How to Protect Against Mosquito Bites - English

CDC’s Response to Zika

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST
MOSQUITO BITES
Zika virus is spread to people mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes that
spread Zika virus bite mostly during the day, but they can also bite at night. The best way to prevent
Zika is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

If you have a baby or child

Use insect repellent
Use Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)-registered insect repellents with
one of the following active ingredients:
DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon
eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol,
or 2-undecanone. Always follow the
product label instructions.

Repellent

• When used as directed, these insect
repellents are proven safe and effective
even for women who are pregnant or
breastfeeding.
• Reapply insect repellent as directed.

• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2
months old.
• Do not use products containing oil of lemon
eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children
younger than 3 years old.
• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes,
mouth, and any cut or irritated skin.
»» Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and
then apply to a child’s face.

• Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.

Treat clothes and gear

• If you are also using sunscreen, apply
sunscreen first.

• Treat items such as clothing and gear with permethrin
or buy permethrin-treated clothes and gear.

• The effectiveness of non-EPA registered
insect repellents, including some natural
repellents, is not known.

»» See product information to find out the number of
washings or length of time the protection will last.
»» If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions.
»» Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.

Active ingredient
Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection

DEET
Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
IR3535
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
* The EPA’s search tool is available at: www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you

www.cdc.gov/zika

CS265864A

May 15, 2017

Find the insect
repellent that’s right
for you by using
EPA’s search tool*.

CDC’s Response to Zika
Control mosquitoes outside your home
• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold
water like tires, buckets, and planters.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, rain barrels, etc.).
• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and
cannot be covered or dumped out.
• Use an outdoor flying insect spray in dark humid areas where mosquitoes rest, like
under patio furniture, or in the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always
follow label instructions.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes
using wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

Control mosquitoes inside your home
• Keep windows and doors shut and use air conditioning when possible.
• Use, install, or repair window and door screens.
• Once a week, empty or throw out any items that hold water like vases and
flowerpot saucers.
• Use an indoor flying insect fogger* or indoor insect spray* to kill
mosquitoes and treat areas where they rest. These products work
immediately, but may need to be reapplied. Always follow label directions.
• Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.

Do-It-Yourself Products
Product

Active
ingredient

How long it
works

Indoor flying
insect spray

Imidacloprid,
β-Cyfluthrin

7-10 days

Indoor flying
insect fogger

Tetramethrin,
Cypermethrin

Up to 6 weeks

www.cdc.gov/zika