Skeeter advice: Wear repellent, avoid perfumes

Tips for dealing with mosquitoes

* Wear insect repellent containing deet, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and apply it frequently.

* Drain standing water from bird baths, discard old tires and other containers that trap water, and frequently replace water in kiddie pools.

* Avoid going outside from dusk to dawn, peak activity times for some mosquitoes.

* Avoid dark clothes, which can absorb heat and make you more visible; choose neutral colors that blend in with the environment.

* Avoid perfumes and sweet-smelling lotions and cosmetics, including lavender scents, which attract mosquitoes.

* Wash after exercising or sweating heavily.

* Antihistamine tablets taken throughout mosquito season or after being bitten can help reduce bumps and itchiness.