Personal protection

How can I avoid mosquito bites?
How should I use an insect repellent?
How can I help reduce the number of mosquitoes?

How can I avoid mosquito bites?

The normal ways of avoiding mosquito bites are effective against WNV. Even in the city, it is advisable to take the following precautions:

Install screens in good condition on doors and windows, tents and camping shelters.
wear light-coloured long sleeves and pants during evening outdoor activities.
Avoid exposure to mosquitoes during their peak periods of activity, namely at sunrise and sunset.
Use insect repellents during outdoor activities.

How should I use an insect repellent?

We recommend sensible use of mosquito repellent containing DEET or lemon eucalyptus; these should be used only for prevention of mosquito bites when you are outdoors.

Citronella oil-based products are also available; however, they provide protection only for a short time and should be used only for short outdoor activities. You should always read product labels in order to use the product safely. Mosquito repellents should be applied in small quantities, only on areas of the body not covered by clothing. As it is advisable not to put any on the face, especially in young children, repellent can be lightly applied to a hat or cap to repel mosquitoes from the head and face

It is not necessary to protect children from WNV with insect repellent, since they are not at risk of developing serious illness as a result of infection.

If you considering using of insect repellent this summer, consult the repellent chart for some useful tips.

How can I help reduce the number of mosquitoes?

Remove stagnant water and clean up

Mosquitoes breed in water, but it must be stagnant, not running. It is easy to reduce the mosquito population by:

removing or turning over old tires, pails, barrels or any other outdoor object that may collect water;
cleaning the pool and eliminating water accumulating on its cover. If the pool is in use, the flow of water created by th filter keeps mosquitoes away;
keeping garbage cans covered;
fitting rain barrels with mosquito netting;
putting fish that eat mosquito larvae in decorative ponds. In any case should those fish be found in natural watercourses because it could result in a breakdown of the ecosystem.

Using insecticides

As for insecticide use on private property, both professional and do-it-yourself treatments are ineffective. Mosquitoes from neighbouring areas will move right in, in spite of the treatment. To be effective these treatments must be carried out over a large area, such as a municipality, and only after the situation has been assessed by experts. Do not forget that insecticides can be toxic and generally should only be used by professionals.