Mosquito bites are annoying at best. Many outdoor parties have been ruined by the constant slapping of mosquitoes with the consequences of itchy, unsightly, bumpy bites.
Mosquito bites are not only annoying, they are worrisome for their ability to spread disease. West Nile disease is potentially serious disease that can be caused by the mosquito bite. The risk of serious disease is actually pretty low. The aggravation factor does not change. Mosquitoes are pesky critters, indeed.
Mosquitoes can be so annoying that people avoid being outside where they can enjoy the pleasant outdoor weather. Large gatherings of people attract large swarms of mosquitoes.
There are several methods of deterring mosquitoes, with varying degrees of success.
1. Plan activities during the times when mosquitoes are less prevalent. This is the “If you can’t beat them” approach. Spend time in the outdoors during sunny weather. Mosquitoes tend to come out more at dawn, dusk and at nighttime.
2. Cover up. Shorts and tee shirts are typical summer wear that leaves a lot of skin exposed to potential mosquito attacks. People that insist on spending time in heavily mosquito infested areas should wear long sleeved shirts, wear socks, wear long pants and even consider tucking the pants into the socks so the mosquitoes can’t climb up the leg. Ouch! Wear a full brimmed hat. A hat with a brim helps to protect the head and neck. Baseball caps worn backwards protect the back of the neck.
3. Consider wearing a mosquito net to cover the head, face and torso. This may not be the best party look. It also makes it hard to drink a wine or beer or to sample a party snack. It is, however, very practical for summer outdoor events such as fireworks. Mosquito netting is also very practical when venturing out into wooded areas when hiking.
4. Wear light colored clothing. Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors.
5.. Deter mosquitoes with insect repellents. Repellents can help to keep mosquitoes at bay. Even though some repellents are classified as pesticides by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, repellents don’t kill mosquitoes. They may still buzz around you. Repellents just make it harder for the pesky critters to find you. Common insect repellents include: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of lemon eucalyptus and other natural repellents. DEET is the repellent of choice in the United States.
DEET blocks the ability of mosquitoes of find people who apply it. Picaridin is comparable to DEET, and is good for people who are sensitive to the odor of insect repellents, as Picaridin is nearly odorless. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a plant based chemical that offers protection comparable to low concentrations of DEET. Shorter acting repellents that contain plant based include: oil of geranium, cedar, lemon grass, soy and citronella. The plant based oils may offer limited protections.
6. Eliminate standing water by unclogging roof gutters, emptying children’s wading pools and swimming pools at lease once a weeks, change water in birdbaths at least weekly, getting rid of old tires in the lawn, emptying used containers in the yard, turning any unused containers upside down so they can’s collect water.
7. Use citronella scented candles and tiki torches with citronella. In order for citronella candles to be effective, place a mass of them surrounding the area where people gather. It may take several citronella candles to protect an area.
8. Install electronic insect control systems, known as bug zappers.
9. Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug lights.
10. Attract birds and mammals that feed on mosquitoes to the lawn. Blue Martins and bats feast on mosquitoes and can keep them at bay.
If bitten my mosquitoes, some relief of the swelling and itching can be obtained by applying hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or baking soda paste. A cold pack. A bag or baggie filled with ice may also help relieve the pain.
Enjoy the summer outdoors while taking these steps to avoid mosquito bites.
