Health Information Portal (HIP)

Mosquito and Tick Bite Prevention

Some mosquito bites can leave people with red, itchy, irritated skin. Others can leave bite victims with far more serious health problems. In Philadelphia, mosquitoes sometimes carry and transmit West Nile virus, which can lead to fever or severe neurologic problems in some people who become infected. Anyone experiencing severe West Nile virus symptoms, including fever, headache, neck stiffness, and disorientation, should seek medical treatment immediately.

To help combat West Nile virus, the health department regularly treats for mosquitoes and encourages residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Learn how to protect yourself on in the FAQ and resources below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can mosquitoes make people sick?

Mosquitoes are common in warm weather. Most bites are just itchy, but some can spread germs that make you sick.

Mosquitoes in Philadelphia can carry and transmit West Nile Virus.

Most infected people won’t get sick, but some may develop fever and flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, they can have inflammation or swelling of the brain.

People 50 and older and those with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for severe disease and death.

If you or a family member has unexplained fever, headaches, weakness, or fatigue, talk to your primary care provider.

• Find free or low-cost medical care, even if you do not have insurance: phila.gov/primary-care.
• For more information on mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, visit bit.ly/FightTheBitePhilly.

How can I protect myself from West Nile Virus?

Dump water

• Drain or remove standing water weekly, in items like flowerpots, buckets, bird baths, or unused tires to stop mosquitoes from breeding near your home.

Cover up

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to prevent bites.

Use bug spray

• Use an EPA-approved repellent.
• To find the right insect repellent for you, visit bit.ly/findrepellent.
• For safety tips on how to apply insect repellent on children, visit bit.ly/repellent_safety_tips.

How can ticks make people sick?

Ticks in Philadelphia can carry and transmit Lyme disease, as well as other tickborne diseases. This infection comes from germs ticks have. You usually find ticks in parks, yards with tall grass, or wooded areas.

How can I prevent tick bites?

• Use an EPA-approved repellent.
• Stay on the center of trails.
• Shower and check your body and clothes for ticks.
• Remove the tick right away, or within 24 hours. A tick needs to be attached for 24-72 hours to pass Lyme disease to humans.

How do I safely remove ticks?

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to pull upward on the tick's head with steady pressure.
• Clean the area with alcohol or soap and water.
• For detailed instructions on removing ticks, visit bit.ly/Safe_TickRemoval.
• Seek medical care right away if you can't remove a tick, or if you get a fever or a red, circular rash around the bite.

To learn more, review the Spring 2026 newsletter. For more languages, click here.