With summer in full swing across West Michigan, odds are you've already battled what's sometimes called the state bird: mosquitoes.

With Jamestown Canyon Virus detected in a mosquito earlier this month in Kalamazoo County, health officials encouraged residents to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illness.

Wearing insect repellant usually tops the list of precautionary actions you can take for preventing mosquito bites. With many different products to choose from, it's important to know which key ingredients are considered safe and effective.

The most widely used active ingredient in bug repellant sprays is DEET, a chemical compound called N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide. While some consumers may favor more natural options, experts say DEET is safe and very effective in repelling mosquitoes.

"Over the 50-some years it's been used widely in the United States, DEET has not been associated with any ill health effects in children or adults," said Kris Maddox-English, who is the environmental health supervisor for the Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Community Services.

Maddox-English emphasized the importance of using repellent products as directed, and applying them safely.

"The other recommendation with DEET products is to not let a child handle the bottle themselves or apply it themselves," Maddox-English said. "It should be applied by an adult. Young children shouldn't handle insect repellents on their own."

When applying on an adult or child, spray product on your hands in order to apply to the face. Don't apply repellent to a child's hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.

Picaridin is a synthetic active ingredient with growing popularity in the US due to its comparable effectiveness to DEET, but with a less-greasy feel and minimal odor.

Maddox-English recommended looking for products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency which contain any of the following active ingredients:

• Catnip oil

• Oil of citronella

• DEET

• IR 3535

• p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)

• Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

• Picaridin

• 2-undecanone

Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say to not put any insect repellant on infants younger than 2 months of age. Instead, a mosquito net can be used on a car seat carrier or stroller during outdoor activities.

"When you buy insect repellant for your family, make sure to read the label," Maddox-English said. "The labels will tell you what ages it's safe for and how often you can apply it. You don't want to over apply any of these."

As one example, one more natural key ingredient, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), is not safe for children under three years old according to information from the CDC. p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) is another naturally derived insect repellant not to be used on children under 3 years old.

According to information from the EPA, DEET, picaridin and IR 3535 are all considered safe for use on children and pregnant women when used as directed.

It's also important to remember different products may work better for some than others.

"I know personally DEET does not work for me," Maddox-English said. "I can be in a group of people all sprayed down with DEET and I'm gonna be getting eaten up by mosquitoes. I use picaridin because of that."

The Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Community Service will continue its vector surveillance program through the end of September. Mosquitoes are trapped in several areas around the county, and the types that can carry disease are sent to the state for testing.

Additional protective measures you can take against mosquitoes include:

• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks treated with 0.5% permethrin to minimize skin exposure to mosquitoes.

• Limit Outdoor Time During Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn.

• Eliminate Standing Water: Drain and rid areas that hold water, such as plant pots, tires, clogged gutters, and bird baths. Standing water can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

• Screen Windows and Doors: Ensure windows and doors are equipped with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces.