6 VITALITY Summer 2026 6 simple steps to avoid mosquito bites Warmer weather is a great time to enjoy the outdoors— but it’s also mosquito breeding season. To help guard against bites from one of nature’s most persistent pests, try these timely tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other experts. While not everyone who’s bitten by an infected mosquito gets sick, the best way to avoid disease is to not get bitten. You can lower your risk for bites by adding a few simple steps to your warm-weather routine: 1Use insect repellent. Ingredients that offer moderate, lasting protection include DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus oil. 2 Remove standing water. Empty buckets, toys, tires, potted plant trays and other items where water (and mosquito eggs) gather. Birdbaths, wading pools, fountains and rain barrels should be changed weekly. 3 Cover up with the right clothes. Wear lightcolored socks, hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially near standing water or in humid, shady areas like woods. 4 Consider permethrin-treated items. Buy permethrin-treated clothing, or use this pesticide to treat clothes and outdoor gear like tents and hiking boots. 5 Wield some wind power. Use a porch fan while relaxing or a rechargeable neck fan while hiking, since mosquitoes can’t fly very well in gusty air. 6 Repair screens. To keep mosquitoes out of the house, check for small holes or tears in screens that mosquitoes can easily slip through. Managing mosquito bites Try as you might, you may not be able to avoid getting a mosquito bite or two. A mosquito’s saliva may cause skin reactions. To help reduce itching, try a paste made of water and baking soda or apply ice to the bite. Use antihistamines or topical steroids for ongoing itching. Additional sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Pesticide Information Center
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTI0MzU=