How to Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Bites

Summer has arrived, and insects have become one of the most unpleasant outdoor problems during this time.

5-Minute Crafts would like to tell you about how to protect yourself against annoying mosquitoes.

Who mosquitoes tend to bite most often

Some people seem to be real mosquito magnets. They are more likely to complain about being bitten and seemingly attacked by insects. There are several factors that make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others.

• It has been proven that people with type O blood are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.
• Mosquitoes are attracted to heat, movement, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid. Therefore, those who like to exercise outdoors are also more likely to be attacked by these insects.
• According to a study, pregnant women are twice as attractive to mosquitoes as non-pregnant women. Scientists believe that this is due to the additional heat that the pregnant woman’s body releases and the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the air she exhales.
• Body odor can also greatly influence a person’s attractiveness to mosquitoes. Bacteria living on our skin give it its characteristic smell. Mosquitoes may or may not like it.
• Mosquitoes have proven to be more attracted to dark colors. People wearing black clothing are more likely to get attacked by mosquitoes than those wearing light-colored clothing.
  

How to protect children against mosquito bites

• First of all, dress the child in clothing that covers their entire body. This way, you will protect their arms and legs from bites.
• Use a mosquito net to protect babies while they are in a stroller.
• Be especially cautious when using repellents. Always follow the instructions on the label. Don’t apply the product to irritated or damaged skin and avoid getting the product on the baby’s hands, mouth, and eyes. To apply the product to the baby’s face, you can also spray the product on your hands, then carefully apply it to the baby’s face.
• To protect very young children (under 3 years old), experts don’t recommend using repellents, including products containing eucalyptus oil.
  
  

How to protect yourself

• Prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your surroundings.
  Remove or empty any containers around the house that may contain water (bowls, buckets, barrels, etc.). Install a mosquito net on the pool and rainwater barrels, and keep trash cans covered. If possible, add fish that feed on mosquito larvae in artificial ponds.
• Protect yourself with clothing.
  First of all, when going to places where you may encounter mosquitoes, dress in clothing that covers your skin, like trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. You can also tuck your pants into your socks to protect your ankles against bites.
• Choose light-colored clothes.
  If you go outdoors, especially at times when mosquitoes are active, choose clothes in light colors to avoid extra attention from mosquitoes.
• Use mosquito nets.
  Install mosquito nets on doors and open windows in your house. If you’re camping, cover your tent and camping shelter with a net too.
• Treat your clothing with a repellent.
  Apply a 0.5% permethrin solution to your clothes, shoes, and gear (such as backpacks and tents). This insecticide kills or repels mosquitoes. And clothes treated with it are able to provide protection even after several washes.
  ❗ Don’t apply permethrin directly to your skin, as it’s not intended for this.
• Apply repellents to your skin.
  When choosing a product for your skin, look for insecticides containing DEET and picaridin as the active ingredient. Such products may contain different concentrations of active ingredients, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package before using them.
• Avoid staying outdoors for a long period of time when mosquitoes are most active.
  Mosquitoes are most active from dusk till dawn. Try to stay indoors during this time, and be sure to use repellents if you go outside.