Fight
the bite
While OFF!® has a variety of repellents that give you effective protection against mosquitoes, there are other measures you can take to help protect you and your family.
Peak Mosquito Hours
Be mindful that the hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many species of mosquitoes. Remember to use insect repellents, such as OFF!®, and protective clothing during evening and early morning.
Appropriate Clothing
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with a personal insect repellent, such as OFF!®, will provide extra protection. Remember to only use a repellent product that is labeled for use on clothing and consult the label for full use directions. Also consider wearing loose, light-colored clothing as mosquitoes are more attracted to darker colors.
Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so removing it from your property reduces your risk. Areas like rain gutters, old buckets or tires with stagnant water are all possible breeding sites.
Drainage Systems Remove leaves and any debris that may have collected in your gutters and other drainage systems so water flows out freely.
Decorative Elements Change or flush out water from birdbaths, fountains, etc. at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Open Cavities Recycle or store tires (or other items with open cavities) so they won’t collect rainwater.
Active Sports
Believe it or not, just breathing can attract mosquitoes. They are drawn to carbon dioxide, which you release when you exhale. Additionally, people give off two mosquito attractants – body heat and lactic acid (a substance your body emits when you perspire). Stay protected when you’re participating in sports or other outdoor activities that may make you breathe harder.
