People who are planning outdoor activities can go to weather.com, where a Mosquito Activity Forecast is provided at www.weather.com/activities/homeandgarden/home/mosquito/index.html?from=36hr_newslinker3.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to control mosquitoes and avoid bites:
ä When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.
ä Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito-biting times.
ä Use an insect repellent containing DEET to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Spray clothes with repellent containing permethrin or DEET for extra protection. (Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the skin under your clothing.)
ä Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing during evening and early morning _ or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.
ä Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors.
ä Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
ä At least once or twice a week, empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming-pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.
ä Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by getting rid of items that hold water, such as old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums or bottles.
ä Check for clogged rain gutters, and clean them out.
ä Be sure to check for containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under bushes or under your home.
ä Check with local health authorities to see if there is an organized mosquito-control program in your area. If no program exists, work with your local government officials to establish a program.
ä Neighborhood clean-up days can be organized by civic or youth organizations to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks, and to encourage people to keep their yards free of standing water.
