OSHA and the CDC provide the following information for mosquito prevention. Zika is a mosquito-borne illness. General mosquito prevention activities can reduce your risks.
Clothing
Wear clothing that covers all of your skin, including socks that cover the ankles and lower legs. For workers in mosquito-prone areas, hats with mosquito netting to protect the face and neck are also beneficial.
Use Insect Repellent
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023), Bayrepel, and Icaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane- diol (PMD), or IR3535. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, and some are even recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
- UMD employees with a valid UMD ID card and whose department has set up a standing work order with Facilities Management Warehouse, can obtain individual use packages from the warehouse for outdoor work activities. Departments can contact FM Customer Response Center at 5-2222 to set up standing work orders.
Treat Clothing and Gear
Treat items, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Permethrin-treated clothing will protect you after multiple washings. See product information to find out how long the protection will last.
- If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions.
- Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.
Take Steps to Control Mosquitoes Inside and Outside
- Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Use air conditioning when available.
- Prevent standing water. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
- Facilities Management is working with the Maryland Department of Agriculture on mosquito control measures for campus. Staff in Landscape Services have been actively involved in taking steps to eliminate areas of standing water, inspecting potential mosquito breeding areas, and, in some cases, treating certain areas to target mosquito larvae.
For additional information
- Prevent Mosquito Bites provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Zika Virus Protection for Outdoor Workers provided by OSHA
- ZIKA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture