveling
Preventing mosquito bites is important for more reasons than not having to deal with the itch the bites cause. Mosquito bites can also leave residual scars, causeallergic reactions, and, in some areas, transmit disease.
Preventing mosquito bites may be simple or require some real effort, depending on your location and how often you are bitten. However, there are proven tips to help keep them off your body and out of your environment.
Ladanifer / Getty Images
1. Use Conventional Pesticides
While they might not be pleasant, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–registered insect repellents are the best way to prevent mosquito bites. Nearly half a century of research shows they’re safe when used as directed, even for children over 2 months and pregnant or breastfeeding people.
These products help protect you from mosquito-borne illnesses such as:
DEET Products
Picaridin
2. Try Natural Mosquito Repellents
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a plant-derived repellent. It is available as an essential oil, but experts warn against using pure oil directly on your skin. Doing so can increase the risk of adverse reactions, especially without proper formulation or dilution. However, the EPA has designated certain products but not all using OLE safe.Look for EPA registration numbers on product labels to ensure compliance.
OLE may cause allergic skin reactions in children under 3, so avoiding using it on little ones is best.
IR3535
IR3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) is a synthetic repellent with the mildest odor at room temperature. If the smell of other repellents bothers you, this may be a better option. The global healthcare manufacturer Merck originally developed IR3535.
2-Undecanone
2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone) can be derived from a flower called cuphea or synthesized in a lab. Along with mosquito repellents, it’s also used in perfumes, giving them a fruity, floral aroma.That makes it another possible alternative for people who don’t like the smell of some repellents.
Which Natural Mosquito Repellent Works Best?
3. Wear Protective Clothing
When you are outside in mosquito territory, it’s wise to wear:
Mosquitoes cannot bite through some clothing, making it difficult for them to get to your skin.Loose-fitting clothes may be more effective at prevention than fabrics that hug your body (like spandex).
Some companies sell clothing treated with an insect repellent called permethrin, which is advertised to last for up to 70 washings.You can also buy spray-on permethrin for clothing, tents, sleeping bags, and any other fabrics you may use outside. However, do not ever spray permethrin directly on your skin.
4. Protect Babies and Young Children Safely
Most EPA-registered repellents are considered safe for children over 2 months. An exception is OLE- or PMD-containing products, which are not recommended for children under 3.
Experts recommend mosquito nets as repellents for babies who are too young. Nets can be used on strollers, car seats, and cribs.
When DEET is used on young children (over 2 months), experts suggest using products with the lowest effective chemical concentrations, no more than a 30% solution. They also recommend using it sparingly.
Best Insect & Mosquito Repellents for Children
5. Prevent Mosquito Bites Around Your Home and Yard
Keep your windows closed whenever possible to keep mosquitoes out of your home. If you must open them, be sure windows contain screens are in good repair or use mosquito netting.
Staying inside while mosquitoes are the most active is a good way to avoid bites. Most species of mosquitoes have peak activity levels around dawn and dusk.
However, some species have different active times, so learn when the relevant periods are for your area.
17 Evidence-Based Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites
Hang Netting
Experts recommend mosquito netting over beds and cribs if you do not have good window screens or sleep outside. They recommend a net that is:
If you are traveling overseas to an area where mosquitoes are a concern, buy a net to take with you. You may not be able to find one once you reach your destination.
Other At-Home Prevention Tips
Besides closing windows and netting, there are other ways to try and avoid mosquito bites. These include:
6. Avoid Mosquito Bites When You Travel
If you’re traveling and concerned about mosquito-borne diseases, you will want to educate yourself on precautions well before your trip. You may need to buy special products (such as mosquito netting) or get immunizations before you go.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)Travelers’ Health websiteis a great place to start. You can search for your destination and learn what you need to know and do before leaving home.
When traveling within the United States, be sure to check the National Park Service’s event calendar. It will tell you what’s recommended for your destination.
Do Mosquitoes Seem to Love Biting You?Experts say mosquitoes are attracted to:Type O or type AB bloodPeople who are exhaling more carbon dioxide than usual due to exertion orpregnancyHigher body temperature due to exertion, having excess weight, or just “running hot”Lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds in human sweatHigh levels of bacteria on the skin, especially when mixed with sweatBeer drinkersDarker clothing, mainly black and greenPeople who eat sweet, salty, spicy, orpotassium-rich foods
Do Mosquitoes Seem to Love Biting You?
Experts say mosquitoes are attracted to:Type O or type AB bloodPeople who are exhaling more carbon dioxide than usual due to exertion orpregnancyHigher body temperature due to exertion, having excess weight, or just “running hot”Lactic acid, ammonia, and other compounds in human sweatHigh levels of bacteria on the skin, especially when mixed with sweatBeer drinkersDarker clothing, mainly black and greenPeople who eat sweet, salty, spicy, orpotassium-rich foods
Experts say mosquitoes are attracted to:
Summary
Preventing mosquito bites can help you avoid the itch and mosquito-borne illnesses. Products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and 2-undecanone are generally recommended as safe and effective mosquito repellents. However, you must read the guidelines on the product label before using it.
