Preventing Mosquito Bites
Last updated 7/27/2016 at 9:52am
The first case of Zika virus has been reported in the County, and the mosquitoes capable of carrying it have been found in the Coachella Valley.
Bill Walton, UC Riverside professor of aquatic entomology and ecologist, explains what does and does not work to keep the mosquitoes from biting.
DEET - the gold standard in mosquito repellent.
Citronella candles - mosquitoes don't like smoke but they don't mind citronella.
Alcohol - mosquitoes are attracted to the scent when a person drinks.
Repellent bracelets that can be purchased from convenience stores, don't work.
Wearing long sleeves, and preferably long pants if out at dusk.
The new strain of mosquitoes carrying Zika can reproduce in something as small as a bottle cap or a water bowl, and keep those screens repaired and closed, because they can also breed inside in places like drip pans from small houseplants.
