Repellents are substances that help prevent mosquitoes from biting people. Repellents are sold as aerosols, creams, solids (sticks) and liquids. Use repellents containing ingredients such as diethyl phthalate, diethyl carbate, N, N-Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide (DEET), and ethyl hexanediol. For more than 40 years, DEET has been the standard in mosquito repellents. In 2005 the CDC also added Picaridin (KBR 3023) and Oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant based repellent, to the list of recommended active ingredients.

Permethrin containing repellents (Permanone) are recommended for any use on clothing, bednets and camping gear. Permethrin treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes and other arthropods and retains this effect even after repeated laundering. However, permethrin repellents do not offer any protection from mosquitoes when applied to the skin. Protection generally may be expected up to 6 hours following application.

Homeowners, ranchers, or businesses may use hand-held ULV foggers, portable or fogging attachments for tractors or lawn mowers for temporary relief of adult mosquitoes. 5% malathion and pyrethrins can be used to fog outdoors. Follow directions for appropriate application procedure. Mosquitoes can be kept out of the home by keeping windows, doors, and porch screens tight. A swatter or an aerosol space spray containing synergized pyrethrum can be used indoors if necessary. The mosquito control products listed as well as others can be found in most lawn and garden departments. These measures are sometimes necessary because no documented studies prove bats, purple martins, or other predators consume enough adult mosquitoes to be an effective control agents.