Pest Videos

Video Transcript

Mosquitoes and ticks aren’t just pesky – their bites can be harmful. Mosquitoes can spread Zika, West Nile Virus, Chikungunya, Malaria, Dengue, and more. Ticks can spread Lyme Disease, Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia, and more.

Is there a right way to apply insect repellent?

Read the product label, and follow the instructions carefully. Shake well. Spray evenly over exposed skin, 6-8 inches from skin. Spray hands to apply to face. Avoid eyes and nostrils. Spray over clothing; keep feet and ankles covered.

Which repellents are effective?

• The most effective repellents will include one of these ingredients:
  Greater or equal to 20% concentration of DET.
• 20% concentration of picaridin.
• 30% concentration of oil of lemon eucalyptus (or para-menthane-diol)
• 20% concentration of IR3535

For longer-lasting protection, choose a repellent that offers a higher concentration of the active ingredient. 

When should I apply repellent?

To avoid mosquitoes, apply repellent when…

• You will be outdoors, especially for many hours.
• You will be traveling to a warm, humid climate.

While some mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, others will feed any time of day.

To avoid ticks, apply repellent when…

You will be in greenery where ticks live, such as wooded and grassy areas, or while gardening or doing yard work.

Always walk in the center of a wooded trail to avoid contact with ticks. 

Anything else to remember?

Do:

• Reapply as often as the label instructs
• Apply sparingly around ears
• Apply over sunscreen
• Apply as directed on children and pregnant or breastfeeding women – it is safe and effective.

Don’t:

• Apply over open cuts and wounds
• Apply on babies younger than 2 months of age
• Apply oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years of age.