While it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate the problem from your home permanently, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to mosquito bites.  MDFR and the Florida Department of Health advise the public on the importance of practicing the “5 D’s” of prevention:

• Avoid going outdoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitoes are most active.
• DRESS so your skin is covered with clothing.
• Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to bare skin and clothing. Other effective repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding areas around your home. Empty containers and DRAIN standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that when choosing a repellant:

• Always read label instructions on repellent to ensure the appropriate usage before applying. Label instructions will also warn if a repellant is appropriate for children. According to the Center for Disease Control, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
• Infants should be protected by either keeping them indoors or using mosquito netting over carriers.
• Recommended products contain concentrations of up to 30 percent of DEET. Traditional repellents and EPA-approved alternatives are usually available at local pharmacies.
• Insect repellant should be applied on exposed skin or onto clothing, but not underneath clothing.

If you are bitten or stung, most bites from bees, wasps and ants are not usually life-threatening unless you have an allergic reaction.  Normal reactions to bites include pain, itching, redness and swelling confined to the sting site. If you have any other reaction from a bite or a sting such as hives, swelling or a drop in blood pressure, call 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 786-331-5200. For live updates and tips, follow us on Twitter @MiamiDadeFire.