In many ways, mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals in the world. Conservative estimates hold mosquitoes responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year. But mosquitoes can transmit many other diseases, including West Nile virus, yellow fever and dengue fever. There are many reasons to take every possible measure to avoid mosquito bites, regardless of the terrible and annoying itch. To have the best chance of defeating these tiny killers, know where they live, how to keep them away and how to kill them.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preventing Mosquito Bites
Step 1. Apply mosquito repellent
Many insect repellents with special formulas are commercially available at sports or camping stores. Use insect repellents on bare skin when outdoors, especially during the day. When using sunscreen, apply it before the repellent. Here are some effective chemical solutions to keep mosquitoes away:
-
Repellents that contain 30-50% DEET (N. N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are recommended for adults and children over two months and guarantee protection for many hours. Repellents with lower DEET values offer shorter protection and need to be reapplied more often.
- DEET can irritate the skin when applied directly to the skin in high concentrations or for long periods of time. It can even cause severe allergic skin reactions in some people.
- Despite claims to the contrary, DEET has not been scientifically proven to cause cancer.
- Repellents that contain up to 15% icaridin must be applied often. You can find on the international markets insecticide with higher concentrations of icaridin.
Step 2. Consider a completely natural solution
Experiment with non-chemicals like lemongrass (a natural plant oil). Some say tea tree oil and vitamin B can help keep mosquitoes away. As with any product, their effectiveness depends on the situation, the chemistry of your skin and the species of mosquito you are dealing with. Note, however, that so-called workarounds, in some cases, do not meet the testing standards imposed on popular commercial repellants - research these solutions and read reviews before spending any money.
Step 3. Wear loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes from biting you is to cover your skin. Wear pants and long sleeves if possible. Also use loose fitting clothing. This is for two reasons: the first is that they are more comfortable in hot and humid weather, the perfect climate for mosquitoes. In addition, mosquitoes can in some cases bite through the fabric stretched against the skin, especially if the skin is thin.
- If you have the cash on hand, camping and sports stores often sell T-shirts and trousers in special fabrics, made from strong but lightweight materials. These garments offer maximum protection against mosquito bites along with a relatively high level of comfort.
- You can spray clothing with a repellent that contains permethrin for added protection (Remember, don't use permethrin directly on the skin).
Step 4. Don't waste money on an electrical device that can electrocute mosquitoes, commonly referred to as a "zapper"
These devices have proven to be very effective in killing many insects, but generally the most affected are the non-harmful ones. Also, the noise they make can be annoying. Mosquitoes can be eliminated more effectively by a device that uses heat and carbon monoxide to attract them and then imprisons or kills them with a net, container or chemical agent.
Step 5. Sleep with a mosquito net over the bed
Mosquito nets have holes that are fine enough to let air in but keep mosquitoes and other biting insects outside. Hang the net over the bed, securing the top to one or more surfaces. Use props to keep the net from falling on you. Make sure you don't sleep on your sides - mosquitoes can bite you through the net resting against your skin. Check regularly for holes - tape them up for a quick fix.
Protect babies under 2 months of age by using a stroller protected by a snug-fitting, elastic-edged mosquito net
Part 2 of 3: Avoiding Natural Habitats of Mosquitoes
Step 1. Avoid the parts of the world where mosquitoes are most common
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are present on every continent except Antarctica. However, they are more common in warm and humid areas, which are located near the equator. If you really want to avoid mosquito bites, avoid tropical climates altogether.
- Mosquitoes are particularly common in the jungles and swamps of Central and South America, South Asia and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania.
- If you are unsure whether it is safe to travel to a certain part of the world, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on malaria and travel. This site offers a country-by-country overview of malaria prevalence, as well as any drug resistance of existing strains.
Step 2. Avoid puddles of water
Mosquitoes are often attracted to water, especially stagnant water, so lakes, stagnant streams, swamps and pools are their favorite breeding sites, especially during the warm months. Almost all mosquito species lay their eggs in standing water, and some have even adapted to spawning in salt water. Avoid all pools of standing water, be it small puddles or large swamps, to reduce the risk of encountering mosquitoes.
