How to Prevent Mosquito Bites in Illinois and Indiana

Mosquitoes come out in throngs during our Midwest summers. To avoid dealing with mosquito bites, there are a few different ways you can protect yourself: 

• Plan outdoor events during the middle of the day, when mosquitoes are less active.
• Turn over or cover sources of still water in your yard that could attract mosquitoes.
• Apply an EPA-registered bug spray to any exposed skin. Always consult your pediatrician before use on children.
• When spending time outdoors at dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably with lighter colors.

Proper Clothing to Repel Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes will try to find any exposed skin, typically putting your arms, legs, neck, feet, and hands at risk. When possible, we advise wearing long-sleeved shirts to limit skin exposure. To keep your lower legs protected, it’s smart to wear long pants, ideally tucked into socks. Research has shown that clothes with brighter colors are more likely to keep insects at bay. Because mosquitoes are common in the summer, it can be an inconvenience to wear covered clothing for protection. If you feel this way, consider using an EPA-registered insect repellent to keep mosquitoes from biting you!

Tricks to Keep Mosquitoes Away While You Sleep

Mosquitoes are most commonly active at dawn and dusk, but they’ll also bite at night. This is why many people have woken up during a camping trip to discover that they’ve been feasted upon by mosquitoes overnight. Some of the ways you can avoid this situation are to:

1. Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or bright colors to bed.
3. Sleep with a fan on to block mosquitoes from reaching you.
4. Apply an EPA-registered bug repellent.
5. Shower before bed to eliminate odors that might attract them.
6. Keep any windows shut.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe From Mosquitoes

Humans aren’t the only victims of mosquito bites—they will go after your cats and dogs, too! Consult your veterinarian about choosing a dog or cat-safe insect repellent. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so it’s safe to refrain from walking your dog at these times. Make sure to keep an eye out for scratching or signs that your pets have been bitten by mosquitoes. If you do find evidence of mosquito bites on your pets, take them to your local vet for treatment.