Protect Yourself and Your Family From Mosquito Bites

Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with fabric thick enough to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Shoes and socks are also recommended.

Avoid being outdoors in the early evening to morning. This is when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite.

Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home. Mosquitoes breed in water that has been standing for seven days or longer.

Use an insect repellent if required. You only need to use a repellent if you are going to be outdoors during the early evening to morning hours when mosquitoes tend to be feeding, or when in a wooded, shaded or swampy area.

Repellents that contain DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or Icaridin are most effective. DEET based products are available with concentrations of 5% - 30%. Ensure that you choose the correct DEET or Icaridin containing product that is suitable for the age of the person and for the time spent outdoors. This information is on the label.

Non-DEET repellents are available in Canada as well, although data on their safety and effectiveness is limited.

When using any insect repellent, carefully read and strictly follow the manufacturer’s directions. Even non-DEET repellents have restrictions on their use.

For more detailed information visit our page on insect repellents .

There is no evidence that the use of DEET or Icaridin by pregnant or breastfeeding women poses a risk to unborn babies or children who are nursing. However, as a safety precaution, women in these situations may wish to consider the use of non-chemical methods to protect against mosquito bites.