Prevention of mosquito bites

Mosquitoes will find you, no matter how well you hide. Even though we know that they are mostly active during dawns and dusks, we cannot confine ourselves in a box, being safe from these insects. The effect of being bitten by a mosquito is familiar to most of us, manifesting through redness and itchiness. However, some mosquitoes are capable of transferring serious diseases like the dengue fever, malaria or the West Nile virus. Thus, it is best to stay protected, playing it safe.

Prevention of Mosquito Bites

Once you get bitten, even though it is already too late, you can use oral antihistamines and topical lotions in order to prevent itching and redness from bothering you. Moreover, using insect repellents and wearing long sleeved clothes may both be good methods of defense against these merciless little bloodsuckers.

As for real prevention of mosquitoes and their bites, you need to know that they are mostly present near areas with stagnant water. Thus, if you find ponds, watery pits or other types of this water, remove them or cover them up. This way, you will reduce the amount of mosquitoes around your house significantly.

Also, bear in mind that you may get rid of stagnant water by unclogging your roof gutters, emptying the children wading as often as possible and changing birdbath water frequently. If you have any containers lying around your backyard, take these away because these may collect water during rains, attracting mosquitoes. Finally, if you happen to own a fire pit, expose all the water containers to it in order to dry the collected rain out.

Alternative Methods of Mosquito Prevention

A popular alternative for preventing these insects from bothering you is buying an electronic insect control system, commonly referred to as bug zapper. Some people claim that citronella-scented candles may work as well. Alternatively, you can act to be a biologist and domesticate birds and mammals which feed on mosquitoes to the area around your house.

Ultimately, many individuals opt for insect repellents. These substances may help you stay safe, but will do absolutely nothing when it comes to destroying the mosquitoes. Rather, it will just confuse the insects, making it harder for them to find you.

DEET is the most commonly used mosquito repellent. Yet, it is toxic when used in larger amounts, so as all alternative solutions of this type are, so be careful.

Picaridin, lemon eucaliptus oil and citronella may offer you good, but more limited protection.

Additionally, do not forget to wear long sleeved and long legged clothes, wearing your socks and tucking in your pants into them. Avoid darker colors since mosquitoes like these more. Hats and caps will keep your neck, face and head more protected.