You can also buy clothing pretreated with the insecticide permethrin or a permethrin spray to put on your clothing (but never directly on your skin). It may also help to wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Other tactics include nets, closing windows, oscillating fans, eliminating standing water, and more.
24 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Vector-borne diseases.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing mosquito bites.Environmental Protection Agency.Find the repellent that is right for you.Environmental Protection Agency.DEET.National Pesticide Information Center.Picaridin.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mosquitoes, ticks & other arthropods.Environmental Working Group.EWG’s guide to bug repellent.United States Department of Agriculture.Cuphea oil chemical repels pests.Tennessee Department of Health.Preventing mosquito bites.Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.About permethrin-treated clothing and gear.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Traveling safely with infants & children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Key points about insect repellents.World Health Organization.Dengue - global situation.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mosquito nets.American Mosquito Control Association.FAQs.Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.Do-it-yourself solutions for mosquito problems.Khan SA, Ombugadu A, Ahmad S.Host‐seeking behavior and fecundity of the femaleAedes aegyptito human blood types.Pest Manag Sci. 2022;78(1):321-328. doi:10.1002/ps.6635van Breugel F, Riffell J, Fairhall et al.Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets.Curr Biol. 2015;25(16):2123-2129. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2015.06.046Zermoglio PF, Robuchon E, Leonardi MS, et al.What does heat tell a mosquito? Characterization of the orientation behaviour ofAedes aegyptitowards heat sources.J Insect Physiol. 2017;100:9-14. doi:10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.010Raji JI, Melo N, Castillo JS, et al.Aedes aegyptimosquitoes detect acidic volatiles found in human odor using the IR8a pathway.Curr Biol. 2019;29(8):1253-1262.e7. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2019.02.045Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB.Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes.Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis. 2021 Nov 2;1:100058. doi:10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100058Hawkes FM, Hopkins RJ.The mosquito: an introduction. In: Hall M, Tamïr D, eds.Mosquitopia: The Place of Pests in a Healthy World. New York, NY: Routledge; 2021:16-31. doi:10.4324/9781003056034-3Pollard EJM, Russell TL, Burkot TR.Maximising mosquito collections from barrier screens: the impacts of physical design and operation parameters.Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(1):31. doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3291-4Paskewitz S, Irwin P, Konwinski N, et al.Impact of consumption of bananas on attraction ofAnopheles stephensito humans.Insects. 2018;9(4):129. doi:10.3390/insects9040129Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid bug bites.Environmental Protection Agency.Tips to prevent mosquito bites.State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Disease Outbreak Control Division.Mosquito bite prevention.
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Vector-borne diseases.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing mosquito bites.Environmental Protection Agency.Find the repellent that is right for you.Environmental Protection Agency.DEET.National Pesticide Information Center.Picaridin.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mosquitoes, ticks & other arthropods.Environmental Working Group.EWG’s guide to bug repellent.United States Department of Agriculture.Cuphea oil chemical repels pests.Tennessee Department of Health.Preventing mosquito bites.Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.About permethrin-treated clothing and gear.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Traveling safely with infants & children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Key points about insect repellents.World Health Organization.Dengue - global situation.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mosquito nets.American Mosquito Control Association.FAQs.Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.Do-it-yourself solutions for mosquito problems.Khan SA, Ombugadu A, Ahmad S.Host‐seeking behavior and fecundity of the femaleAedes aegyptito human blood types.Pest Manag Sci. 2022;78(1):321-328. doi:10.1002/ps.6635van Breugel F, Riffell J, Fairhall et al.Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets.Curr Biol. 2015;25(16):2123-2129. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2015.06.046Zermoglio PF, Robuchon E, Leonardi MS, et al.What does heat tell a mosquito? Characterization of the orientation behaviour ofAedes aegyptitowards heat sources.J Insect Physiol. 2017;100:9-14. doi:10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.010Raji JI, Melo N, Castillo JS, et al.Aedes aegyptimosquitoes detect acidic volatiles found in human odor using the IR8a pathway.Curr Biol. 2019;29(8):1253-1262.e7. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2019.02.045Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB.Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes.Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis. 2021 Nov 2;1:100058. doi:10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100058Hawkes FM, Hopkins RJ.The mosquito: an introduction. In: Hall M, Tamïr D, eds.Mosquitopia: The Place of Pests in a Healthy World. New York, NY: Routledge; 2021:16-31. doi:10.4324/9781003056034-3Pollard EJM, Russell TL, Burkot TR.Maximising mosquito collections from barrier screens: the impacts of physical design and operation parameters.Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(1):31. doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3291-4Paskewitz S, Irwin P, Konwinski N, et al.Impact of consumption of bananas on attraction ofAnopheles stephensito humans.Insects. 