Avoid Mosquito BitesMosquitoes are known to pass blood-born illnesses from one victim to another. They are a major health hazard and are responsible for the transmission of yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis, and many other serious diseases. In parts of the world where mosquito-transmitted diseases are not common, it is the bite itself that presents the greatest difficulty. More infants and children are bitten by mosquitoes than by any other insect. Here are some tips for avoiding mosquitoes:
|
Loading...
- Some studies suggest that taking thiamine (vitamin B1) 25mg to
50 mg three times per day is effective in reducing mosquito bites. This
safe vitamin apparently produces a skin odor that is not detectable by
humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes (Pediatric Clinics
of North America, 16:191, 1969). It seems to be especially effective
for those people with large allergic reactions. Thiamine takes about 2
weeks before the odor fully saturates the skin.
- Use Bounce Fabric Softener Sheets--just wipe on and go. This is great for babies.
-
Supplement
with one vitamin B-1 tablet a day from April through October. Add 100
mg of B-1 to a B-100 Complex daily during the mosquito season.
-
Don't
eat bananas during mosquito season--mosquitoes love bananas! There is
something about how your body processes the banana oil that attracts
these female sugar-loving insects.
-
One of the best natural insect repellents is Vick's Vaporub®. And Mosquito Repellent known as Antimos mosquito repellent.
-
Planting
marigolds around your yard works great as a bug repellent because the
flowers give off a fragrance bugs do not like. This is a great way to
ward off mosquitoes without using chemical insecticides.
-
Campers agree that the very best mosquito repellant is Avon Skin-So-Soft® bath oil mixed half and half with rubbing alcohol.
-
One
of the best natural insect repellants we use in Texas is made from the
clear liquid vanilla that is sold in Mexico. It is reported to work
great for mosquitoes and ticks, and spreading a little vanilla mixed
with olive oil on your skin smells great.
-
Commercial
mosquito dunks will kill mosquito larvae before they become mosquitoes.
There are fairly environmentally sound biological mosquito controls
containing no toxic chemicals. Each dunk affectively treats up to 100
square feet of surface water regardless of depth for about 30 days.
Dunks may be broken into smaller pieces to treat small areas. Unused
and dried out dunks retain their potency indefinitely, so you can store
extras for the long summer season. Put them in fountains, ponds, rain
gutters, flowerpot trays, and anywhere water may pool.
-
Citronella
soap is a product that started in the Bahamas and Belize. The soaps are
made with olive oil for moisture and great lather, Aloe Vera to soothe
the skin, and citronella oil to repel mosquitoes. For high intensity
protection you can burn citronella incense. Mosquitoes avoid citronella
and they hate the smoke.
-
Citronella
essential oil (Java Citronella) is considered to be the highest quality
citronella on the market. The best quality is steam distilled from the
grass giving it a fresh, sweet woody aroma. It blends well with
geranium, cedar wood and other citrus oils. It is 100 percent pure
essential oil--no additives, no dilutants, no adulteration, just safe
mosquito repellent.
-
Electronic
repellents utilize one to two sound frequencies to simulate dragonflies
and other male mosquitoes, creating a competitive environment for the
blood-sucking female. These devices come with Velcro bands for wearing
on your wrist or ankle, or on your pocket or belt. This makes for a
versatile, compact unit that you can take anywhere for protection. Some
units even have a built-in red flashlight for nighttime use.
-
When all else fails--get a frog!
Further, in combination with other chemicals or medications the chemicals could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations. Children are particularly at risk for subtle brain changes because their skin more readily absorbs chemicals in the environment and chemicals more potently affect their developing nervous systems.
In the event that you choose to use DEET, although I strongly recommend against it, do not use the products on infants and be very wary of using them on children at all (at least make sure products for children contain 15 percent or less DEET). The following precautions were issued by The New York State Department of Health for repellents containing DEET:
-
Store bottle out of the reach of children and read all instructions on label before applying.
-
Do not let children apply DEET themselves because they may put them in their mouths or touch their eyes.
-
Avoid prolonged and excessive use of DEET. Use sparingly to cover exposed skin; do not treat unexposed skin.
-
Do not apply repellents in enclosed areas. This is especially important when using sprays or aerosols.
-
Do not apply directly on face.
-
DEET can be applied to clothing, but may damage some synthetic fabrics and plastics.
-
Wash treated skin and clothing after returning indoors.
- If you believe you are having an adverse reaction to a repellent containing DEET, wash the treated area immediately and call your physician.
Alan Greene MD FAAP
|
|