Biting insects like mosquitoes can easily ruin time spent outdoors. The nuisance of biting pests becomes

the bite victim’s focus instead of the outing or event. These days people are even more concerned with mosquito bites and what might lie beyond the bite. Everyone is researching ‘How can I protect my family from the Zika virus’ and from the mosquitoes that carry the disease.

The CDC and other public health agencies are asking all citizens and travelers to avoid Zika outbreak areas, and when going outdoors to wear protective clothing and use an EPA registered insect repellent on all exposed skin; this includes children of all ages and pregnant women. The active ingredient Picaridin is one of the 4 recommended repellents to use.

Additionally, local governments are asking all citizens to help control Aedes mosquitoes by removing conditions conducive to mosquito breeding around their homes. The primary condition to seek out and eliminate is any source of standing water on the property, especially water that is untreated and can easily stagnate such as bird baths, untreated swimming pools, trays beneath potted plants, plastic toys exposed to the rain and sprinkler system, gutters, drainage ditches, cans, buckets, bottles, etc. Remove or empty these sources containing water at least every 5 days to prevent mosquito breeding.

For personal protection consider a long-lasting, EPA-approved mosquito repellent. Moskito Care Insect Repellent is a superb alternative to DEET-based products, contains 20% Picaridin, the optimal amount to provide long-lasting, 14-hour protection from biting mosquitoes and ticks. Moskito Care is a skin-friendly, water based formulation with built in water resistant properties for swimmers and active people. It does not contain DEET, has a pleasant fragrance, will not harm metal finishes or plastics, and it is recommended for children of all ages and pregnant women.

The best family protection for health issues beyond the bite is to take precautions in your own backyard and choose an EPA-registered insect repellent like Moskito Care Insect Repellent to protect your exposed skin whenever spending time outdoors.