Everyone who is outside during the summer months gardening, golfing, walking, camping, etc., should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Everyone is at risk from WNv and should make sure they use all the protection measures to avoid contact with mosquitoes.

While children are not considered to be especially at risk, we suggest that care be taken to ensure they are protected when they are outdoors, since they may not always be able to protect themselves. Use mosquito netting for babies or toddlers in cribs or strollers.

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by following these simple steps :

• cover up
• use insect repellent when outdoors
• clean up all around the house and garden regularly.

Mosquitoes are attracted to darker, more intense colours so make sure you wear light colours and these types of clothing when going outside :

• long-sleeved shirts or jackets
• long pants
• tuck pants into socks for extra protection.

Consider using personal insect repellents that are federally registered, such as those that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Several DEET-free botanical repellents are federally registered but provide a much shorter time of effectiveness. For minimal time outdoors (e.g., less than 30 minutes) these products provide safe, effective alternatives to DEET. Read label directions for use.

The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children. Check the label for more detailed information or ask your pharmacist for help. Use only when needed and follow label directions carefully including restrictions for use on young children and maximum number of applications per day.

Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. The repellent doesn't have to be applied heavily to be effective — a light coating will do.

• The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children. Use only when needed and follow label directions carefully including restrictions for use on young children and maximum number of applications per day.
• Choose a product that meets your specific needs. For example, if you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product with a lower concentration of DEET (shorter protection time) and repeat only if you need a longer protection time.
• Studies have shown that products with lower concentrations of DEET are just as effective as the high concentration products, but they remain effective for shorter periods of time :
• 30% DEET provides protection for approx. 6 hrs.
• 15% DEET provides protection for approx. 5 hrs.
• 10% DEET provides protection for approx. 3 hrs.
• 5% DEET provides protection for approx. 2 hrs.
• Use only personal insect repellents that are registered in Canada. They have a registration number granted under the Pest Control Products Act and are labeled as insect repellents for use on humans.
• Never use a product labeled as an "insecticide” on your body.

May 2005

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