Mosquito Bite Prevention
In addition to these, there are a few other things that can be done to help reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes and help protect you and your family.
A multi-pronged attack is the best defence against these bloodthirsty insects!
Here are some tips for mosquito bite prevention:
Cover Skin
Prevent mosquito bites by keeping skin covered as much as possible. Wear trousers, long sleeved tops and socks, and a hat. Don't forget areas such as the lower back and the back of the neck, which can sometimes become exposed without us realising.
Mosquitoes can still bite through thin materials, so the thicker and tougher the fabric the better. It is thought that dark colours attract mosquitoes more than light colours because they retain more heat, so bear this in mind when deciding what to wear in a mosquito-infested area. Mosquito repellent clothing is also available, made of an impregnated fabric which repels mosquitoes.
Stay Indoors if Possible
Try to stay indoors between dusk and dawn, as this is when many female mosquitoes feed and you are most likely to get bitten. But you can get bitten day or night, and this can depend on the species of mosquito in question. For example, the Aedes mosquito bites in the day. Remember that mosquitoes will come in through open doors and windows at any time, so insect screens and mosquito nets are important aspects of mosquito bite prevention.
Staying indoors is often not the most appealing option, especially if you are on holiday, so consider using a mosquito repellent. Mosquito repellents are a very effective method of mosquito bite prevention; there is a wide range available with something to suit everyone.
Air Conditioning
Stay in air-conditioned rooms, and also use fans, as this will eliminate the need for windows and doors to be left open. Mosquitoes aren't particularly keen on air breezes or cool temperatures so you are less likely to get bitten.
One tip, if you are indoors, and you don't have air conditioning and it's hot, is to place a free-standing fan close to an open window. The air turbulence caused by the running fan will help to create a barrier between flying insects on the outside and you on the inside. (Make sure there aren't any mosquitoes on the inside first because they definitely won't be leaving!)
Avoid Standing and Stagnant Water
Stay away from areas with standing or stagnant water, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. At home, make sure water is cleared from gutters, paddling pools, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, buckets, flowerpots and other outdoor containers, so as to avoid encouraging the mosquito population from thriving on your doorstep.
Avoid Perfumes and Fragranced Toiletries
Everyone likes to smell nice, but unfortunately mosquitoes like it when you smell good too. Using fragranced products such as perfume, deodorant, body lotion, hairspray, soap, shower gel and make-up is thought to make people more attractive to mosquitoes, so using unscented toiletries might be a good idea if you are trying to prevent mosquito bites.
