How to Keep Mosquitoes Away When Swimming

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that infected 300 million people in 2003 and killed 3 million of them. This is just one of the deadly diseases carried by these blood-drinking pests. In addition to dangerous illnesses, mosquitoes cause itchy, red bumps wherever they bite. Since mosquitoes love areas with water, it is possible you will be bothered by these annoying insects while swimming. You can take several steps to keep yourself from discomfort and sickness.

Things You'll Need

• Scrub brush
• Soap
• Mosquito repellant

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Instructions

• 1

  Get rid of any standing water in the area. Items like old tires, buckets and garbage cans are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Dump out and scrub these containers with a scrub brush and soap to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching.

• 2

  Purchase a waterproof insect repellent. Many sport formulas of repellents are waterproof and sweat-proof, perfect for swimming. Use only a repellent approved by the EPA. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.

• 3

  Apply the repellent to your body, following the instructions on the package. To be safe, never over-apply the product or apply it to your mouth, eyes, open wounds or sunburned or irritated skin. Let the repellent dry on your body before going in the water.

• 4

  Reapply the repellent as recommended by the packaging.