Summers are officially in. And what’s the major way in which we can say so- yep, those pesky mosquitos are back. And with them those ever-nerve-wracking mosquito bites. Mosquito bites can be irritating and potentially dangerous, as they can transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Here are some tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites:Use mosquito repellent: Apply mosquito repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to your exposed skin and clothing. These products can provide long-lasting protection against mosquito bites.
Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Use clothing made of thicker material that mosquitoes cannot easily bite through.
Use mosquito nets: Use bed nets to protect yourself while sleeping, especially if you are in an area with a high incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.
Avoid standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so avoid standing water around your home. Make sure to keep your house and yard clean, and get rid of any sources of standing water, such as birdbaths, flowerpots, and old tires.
Use screens: Make sure that your windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Keep mosquitoes out of your home: Use air conditioning or keep your windows and doors closed to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
By following these steps, you can reduce your chances of getting mosquito bites and protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.
What You Didn’t Know!
Female mosquitoes bite because they need blood to produce eggs. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and animals by piercing the skin with their mouthparts, which contain a small, needle-like structure called a proboscis. They inject saliva into the skin, which contains anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting, making it easier for them to feed. Mosquitoes are attracted to their hosts by a combination of factors, including body odor, heat, and carbon dioxide, which we exhale when we breathe. They are also attracted to certain chemicals found in our sweat. Once they locate their host, they land on the skin and begin to feed.