Many species of mosquitoes remain quite close to where they spawned and reproduced. If you stay away from these areas, you will avoid these species altogether
Step 3. Do not let water stagnate near your home or camping site
It is easy to inadvertently create habitats for mosquitoes to live and reproduce. A paddling pool, for example, if left out in the summer sun for several days, can become a source of mosquitoes. Remove all pools of standing water in your home or camping. If you have a pool, cover it when it's not in use, and treat the water with chemical additives such as chlorine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Here are some places where water can accumulate:
- Abandoned industrial tires or containers
- Construction trenches or ditches
- Swimming pools
- Points of course at lower height of the property.
- Clogged drains.
Step 4. Avoid some "mosquito" seasons
In the tropics, the differences between the seasons are minimal, so mosquitoes can thrive in a warm climate all year round. In temperate areas, on the other hand, mosquitoes are active only during the warmer months. In colder ones, mosquitoes hibernate and new adults do not mature beyond the larva stage. In parts of northern Italy, for example, winters are cold and snowy and mosquitoes are completely eliminated, but summers are hot and humid, and favor the increase in the mosquito population. The "mosquito seasons" vary according to the local climate - generally, they are the hottest and wettest months of the year.
Another seasonal factor that can affect the mosquito population is flooding. In some parts of the world, such as in the Nile valley in Egypt, there are periodic floods. Stagnant water from these floods can lead to a drastic increase in the mosquito population
Step 5. Avoid getting hot
This advice is especially important if you are in a hot and humid climate. Mosquitoes are attracted to hot bodies, so staying cool is one way to avoid bites. Dark colored fabrics absorb more heat from the sun than lighter ones, so avoid them. Also avoid doing too much physical activity if possible. Exercise not only causes heat to radiate out of the body, it also makes breathing more labored. Carbon dioxide, one of the gases you emit, can be smelled by mosquitoes even at relatively long distances.
Part 3 of 3: Eliminate Individual Mosquitoes
Step 1. Get the mosquito in the air
If you don't practice it, it won't be easy, because the hand-induced blast will give the mosquito ample warning, and may be enough to blow the insect out of your grasp.
Step 2. Use a fly swatter
The fly swatter is built with a plastic end part, mounted on an elastic steel cable, and will greatly increase your chances of hitting a stationary mosquito, thanks to the superior speed you can impart to the hit. You can also use your hand in a similar motion.
Step 3. Try squeezing the mosquitoes between both hands
Using two hands is more effective, because the movement of air from each hand will push the mosquito towards the other palm.
Step 4. Don't try to trap a mosquito when it tries to bite you
There is an urban legend that suggests that if you contract your muscles or tighten your skin while a mosquito bites you, its proboscis will get trapped in your skin and will drink the blood until it explodes. There is no scientific research to support this thesis. Even if you manage to make this method work, you will still find yourself with a good sting and put yourself at risk of infectious diseases. If you're trying to avoid mosquito bites, why kill them letting you get stung?
Step 5. Trap the mosquito in a glass
If the above steps don't work or the thought of killing a mosquito makes you feel guilty, you can try catching a live mosquito, then letting it loose outside your home or away from your tent. Slowly put a glass (preferably a hard material) over the mosquito and then slide a sheet of paper underneath. This will allow you to control the mosquito and offers you a peaceful alternative to the extermination of mosquitoes. Carefully hold the paper under the glass as you move the mosquito to its new habitat.
Advice
- Mosquitoes are attracted to lactic acid on sweaty skin, so showering often can help you avoid bites.
- Smear mentholated petroleum jelly on your ankles, wrists and shoulders.
- Keep the toilet lid closed; you will eliminate another source of moisture. This is especially important for outdoor toilets.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to blue and other dark colors.
- There are fly swatters of many types and shapes. Any object that "stretches" your arm, and therefore allows you to strike faster, will be useful. A rolled up magazine will do too.
- If you are in an area where lemongrass grows wild, look for a plant and break off a sprig. The smell can discourage mosquitoes.
- Smear Avon's Skin so Soft cream, and put on an insect repellent jacket.
- Try not to be outdoors for long periods of time.
Warnings
- Always remember that DEET is a toxic substance. Use it carefully.
- If you have to travel to tropical areas, research malaria prevention.
- Mosquitoes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk - take extra precautions at these times.
- The specially created ultrasound devices repel mosquitoes by emitting a high pitched sound that should emulate the sound emitted by the dragonfly, which has always been the natural predator of mosquitoes. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these theories.
