We all love the summer months, but the warm
weather increases the likelihood of getting bitten by a mosquito. Although most
of the time these bites can be harmless, in certain parts of the world,
mosquitoes carry dangerous pathogens, causing serious diseases such as dengue
fever and malaria. If you’re travelling to areas which are known for harbouring
mosquitoes, it is important to take measures to protect you and your family.
Use a Repellent
The first thing you should do is invest in
a good repellent, you can find natural brands that don’t contain any chemicals,
they’ll also be DEET free. Mosquito
repellent can be bought online or from your local pharmacy, it is important
to apply this formula every day to reduce the risk of getting bitten. You
should watch out for skin irritations and never apply repellent near your mouth
or eyes. You’ll be able to purchase child-friendly repellent, if you need
something suitable for the kids.
Close Windows & Doors
Whether at home or on holiday, you should
always remember to keep the windows and doors closed, especially from dusk till
dawn. Although you can get bitten at any time of the day, you’re at a higher
risk during this period. It is important to keep mosquitoes out of your home,
this way you protect your kids and limit their chances of getting bitten. If
you must be outdoors during mosquito feeding times, remember to take the
necessary precautions.
Mosquitoes can transit a range of deadly
diseases to humans, some of which include:
- Yellow Fever
- Dengue Fever
- West Nile Virus
- Malaria
Be Less Appealing
Scientists are still trying to figure out
exactly why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Although
they haven’t found the answer yet, they do know they certain factors come into
play when mosquitoes choose a target.
- Drinking alcohol makes you more appealing
- Overweight people tend to get bitten more often
- You’re more likely to get bitten if you’ve just finished exercising
While mosquito repellent is the most
effective way to stop bites, you can also use other devices designed to protect
you.
Wear the Right Clothing
If you have to go out during mosquito
feeding hours, make sure you and your family wear light clothing to cover your
body. It is also important to avoid wearing dark coloured clothing as it is
believed to attract mosquitoes.
Use Air Conditioning
Most mosquitoes don’t like the cold, so if
you’re in a warm climate make sure you turn on the air conditioning when
indoors. Instead of using a fan, cool your property with a good quality air
conditioning unit. You should also install screens on windows and doors.
Most mosquitoes live outdoors and are
active in the evening when the sun has gone down. But not all of them behave
the same, so you should take precautions at all times to avoid bites. There is
never a bad time to amp up your mosquito fighting arsenal to ensure your
protect yourself and your family.