… are many steps you can take to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use Repellent on Skin and Clothing Use insect repellents with 20–30% DEET , 10–20% picaridin, 10–20% IR3535, or 30–40% oil … Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases. Wear Appropriate Outdoor Clothing Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes outdoors during peak mosquito activity hours. Apply repellent to any bare skin not covered by clothing. Wear loose-fitting and thicker clothing so it is more difficult for mosquitoes to bite …