How To Prevent Mosquitoes From Biting

Introduction

Dubbed the world’s most dangerous animal, mosquitoes are common insects found in various continents of the world and have buzzed the world for millions of years. There are over 3,000 types of mosquitoes, and while some do not bite animals or people, others are capable of biting people, and the reactions are usually itching and swelling. Some mosquitoes also host disease-causing organisms and spread diseases.¹ 

Risk of mosquito bites

Everyone is at risk of mosquito bites, whether during the day or at night, indoors or outdoors. Mosquitoes are always searching for warm places to stay away from cold temperatures. Therefore, they are often found inside homes, garages, or sheds and often during summer until fall.² Mosquito bites  put us at risk of falling ill as mosquitoes spread viruses such as Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile Virus. 

Zika virus

Zika virus was first discovered in Africa in 1947, and it is majorly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are capable of bitting during the day. After a bite from an Aedes mosquito, some of the symptoms that follow include; muscle and joint pain, headache, rash, fever, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms can last between two to seven days. During pregnancy, Zika Virus is capable of causing miscarriage and preterm birth. It can also infect the fetus with microcephaly, therefore a public health concern.³

Dengue virus

You can get dengue virus when you are bitten by an infected mosquito, Aedes species. Once you are infected, some symptoms associated with the dengue virus are eye pain, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms typically last for two to seven days, and it is possible to recover after a week.⁴  

Chikungunya virus

A person can get infected with Chikungunya virus after a bite from an infected mosquito. Some of the common symptoms of this viral infection include fever, headache, joint swelling, rash, and muscle pain. The outbreak of the Chikungunya virus has occurred in various countries on about seven continents in the world. However, there is currently no vaccine or medication for the Chikungunya virus.⁵ 

West nile virus (WNV)

This viral infection usually spreads  when the mosquito vector bites a person. While most people infected with this virus do not get down with symptoms, others develop rashes, fever, or flu-like symptoms. Often West Nile virus infection goes away on its own without using any medication.

When a mosquito settles on your skin, it feeds on your blood and leaves its saliva behind. The immune system then reacts to the protein from its saliva, and the consequence is the itching that follows, which makes the spot of the mosquito bite red. Sometimes, the itching is unbearable.

How to avoid mosquito bites

Preventing mosquito bites should be highly prioritised, especially in regions where these insects are prominent or during the warm seasons. Some of the ways to avoid mosquito bites include;

List of steps to avoid mosquito bites

1. Air conditioners  when  indoors 

Controlling the room temperature with air conditioners is one of the tricks to avoid mosquito bites. Since mosquitoes always try to avoid cold places, the cold, dry air from air conditioners will be unfavourable to the insects. The moving air also affects their ability to fly in a straight line and bite their targets. Also, when the target’s body is cooled down, it becomes tricky for the suckers to pinpoint the prey. Therefore, they are unable to access the skin. 

2. Insecticides (Bug spray)

Insecticides are also effective when it comes to getting rid of mosquitoes. Bug sprays can be applied to areas where mosquitoes are most likely to hide, such as under the patio furniture, garage, or in other dark and humid areas. However, bug sprays work immediately but may need to be reapplied occasionally . It is essential to take note of the ingredients and ensure they are not harmful to humans. 

In addition, you can hire a professional to come to spray your yard with insecticides when you notice there are too many mosquitoes around you.

3. Mosquito repellant 

You can prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent. These mosquito repellants are sprayed on the body, especially exposed areas not covered by clothes. They can also be reapplied after swimming or excessive sweating. However, repellents do not kill mosquitoes; they only prevent them from biting your skin. 

4. Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets can also serve as a barrier to mosquito bites. Often, the nets are tightly woven together, hung up above the bed, and tucked into the bed. This way, the mosquitoes are kept out. It is important that the skin does not touch the net in order to avoid penetration from mosquitoes. Also, you ensure the net is not torn and take precautions when using the net and try to avoid putting candles, open fire, or cigarettes beside the net as it can catch fire easily. 

5. Cover up

Once you are in an environment where there is a large mosquito population, it is best to wear tight woven clothes to prevent any part of your body from being exposed to mosquito bites. Mosquitoes will not be able to penetrate into a tightly woven cloth; thereby, you will be protected from mosquito bites.

How to reduce mosquitos in and out around your area

You can reduce mosquitoes in and out around your area when you;

1. Turn out  collected  water r around  your  home 

Water is collected in the flower pots, the little pool outside, outdoor furniture, or just a little puddle around your home when it rains. Once this collected water stays for a while, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and these insects will find a way into your home and bite you or wait until you come out to relax. To avoid this, you can turn the outdoor furniture upside down, pools can be covered, clear out standing water, and keep the gutters clean. 

2. Repair broken  doors  or windows

Broken doors and windows can give mosquito access to our houses easily. It is better to have doors and windows fixed up quickly when they are broken to prevent mosquitoes from invading the house and biting you. 

3. Clear bushes s around  your area 

Mosquitoes naturally love humid and dark places with plenty of shade, such as under leaves, tall grasses, and hollow trees. When you clear these possible breeding grounds around your home, mosquitoes will not have any place to stay, thereby moving away from your area. 

4. Plant mosquito-repelling plants 

Quite a number of plants have been identified to keep mosquitoes away. These plants contain some fragrances that irritate the mosquitoes and make it less likely for the insects to settle around. The mosquito-repelling plants can be planted in areas that seem to encourage mosquito breeding. Examples of these plants include;

• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Citronella
• Marigolds
• Basil
• Nasturtiums
• Mint
• Rosemary

5. Indoor mosquito traps

You can prevent mosquitoes from biting you by using indoor mosquito traps. These devices attract mosquitoes and kill them when they fly into their grids. The indoor electric traps are non-toxic and are only harmful to bugs. They are better alternatives to chemical sprays and are safe to use for those with children at home.

Treatment for mosquito bites

If you are having any reaction to mosquito bites, you can apply the following;

1. Speak to your pharmacist about suitable treatment for itching. You can also ask the pharmacist for hydrocortisone cream, crotamiton cream or lotion, calamine lotion, and antihistamine tablets
2. If the area bitten by the mosquito begins to swell, you can apply an ice pack on that area and ask your pharmacist about antihistamine tablets
3. If you feel discomfort or some pain, you can take a pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen 

However, if any of these do not help, please consult the GP. 

When to seek medical attention

You should seek medical attention when you notice any of the following;

• The mosquito bite happened close to your eyes, mouth, or throat
• Your heart is beating fast
• You are having difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Your throat, face or mouth is swollen
• You feel dizzy
• You are losing consciousness
• You have difficulty swallowing
• Your symptom is not improving 

Summary

As one of the deadliest animals in the world, mosquitoes are carriers of organisms that can cause diseases. Most of these mosquito-borne diseases are capable of making you unwell for a while, and some can even lead to death, for instance, malaria. Making conscious efforts to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in our houses and around our areas will help us not to be victims of mosquito infections. However, when you feel different after a mosquito bite, you can see the pharmacist to request medications to use. If the symptoms persist, please contact the GP.