Anti-bite Field Guide

 

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Fact 1: Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one inch of water. To reduce the potential for breeding around your home, always remove standing water from flowerpots, birdbaths, trash containers, tire swings, toys and gutters. Remember, mosquitoes go from eggs to adults in ten days, so check your property at least once each week, especially after it rains.
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Fact 2: Secure Your Perimeter

Mosquitoes are persistent, and will take advantage of any area they can exploit to gain entry to your home. To mitigate this risk, make sure to repair any tears and cracks you find in window screens, weather stripping, vents and plumbing, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. Screen patches and repair kits can be found at most local hardware stores.
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Fact 3: Rule Your Yard

Treating your yard and bushes with insect sprays can be a helpful tool in protecting your home and property from mosquitoes. Check with your local lawn and garden store for DIY options like Cutter® Backyard™ Bug Control Spray Concentrate. Simply connect your hose and spray. Always check the label for proper use and be sure to keep children and pets from the area until it’s dry.
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Fact 4: Details on Deet

Repellents that contain DEET are recommended by the National Institute of Health for protection against mosquitoes. As a general rule, the higher the percentage of DEET, the longer lasting the protection. If you’d prefer a plant-based alternative to DEET, try Lemon Eucalyptus instead. It’s the only active botanical ingredient recommended by the Centers for Disease Control to repel mosquitoes.
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Fact 5

Find Uninvited Guests

No one likes guests who show up uninvited and hungry. It’s important to check under the sink, in your closets, under furniture and in the laundry room—any place that’s dark and sometimes humid. And always keep Cutter® Insect Repellent ready at all times.

Fact 6

Cover All Appendages

In areas known for high volumes of mosquitoes—particularly those that may carry the Zika virus—it’s a good idea to take some additional common-sense precautions. This includes wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs. Remember, the less skin you expose to mosquitoes, the less skin they have to bite.

Fact 7

Apply Sunscreen Before Repellent

In areas known for high volumes of mosquitoes—particularly those that may carry the Zika virus—it’s a good idea to take some additional common-sense precautions. This includes wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs. Remember, the less skin you expose to mosquitoes, the less skin they have to bite.
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Fact 8

Careful with Children

When applying insect repellent to children, always spray it onto your hands first, and then apply to the child. Do not spray their face, hands, eyes, mouth or onto cut or irritated skin. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD) should not be used on children under the age of three. And never use repellent on babies younger than two months old. Instead, cover their crib, stroller or baby carrier with mosquito netting.
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Fact 9

Treat Your Clothing

Another effective way to protect against mosquitoes is to treat your clothing, boots, socks and tents with permethrin. You can also buy clothing and gear that’s been pre-treated with permethrin. Both will continue to protect you after multiple washings.

Fact 10: Know Thy Enemy

There are two types of mosquitoes associated with Zika. The Aedes aegypti is the species most likely to spread the Zika virus. The Aedes albopictus, however, carries it as well, and has demonstrated a broader range. While most mosquitoes are active at dusk and dawn, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus bite during the day and night. To help protect yourself and your family, use Cutter® Insect Repellent.
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Fact 11: Check Your Travel Schedule

If your plans include travel, check the Zika notices here before leaving on your trip. And when returning from an area with Zika, always use repellent for three weeks, even if you don’t feel sick. This will help prevent the possibility of Zika being transferred to a new mosquito that could then spread the virus to others.
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Fact 12: Identify the Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes), with most symptoms generally lasting between two and seven days. Unfortunately, eighty percent of people who become infected never have symptoms. If you or a family member notice any of the common symptoms associated with Zika, see your doctor immediately.
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Fact 13: Protect One Another

While the Zika virus is mostly spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, it can also be spread through sexual contact. This is particularly troubling for women wanting to start a family. As the virus can remain longer in men, condom use is recommended for eight weeks. And women are encouraged to speak with their physicians about the risk of birth defects.
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Consult Your Physician

Consulting with your physician is highly recommended for women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or who may become pregnant. Parents should consult with their pediatrician regarding the safe and appropriate use of all products on children. And reading and adhering to label directions for the safe and effective use of all products is always extremely important.