Recently, six states have reported deaths from the West Nile virus. It’s a mosquito-borne illness that causes paralysis and brain swelling.
Avoiding mosquito bites is always a challenge. Sometimes we hear their buzz past our ears. Other times, we start scratching furiously without any warning.
Whether you’re vacationing in warmer climates for the holidays or going for a local hike, you will likely run into some mosquitoes. To help out, we’ve created a mosquito bite prevention guide for you to review. Read on for more insight.
1. Use Mosquito Repellent
One of the most common ways to avoid mosquito bites is using repellent. Many professionals recommend using mosquito repellents with DEET.
It was initially developed by the U.S. Army to protect soldiers in areas with heavy insect infestation. However, over time these products have shifted to general public use.
Avoid spraying the repellent directly to your skin. Instead, rub the solution into your hands and apply it to the necessary body parts.
2. Limit Your Exposure
Mosquitoes are like us, so they feed when they’re hungry. However, for them, peak feeding times are typically dusk and dawn.
Staying indoors during these times can prevent a bad mosquito bite. But if you’re planning to be out, ensure to use extra repellant or bring a supply with you.
3. Remove Standing Water
There are 176 different types of mosquitoes. However, you may be most affected by the ones bred in your backyard.
Mosquitoes love standing water, and it takes only a few days for their eggs to hatch. So if you have any gutters or old pots, dump out the old water as soon as possible.
If you have an area in your backyard such as a small pond, consider adding fish such as guppies. They love eating mosquito larvae, which is essential for preventing a mosquito infestation.
4. Consider Structural Barriers
Using repellants can be effective against mosquito bites. But if you want an added layer of protection, you can also use structural barriers such as a mosquito net.
They’re standard tools used to prevent bugs from biting you throughout the night. If you’re interested, visit bambulah.com to find a mosquito net that fits your bed and style preference.
5. Wear Protective Clothing
Mosquitoes generally can’t penetrate clothing that’s woven very tightly. So if you’re in an area that’s prone to mosquitoes, ensure to wear longer, thicker clothing.
But, what about for those visiting warmer climates? Instead of wearing longer clothing, wear brighter colors. Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors such as black, blue, and red.
Follow Our Mosquito Bite Prevention Guide on Your Next Outing
Mosquito bite prevention is critical whether you’re hiking in your local park or vacationing in a warmer climate. With our insights above, you can protect yourself from mosquito bites and the dangers that come with them.
If you enjoyed that article, check out the rest of our blog to discover more content on other bug bite prevention methods.
