The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile virus, and other mosquito borne diseases, is to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate areas of standing water around your home. If you are noticing mosquito activity at your home or travelling to an area with a lot of mosquitoes, the following may help minimize exposure to bites:

• Time of Day: Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, notably at dawn and dusk (the first two hours after sunset).
• Repellents: When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the directions on the package. For more information on insect repellents and how to apply them safely, see the Insect Repellent page.
• Clothing: Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors and spray repellent on clothes and exposed areas of skin. Light colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.
• Household: Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without tears or holes.
• Infants: If you are outdoors in a mosquito infested area, place mosquito netting over infant carriers.
• Sleeping: Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
• Standing Water: Prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating areas of standing and/or stagnant water including unmaintained swimming pools.