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COVER UP. Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear
shoes, long sleeves and long pants with the cuffs tucked into socks. Men
and boys need to be particularly careful in covering up, since males are
favored targets of mosquitoes.
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BE COLOR CONSCIOUS. Wear khaki or neutral colors. Mosquitoes
are attracted to dark colors, especially blue, so avoid this color.
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USE GOOD SENSE ABOUT SCENTS. Heavily scented toiletries
are an attraction for bugs and bees. Avoid using No See Ums scented soaps,
lotions and shampoos.
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USE REPELLENT. Like sunscreen, insect repellent is an
outdoor essential. Apply the proper insect repellent to clothing and any
uncovered skin.
DEET Repellents: Repellents containing DEET are most effective. If you
will be in bug-infested areas, or where Lyme Disease or encephalitis is
a concern, look for a repellent containing at least 15 to 30% DEET, says
David Kern, president of DAK Pharmaceuticals, a New Hampshire manufacturer
of insect repellents. Most outdoor excursions call for a moderate DEET
concentration like DAK's GreenHead® which contains 30% DEET. For safe
and effective use of DEET products:
Be sure to follow the product directions.
If used with a sunscreen, apply the repellent 30 minutes to one hour after
the sunscreen.
Never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin.
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BE PREPARED. Always carry repellents in your car's glove
compartment or your tackle box, backpack or beach bag. Even the best repellents
won't protect you when they are left at home.