Mosquitoes aren't just about insufferable itching or swollen bite marks, they can host a doomsday party for your health, waving around life-threatening diseases. No need to bulk-buy Calamine, we've got evidence-based tactics to keep these uninvited guests out of your party.

If your summer evenings are more about slapping and itching rather than wine and chill, we sympathize. But what is even harder is seeing your loved ones battle mosquito-borne diseases or coping with an allergic reaction from a deceptively innocent creature.

The Holy Grail to keep mosquitoes at bay lies in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–registered insect repellents, backed by decades of research and a stamp of safety. From tiny tots over two months old to pregnant and breastfeeding women, many can heave a sigh of relief. But here's the kicker, these aren't your white linen-ruining funky-smelling potions; we're talking about DEET, a proven repellent found in over 120 commercial products. It basically dresses you in a cloak of invisibility - for the mosquito’s sniffers, at least.

Now, if you're one of those who'd rather endure a mosquito concert than the smell of DEET, you've got options – Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), IR3535, and 2-undecanone. Picaridin and OLE are a bit like a hidden camouflage blanket, rendering you unfindable to mosquitos. Be a bit wary of OLE though, it's not child-friendly under three years old, as it might cause skin reactions.

If you'd prefer something a bit synthetic and well, less smelly, IR3535 and 2-undecanone have got your back. The latter is plucked from the cuphea flower or cooked up in a lab and, at times, hitches a ride into your perfume.

Wardrobing properly can take you a step closer to your mosquito-free utopia. Contrary to the myth, tight yoga pants are not your arsenal against mosquito bites, loose clothes are. Better yet, opt for clothing equipped with permethrin, an insect repellent. Just so we're clear, permethrin is a ‘clothing-only’ guest. Direct skin contact is a big no-no.

While repellent-coated outfits are deemed safe for your sprightly toddler over two months, it might not suit the ones under three. For these little beings, mosquito nets over car seats, cribs, and strollers work wonders. Consult experts for the right dosage if you choose to go with DEET for your kids.

Talking about nets, they can be your knight in shining armour if your window screens are kaput or you are one with the outdoors. On your next overseas trip to mosquito-infested regions, make sure to pack a net with you (along with some memorable trinkets for us).

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; keep your windows shut, embrace the mosquito-net lifestyle, scatter those circulation fans, and drain any standing water. To stay ahead of the game, especially if you're traveling, sneak a peek at CDC's Travel Health website. Grab your intel on immunizations, recommended gear, and any site-specific tips.

Mosquito menace might seem like an inevitable part of life, but with the right weapons and knowledge, let's change the script. The path to bite-proof life is here - are you ready to embrace it?