By many measures, mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals in the world. Conservative estimates hold mosquitoes responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year. However, mosquitoes also transmit a host of other diseases, including West Nile virus, yellow fever, and dengue fever. There’s ample reason to take every possible measure to avoid mosquito bites even without taking into account their terrible, stinging itchiness. For the best chance at thwarting these tiny killers, know where mosquitoes live, how to repel them, and how to kill them.
There are a couple things you can do to avoid mosquito bites. These tips will help avoid spending endless days of itching and scratching those irritating bites.
Cover up
Mosquitoes dwell in hot places and so it’s tempting to wear as little as possible to stay cool.Stay covered up as much as possible, particularly at times of day when mosquitoes and other insects are most active, like sunrise and sunset – wear loose fitting trousers rather and shorts, and wear shirts with long sleeves. The other benefit of covering up is that you’ll keep your skin protected from the sun.
Wear light colours
A little-known fact is that mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. This is believed to be because of contrasting dark coloured clothes provide against the horizon during dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Avoid standing water
Mosquitoes are often attracted to water, especially standing water, so lakes, stagnant creeks, bogs, marshes, and swamps are mosquito havens, especially during hot months. Most species of mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water and some have even adapted to lay their eggs in salt water.Stay away from any bodies of stagnant water, whether they’re small puddles or vast swamps, to reduce your risk of encountering mosquitoes.
Avoid getting too hot.
This advice is especially important if you’re in a hot, humid climate. Mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to warm bodies,[9] so staying cool is one way to avoid bites. Dark-colored fabrics absorb more heat from the sun than light-colored alternatives, so avoid them. Also avoid excessive exercise when possible. Not only will exercise cause you to radiate heat, it will also cause you to breathe heavily. Carbon dioxide, one of the gasses you exhale, can be smelled by mosquitoes even at relatively long distances.
Use insect repellent
When it comes to avoiding mosquito bites insect repellent is your best friend! This is because it is one of the most effective solutions.You can buy insect repellents from your local supermarket and/or pharmacy, and apply to any exposed areas of the skin. Those products, which include DEET, claim to be the most effective, but there are alternatives if you are allergic.It’s a good idea to apply insect repellent before leaving your hotel or apartment especially during the later parts of the day.Depending on the strength of the spray, apply frequently to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Instructions for Using Mosquito Repellent:
- Always follow the product label instructions.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
Avoid certain times of day
Generally, mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn, although this may differ depending on the species.These times of the day are often cooler and less windy making conditions more favourable conditions for mosquitoes.To avoid mosquito bites it’s a good idea to plan any activities you might have during the times of day when mosquitoes are less active.
Insect-free indoors
Easy way to avoid mosquitoes: Stay inside with the air conditioning or in a place with window and door insect screens that can keep mosquitoes outside. If you’re staying in a place without screens or air condition, or if you’re sleeping outdoors, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
Keep air circulated
Mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers (that’s why they are more active during dusk and dawn when there is little wind).Keeping air circulated with the use of fans is a good way to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito, as it makes it difficult for them to fly near you.
Be scent-sible
Mozzies are attracted by the smell of sweat, so make sure you wash regularly and don’t wear perfume or strong scents as insects love them.
Swim in the sea, not in lakes
Avoid stagnant water.Mosquitoes really like this kind of still water found in lakes, marshes and creeks, so if you need to cool off, stick to the sea.
Aim high
Choose a room above the third floor if you can. Mosquitoes and sand-flies tend to fly at lower levels.
Around the house
Any kind of container can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Empty bird baths, garbage cans, buckets, flowerpots, play equipment and anything else that collects water. Mosquitoes like garbage cans too. Spray your garbage cans regularly with insecticide and keep the lids on.
Lastly, make sure that the screens on your doors and windows are in good repair and consider turning on the air conditioning to keep the bugs outside.
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