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West Nile Virus
Birds of Interest to West Nile Virus Surveillance
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Environmental Sensitivities Voluntary Registry
Notice of Pesticide Use
Policy on Notification of Adulticiding for WNv
Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes
West Nile Virus Regular Updates

Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are an unavoidable nuisance in Ottawa, however you can help reduce your chance of being bitten by:

  • Wearing light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and long pants when out doors especially at sunrise, early evening and at night when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Applying an approved mosquito repellent to exposed skin-following manufacturer's instructions.
  • Spraying clothing with repellents to ward off mosquitoes that may bite through thin clothing.
  • Making sure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition.

Safety tips on using personal insect repellents (Health Canada)

General use information

  • Always read the entire label carefully before using.
  • Apply the repellent sparingly, and only on exposed skin surfaces or on top of clothing.
  • Do not apply under clothing. Heavy application and saturation are unnecessary for effectiveness. Repeat applications only as necessary and according to label directions.
  • Do not get in eyes. If you do get repellent in your eyes, rinse immediately with water.
  • Do not use the repellent on open wounds, or if your skin is irritated or sunburned.
  • Avoid breathing spray mists and never apply sprays inside a tent. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Do not use near food.
  • Wash treated skin with soap and water when you return indoors or when protection is no longer needed.
  • Keep all insect repellent containers out of the reach of children.
  • Always supervise the application on children.
  • Avoid applying repellent to children's hands to reduce the chance of getting the repellent in their eyes and mouths.
  • If you suspect that you or your child are reacting to an insect repellent, stop using the product immediately, wash treated skin and seek medical attention. When you go to the doctor, take the product container with you.
  • If you are concerned that you are sensitive to a product, prior to general use apply the product to a small area of skin on your arm, then wait 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.

Choosing a product

  • Choose a product that meets your needs. For example, if you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product with a lower concentration of repellent (shorter protection time) and repeat only if you need a longer protection time.
  • Use only personal insect repellents that are registered in Canada. They have a registration number granted under the Pest Control Products Act and are labelled as insect repellents for use on humans. Never use a product labelled as an insecticide on your body.
  • Some personal insect repellent products contain a sun screen or skin lotion. It is recommended that such combination products be used solely as insect repellents, and be applied according to the safe practices listed above, ie., not spread liberally as one might a sun screen or skin lotion.
  • Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is conducting a re-evaluation of the active ingredients in personal insect repellents, including DEET and oil of citronella. Re-evaluations involve a comprehensive review of the scientific data that support the registration of pest control products.

For more information please contact Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744.

 

 

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