2018;9(4):129. doi:10.3390/insects9040129Additional ReadingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid bug bites.Environmental Protection Agency.Tips to prevent mosquito bites.State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Disease Outbreak Control Division.Mosquito bite prevention.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Vector-borne diseases.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing mosquito bites.Environmental Protection Agency.Find the repellent that is right for you.Environmental Protection Agency.DEET.National Pesticide Information Center.Picaridin.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mosquitoes, ticks & other arthropods.Environmental Working Group.EWG’s guide to bug repellent.United States Department of Agriculture.Cuphea oil chemical repels pests.Tennessee Department of Health.Preventing mosquito bites.Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.About permethrin-treated clothing and gear.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Traveling safely with infants & children.American Academy of Pediatrics.Key points about insect repellents.World Health Organization.Dengue - global situation.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mosquito nets.American Mosquito Control Association.FAQs.Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.Do-it-yourself solutions for mosquito problems.Khan SA, Ombugadu A, Ahmad S.Host‐seeking behavior and fecundity of the femaleAedes aegyptito human blood types.Pest Manag Sci. 2022;78(1):321-328. doi:10.1002/ps.6635van Breugel F, Riffell J, Fairhall et al.Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets.Curr Biol. 2015;25(16):2123-2129. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2015.06.046Zermoglio PF, Robuchon E, Leonardi MS, et al.What does heat tell a mosquito? Characterization of the orientation behaviour ofAedes aegyptitowards heat sources.J Insect Physiol. 2017;100:9-14. doi:10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.010Raji JI, Melo N, Castillo JS, et al.Aedes aegyptimosquitoes detect acidic volatiles found in human odor using the IR8a pathway.Curr Biol. 2019;29(8):1253-1262.e7. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2019.02.045Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB.Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes.Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis. 2021 Nov 2;1:100058. doi:10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100058Hawkes FM, Hopkins RJ.The mosquito: an introduction. In: Hall M, Tamïr D, eds.Mosquitopia: The Place of Pests in a Healthy World. New York, NY: Routledge; 2021:16-31. doi:10.4324/9781003056034-3Pollard EJM, Russell TL, Burkot TR.Maximising mosquito collections from barrier screens: the impacts of physical design and operation parameters.Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(1):31. doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3291-4Paskewitz S, Irwin P, Konwinski N, et al.Impact of consumption of bananas on attraction ofAnopheles stephensito humans.Insects. 2018;9(4):129. doi:10.3390/insects9040129
World Health Organization.Vector-borne diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing mosquito bites.
Environmental Protection Agency.Find the repellent that is right for you.
Environmental Protection Agency.DEET.
National Pesticide Information Center.Picaridin.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mosquitoes, ticks & other arthropods.
Environmental Working Group.EWG’s guide to bug repellent.
United States Department of Agriculture.Cuphea oil chemical repels pests.
Tennessee Department of Health.Preventing mosquito bites.
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.About permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Traveling safely with infants & children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Key points about insect repellents.
World Health Organization.Dengue - global situation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mosquito nets.
American Mosquito Control Association.FAQs.
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.Do-it-yourself solutions for mosquito problems.
Khan SA, Ombugadu A, Ahmad S.Host‐seeking behavior and fecundity of the femaleAedes aegyptito human blood types.Pest Manag Sci. 2022;78(1):321-328. doi:10.1002/ps.6635
van Breugel F, Riffell J, Fairhall et al.Mosquitoes use vision to associate odor plumes with thermal targets.Curr Biol. 2015;25(16):2123-2129. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2015.06.046
Zermoglio PF, Robuchon E, Leonardi MS, et al.What does heat tell a mosquito? Characterization of the orientation behaviour ofAedes aegyptitowards heat sources.J Insect Physiol. 2017;100:9-14. doi:10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.04.010
Raji JI, Melo N, Castillo JS, et al.Aedes aegyptimosquitoes detect acidic volatiles found in human odor using the IR8a pathway.Curr Biol. 2019;29(8):1253-1262.e7. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2019.02.045
Ellwanger JH, Cardoso JDC, Chies JAB.Variability in human attractiveness to mosquitoes.Curr Res Parasitol Vector Borne Dis. 2021 Nov 2;1:100058. doi:10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100058
Hawkes FM, Hopkins RJ.The mosquito: an introduction. In: Hall M, Tamïr D, eds.Mosquitopia: The Place of Pests in a Healthy World. New York, NY: Routledge; 2021:16-31. doi:10.4324/9781003056034-3
Pollard EJM, Russell TL, Burkot TR.Maximising mosquito collections from barrier screens: the impacts of physical design and operation parameters.Parasit Vectors. 2019;12(1):31. doi:10.1186/s13071-019-3291-4
Paskewitz S, Irwin P, Konwinski N, et al.Impact of consumption of bananas on attraction ofAnopheles stephensito humans.Insects. 2018;9(4):129. doi:10.3390/insects9040129
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid bug bites.Environmental Protection Agency.Tips to prevent mosquito bites.State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Disease Outbreak Control Division.Mosquito bite prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Avoid bug bites.
Environmental Protection Agency.Tips to prevent mosquito bites.
State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Disease Outbreak Control Division.Mosquito bite prevention.
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