The time most Iowans are spending outside has increased dramatically as we moved into summer. Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director Patricia Quinlisk says with so many activities going on, it can be easy to remember to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Doctor Quinlisk says make it easy to remember the bug spray by keeping it along with the other items you take outside. It’s something she does for one of her favorite back yard activities.

“I just put my can of insect repellent right next to my gardening gloves, to make sure that when I go out to start gardening that I don’t forget,” Quinlisk explains. “Because it is easy to forget, but it is important because West Nile is around that they use insect repellent.” West Nile is spread by mosquito bites and in the most serious cases can lead to death.

Quinlisk says they have not had any cases of West Nile virus confirmed yet, but she says it is a little early. She says it first starts showing up in mosquitoes that are being monitored and in horses. Quinlisk says you may not have been bothered by mosquitoes yet while out in the yard, but she says it just takes a little bit of water to get them to become active and seeking out someone to bite.

“These mosquitoes don’t fly a long ways, so one of the best ways of protecting yourself from mosquito bites and the diseases they may carry is to make sure that they are not breeding anywhere in your yard. So that means getting rid of all the little puddles that may be in your yard,” Quinlisk explains. “And that may be things as simple as your children’s toys that our left out in the back yard, or the dog’s dish. In my case I have bird baths.”

Doctor Quinlisk says you can make sure mosquitoes are not breeding in the bird bath by periodically changing the water. You can find a lot of different products with insect repellents in them on the store shelf. Quinlisk has this advice to make a good choice. She says there are only three repellents that have been shown to work well, and the Department of Public Health recommends the one called DEET. Quinlisk says the DEET has the added advantage of being able to repel ticks, so you get a two-for-one benefit when you spray it on. DEET can also be used on infants starting at three months of age. You should carefully read the label and any restrictions.

“There’s one called oil of lemon eucalyptus — which sounds very natural — but it cannot be used in children less than three years of age. So that would not be the one to buy if you’ve got young children,” Quinlisk explains. She suggests you check with your doctor if you have questions about the best products for children.

(Radio Iowa)