Use several measures together to reduce mosquito bites: apply an EPA-registered repellent, cover exposed skin, and make your home less accessible to mosquitoes and standing-water breeding sites. No single step guarantees protection, and mosquitoes can bite during both day and night.
1. Choose an EPA-registered repellent
Look for an EPA registration number and follow the product label for where and how to apply it, including when to reapply. The CDC lists these active ingredients in EPA-registered repellents:
- DEET
- Picaridin, also called icaridin outside the United States
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
When using sunscreen and repellent together, put on sunscreen first and repellent second. Do not apply repellent to skin covered by clothing. CDC says the effectiveness of non-EPA-registered repellents, including some products marketed as natural, is not known. To compare registered products, use the label to check active ingredient, protection duration, format, intended users and application directions. The CDC’s preventing mosquito bites guidance links to an EPA tool that can be filtered by active ingredient and protection time. CDC does not endorse a particular brand. (CDC, updated August 28, 2024.)
2. Cover exposed skin with loose-fitting clothing
Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants when mosquitoes are present. Clothing adds a physical barrier, but it is one layer of prevention—not a guarantee against bites.
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3. Treat clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin
CDC advises treating clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin, or buying items treated with it. Follow the product label, including its directions on how long protection lasts. Permethrin products for clothing and gear must not be applied directly to skin.
Items that can be treated include boots, shirts, pants, socks, backpacks and tents. Treated items can provide protection after multiple washings, but the label determines the duration for a specific product. See CDC’s guidance on permethrin-treated clothing and gear (updated May 14, 2024).
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4. Put mosquito netting over strollers and baby carriers
Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting. For children, follow the repellent’s label. CDC says not to use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old. When applying repellent to a child’s face, an adult should put it on their own hands first, then apply it carefully. Avoid the child’s hands, eyes and mouth, as well as cuts or irritated skin.
5. Keep mosquitoes outside with screens and closed doors
Install or use window and door screens, and repair holes or other damage that could let mosquitoes in. Keep doors closed rather than propped open, including garage doors. These barriers reduce opportunities for mosquitoes to enter the home.
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6. Use air conditioning when available
Air conditioning is another way to help keep mosquitoes from coming inside. Use it alongside screens and closed doors rather than treating it as a substitute for repairing gaps or controlling water-holding items.
7. Remove standing water every week
Mosquitoes can lay eggs in water-holding items around a home. At least once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or discard containers that collect water. Check tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, planters and trash containers.
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Keep water-storage containers tightly covered. If a container has no lid, CDC advises covering it with wire mesh that has holes smaller than an adult mosquito. Include indoor items in the check: remove standing water and eggs from containers inside the home too. See CDC’s mosquito control at home guidance (dated April 16, 2024).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If mosquitoes are already inside
First check screens and doors, then empty and scrub water-holding containers indoors and outdoors. If mosquitoes remain after screens are installed or repaired and containers are emptied and scrubbed, CDC describes indoor insecticide use or hiring a pest-control professional to treat indoor areas. Follow the product label and CDC guidance for any insecticide use.
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