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July 18, 2023

Understand your Enemy: the Mosquito

Yes, it is true.  I’m a mosquito magnet.  Those nasty bloodsuckers just love me. 


Did you know that male mosquitoes are not bloodsuckers, but that they only drink sugary liquids? 


So, let’s concentrate on the nasty female mosquitoes.  They are the ones that bite and attack us humans and animals alike!  It is her saliva that is transferred to us or left behind when she bites us and that causes the itchy rash.  While she bites us and sucks our blood, she also ingests and transfers pathogens or germs that are then transmitted to future hosts (or victims as I call them). 


Mosquitoes are important agents that quite easily and effectively spread diseases.   Early during the Covid pandemic, we were wondering, if one could contract Covid-19 from a mosquito bite!  The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease control said NO, explaining that Covid-19 is a respiratory virus, not a blood-borne one.  Whew, what a sigh of relief.  However, mosquitos are quite effective in spreading other serious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Chikungunya, Zika, and other blood-borne diseases.  


Mosquito Habits: Likes and Dislikes

Mosquitoes do not like a breeze!  Did you know, that it is very difficult for a mosquito to fly in any breeze above 1 mile per hour (or 1.6 kilometers per hour)?  Therefore, they tend to fly very close to the ground to avoid the wind.  So, that explains why my exposed ankles have gotten bitten so often! 


So, if you are trying to enjoy your patio on a still day, when there is no wind, bring an electric fan out to the patio, and aim it toward the lower half of your body and close to the ground. 


Since the wind usually is lowest at sunrise and sunset, this is the time of day, when mosquitoes come out to “dine”.  Therefore, when the weather is warm, try to stay inside during these feeding times to avoid being on their menu!


Mosquitoes will find you an attractive dining choice if you wear dark-colored clothing.  They are attracted to warm and dark colors, which will make you stand out more to them.  White or pale clothing apparently will blend into the background of their vision, thus ignoring you.  I have actually observed this to be true within a group of people where some wore dark colors, and others pale and white-colored outfits.


Depending on the weather, other clothing tips include wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks, closed shoes, possibly even a hat with mosquito netting that covers your face, neck, and ears.


Did you know that mosquitoes are attracted by pheromones that are released when you sweat?  When you sweat or when your heart rate is elevated, your body produces more carbon dioxide (or CO2).  CO2 is a mosquito magnet!  Raising your metabolic rate by eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, even exercising will crank up your CO2 production. So, you want to cool off by having a beer?  Think again!  Mosquitoes are especially attracted to CO2 emitted when you drink beer – who knew!?!  So, try to stay cool during the summer, and enjoy some ice water.  Easier said than done. 


Oddly enough, mosquitoes are also attracted by certain sweet scents contained in soaps, lotions, deodorants, or perfumes.  So, it’s best to try to avoid them during mosquito season.


One thing you cannot avoid is the blood type you have.  Your body secrets different scents based on your blood type.  Mosquitoes (the little vampires) love Type O blood and are least attracted to Type-A.


So, to stay off the menu, use insect repellent to mask what makes a mosquito love you!  Mosquitoes love all the places on your body, where the skin is thin, especially your ankles, elbows, behind the knees, wrists, and forehead.  So, this is where you should concentrate to apply mosquito repellent.


One of the most effective mosquito repellents is DEET.  To apply the repellent properly. spray some onto your hands and then rub it where your skin is thin.  Again, those places are primarily the ankles, behind the knees, wrists, elbows, and forehead.  Read the product label carefully.  If you are outside for 90 minutes or less, a product containing 7 to 10% DEET will be fine.  Be sure to re-apply the product after 90 minutes.  A lotion containing DEET is preferred to a spray because you avoid the risk of inhaling the product.  Another effective ingredient is picaridin (Icaridin).


If you want to go the more natural route, essential oils with mosquito repellent properties include lemon eucalyptus, thyme, geranium, lavender, catnip, citronella, basil, cedarwood, and citrus (lemons, oranges, limes).


Curiously, some friends swear by using Bounce dryer sheets to keep mosquitoes away.  Rub the dryer sheet on your skin and tuck one in your pocket.  They say it works like a charm.


To make your outdoor surroundings uninviting to mosquitoes, first and foremost, get rid of any and all standing water.  Mrs. or Ms. Mosquito loves to lay her eggs in standing water: your birdbath, your pet's water dish, a small puddle, stagnant water in your plugged-up roof gutters, pretty much anywhere water may collect!  Although they lay their eggs in water, some species lay them in moist soil, waiting for the next rain to flood the area.  Those eggs can survive winter, waiting for spring or summer rains to cover them over.  So, be vigilant. 


You can also plant mosquito repellent plants in your garden, or in containers on your patio.  These plants include lavender, marigolds, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, geranium, as well as edible ones like garlic, basil, sage, rosemary, and mint.  Who knew, that your herb garden is actually a great way to keep mosquitoes away.


Use mosquito netting over baby strollers and cribs, or when camping and sleeping outdoors.  Install screens on your windows and doors to keep them out of your home.  Repair any tears promptly.


Aftercare – so, you’ve been bitten, now what?

The worst thing you can do is to scratch your mosquito bite.  Not only will make the itching worse but could also lead to infection.


To help ease the itch, apply calamine lotion or nonprescription hydrocortisone cream. Or try these home remedies: vinegar or moistened chamomile tea bags (they were my grandmother's go-to remedies),  a baking soda paste, oatmeal paste, honey, or aloe vera. Or cool the bite with an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth.


Finally…

If you are a sporting person, why not get one of these multi-purpose rackets, or as my husband calls it “The Executioner”.  It is a battery-operated, rechargeable bug zapper that electrocutes the flying insects.  I was actually pretty skeptical at first when I saw them in the store.  They certainly work better than fly swatters, and you can kill a mosquito mid-flight! 


"Say hello to my little friend...Zapp!"  And the mosquito is no more.  




Finally, when you are enjoying your patio, burn a citronella candle.  The scent as well as the smoke keeps the mosquitoes away.  Plus, it makes a soothing and welcoming ambiance for your family and friends.



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