As mentioned previously in this website, the most successful
prevention strategy against the West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites.
If you will be outside during evening, nighttime and dawn
hours, consider the use of an insect repellant containing 10% or less DEET (N,
N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) for children and no more than 30% DEET for
adults. DEET is effective for approximately four hours. Avoid prolonged or
excessive use of DEET and use it sparingly to cover exposed skin and clothing.
Do not use DEET on infants or pregnant women and do not apply DEET directly to
children. Apply it to your own hands and then put it on the child. Always use
DEET according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the
following guidelines that should be observed when using DEET-containing
products:
 | Do not apply to infants under 2 months of age. |
| Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing, but
do not use under clothing. Applying repellant to clothing offers added
protection with less potential for exposure. |
| Do not apply to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around
ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands
first, and then apply to face. |
| Do not allow children to handle the products, and do not
apply to children's hands. When using on children, apply to your own
hands and then put it on the child. |
| Do not spray in enclosed areas. Avoid breathing a
repellant spray, and do not use it near food. |
| Use just enough repellant to cover exposed skin and/or
clothing. Heavy application and saturation is generally unnecessary for
effectiveness. |
| After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and
water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellants are used
repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing
before wearing again. |
| If you suspect that you or your child are reacting to an
insect repellant, discontinue use, wash treated skin, and then call your local
poison control center. |
Remember that Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense and
bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Mosquito Control with Pesticides
Larvicides can be used to control mosquitoes in the aquatic stage
before they become biting adults. This type of control generally has the least
effect on non-target species and the environment.
Microbial larvicides such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and
Bacillus sphaericus can be used successfully in a broad range of freshwater
habitats.
Biochemical larvicides (insect growth regulators - IGRs) such as methoprene can
also be used in a variety of habitats.
Mono-molecular surface film larvicides can be used in polluted or artificial
habitats, but should not be
used
where non-target insects are important resources.
Mosquito adulticides should be considered the least desirable method of control
and only used when isolations of virus and/or evidence of disease has been
established. These materials have strengths and drawbacks that will influence
which material is most appropriate for a given situation, and all must be
applied according to label directions. Currently available adulticides include
organophosphates, pyrethrins, and pyrethroid-based insecticides. These may be
applied by hand-held, or backpack, foggers, or fixed-wing or rotary-wing
aircraft.
Application of adulticides by truck-mounted foggers, fixed-wing or rotary-wing
aircraft is usually done by government agencies or private contractors. Those
who apply pesticides in these ways must be licensed, have their equipment
properly calibrated, and adhere to the label directions.
Links of Popular Mosquito Repellants / Devices
http://www.mosquitoes.com/
http://www.muskol.com/
http://www.shoo.org/
http://www.buggspray.com/
http://www.mosquitorepellent.com/
http://www.skeeterdefeater.com/
http://www.mosquitobarrier.com/
