Mosquitoes are known to pass blood-born illnesses from one victim to another. They are a major health hazard and are responsible for the transmission of yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and many other serious diseases. In parts of the world where mosquito-transmitted diseases are not common, it is the bite itself that presents the greatest difficulty. More infants and children are bitten by mosquitoes than by any other insect.

Here are some tips for avoiding mosquitoes:

1. Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Avoid bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes.
   
   
2. They are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
   
   
3. Many species of mosquito prefer biting from dusk until dawn. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. Avoid playing outdoors during the peak biting times in your area.
   
   
4. Citronella candles may be useful when your children are playing outside.
   
   
5. Try to stay away from still water.
   
   
6. People who are highly allergic should avoid vacationing in the Everglades.
   
   
7. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an insect repellent on exposed areas of skin. The most effective compound is DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide), an ingredient in most insect repellents. However, insect repellents containing DEET should be used sparingly on children. DEET-containing products should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
   
   
8. Don't apply insect repellent under clothes, or too much of the toxic substance may be absorbed. Also, avoid applying repellent to portions of the hands that are likely to come in contact with the eyes and mouth.
   
   
9. Pediatric insect repellents with only 6-10% DEET are available (products containing 10% DEET are effective for approximately 2 hours). 30% is the maximum concentration of DEET recommended for infants and children.
   
   
10. DEET should not be applied more than once a day.
    
    
11. DEET should not be used in a product that combines an insect repellent and a sunscreen (so that the sunscreen can be reapplied as needed).
    
    
12. For greater protection, clothing and mosquito nets can be soaked in or sprayed with permethrin, which is an insect repellent licensed for use on clothing. If applied according to the directions, permethrin will repel insects from clothing for several weeks.
    
    
13. Skedaddle and Avon's Skin So Soft both work well for some kids. Neither these nor the stronger repellents stop mosquitoes from landing -- only from biting.
    
    
14. Some studies suggest that taking thiamine (vitamin B1) 25mg to 50 mg three times per day is effective in reducing mosquito bites. This safe vitamin apparently produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes (Pediatric Clinics of North America, 16:191, 1969). It seems to be especially effective for those people with large allergic reactions. Thiamine takes about 2 weeks before the odor fully saturates the skin.
    
    
15. Garlic may work in the same way (except, of course, the odor is detectable by humans), but I have seen no scientific studies supporting this.