Published: June 25, 2008 12:00 am            

Beating those pesky mosquitoes

Nothing ruins a lovely summer evening faster than being attacked by hungry mosquitoes. With summer nearly here we are at the beginning of the mosquito-biting season.

Mosquitoes may bite during the day but are the most treacherous between dusk (early evening) and dawn (early morning) as those of you who do their mowing at these times have discovered. My 7-year old granddaughter told me that mosquitoes would not bite if you do not breathe.

I could not recommend that as a prevention technique; however, she is right! Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide that we exhale and our bodies emit more when we are hot. A burning candle or a campfire also emits carbon dioxide.

The best way to avoid being bitten is to stay indoors -- and for most of us, that isn't going to happen. One of the easiest ways for preventing mosquito bites is to wear loose fitting, light-colored (since mosquitoes are nocturnal they are naturally drawn to dark colors), lightweight or sheer fabric clothing that covers most of the body. In the heat of Oklahoma, most of the time this is not practical. Many insects are attracted to perfumes, hair products, scented sunscreens, and floral scents that are included in products such as cosmetics, soaps, and detergents. So what are some other more practical solutions for preventing mosquito bites?



Ways to repel

Chemicals found in store-bought mosquito repellents have side effects that are considered by some to be dangerous and they hope that they can repel those pesky mosquitoes in a natural and organic way. Lemon eucalyptus oil is reported to repel mosquitoes and is available in your local health food store. On the Internet, eHow has instructions and ingredients for making your own repellent. I haven't tried it and I am probably too busy to make it.

A few other recommendations: use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets -- just wipe on -- great for babies, take B-complex vitamins (I have found this works, only if I use a really good chewable supplement). Also, avoid bananas during mosquito season, apparently the oil exudes from the skin and mosquitoes love it. And who knew that one of the best natural insect repellents is Vick's Vaporub? Also, try Listerine, and most of us have heard that Avon Skin-So-Soft products repel mosquitoes. Mosquito netting can protect babies in buggies.

When you're outdoors, try mosquito repellent candles that burn citronella. Electric mosquito traps are expensive ($100+) but can cover 1,300 square feet and attract mosquitoes from up to 80 feet away in favorable weather, and more economical are bug zappers that use ultraviolet light to attract insects. However, it is estimated that only 5 percent of the insects they kill are the biting female mosquitoes.



Remedies for bites

If the dreaded mosquito bites, it leaves a weal on the skin -- a swollen bump that is round in shape with pink or red around the edge and white in the centre and produces an irritating itch: washing the bite with soap and water and applying calamine lotion helps to reduce itching (this is good for small children who don't understand the admonition 'don't scratch'). In a pinch, hairspray can stop the itch, an ice cube on the bite helps reduce itching, or a garlic clove cut in half and rubbed onto the bite for immediate relief, aloe vera, lime juice or lemon juice are said to relieve itching (use the flesh of the aloe vera, squeeze the juice from the lime or lemon and apply to the bites), or use an over the counter cream containing hydrocortisone (1 percent).

Personally, I carry Burt's Bees Outdoor Bug Bite Relief (come in tube like lipstick, contains 100 percent natural essential oils, and is available at local health food stores).



Chemicals and insectisides

An effective and easy way to avoid mosquito bites is to apply a repellent. Repellents that contain DEET or picaridin work best although they are considered by some to be harmful to people and the environment (an effective repellent will contain 35 percent DEET and repels mosquitoes for more than 200 hours). Cutter Advanced contains 7 percent picaridin and personally, I only spray it on my clothing. Deep Woods Off! contains 95 percent DEET.

The Environmental Protection Agency states these chemicals are not toxic to the normal population with normal use and are effective repellents; however, as with all such chemicals, read the instructions. The EPA recommends the following:

· Do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin;

· Do not apply to hands or near eyes and mouth of young children,

· Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing,

· Do not use under clothing,

· Avoid over-application

· After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water, wash treated clothing before wearing again, and to apply to face, spray on hands first and then rub on face. Do not spray directly onto face.

Mosquito repellent should be applied at regular intervals as many factors will decrease its effectiveness: certain sunscreens, moisture on the skin following perspiration or swimming, levels of absorbency by the skin when repellent is applied, evaporation due to wind or heat.

The best rule for reapplication is if the mosquitoes resume biting. DEET can damage plastics, leather, and polyester. The best fabric to wear during mosquito season is cotton; wool and nylon are not damaged by repellents but are uncomfortable in warm weather.

Apply DEET to children's clothing rather than exposed skin; repellents used on children should not contain more than 10 percent DEET. Never let children spray or apply liquid containing DEET. Some individuals are actually allergic to mosquito bites and may report feeling dizzy or nauseated and some natural repellents contain plant oils that are allergens.

Remember, the best solution to the mosquito problem and the discomfort and the diseases caused by their bites is still prevention.

        

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