Overview

It can be performed by the use of preventives (e.g. protective clothing, screening, bed nets), repellents, on its own respectively in combination with the former preventives, or insecticides (sprays or aerosols). Mosquito screening over windows and doors, as well as bed nets, especially if impregnated with pyrethroid insecticides can offer personal protection. Insect repellents on man and domestic animals provide a degree of protection. Ultra-low-volume (ULV) spraying can often give rapid, but temporary relief in restricted areas. Spraying of residual insecticides in the area of houses has been practised as successful control especially against endophilic mosquitoes with a relatively long period of effectivity. It has been used worldwide in anti-malaria campaigns.
In veterinary medicine, insecticides have been used for decades, especially to protect life stock against insects. In companion animals, especially dogs, insecticides have been used as soap, shampoos, sprays or collars to name the most important formulations. Nowadays topical so called spot-on formulations (as in advantix) prevent animals from mosquito bites.