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How to Avoid Mosquito Bites

By Diane Hanson

Mosquitoes are not just annoying but can also be deadly. We hate these blood-sucking bugs buzzing around and keeping us awake all night long. And, when a mozzie bites, it leaves you with itchy raised bumps on the skin that last for hours and even days. So, what can you do to avoid mosquito bites, and reduce the risk of catching diseases caused by mosquitoes?

1. The best thing you can do to prevent mosquito bites is to keep mosquitoes from breeding around or in your home. Make sure to remove standing or stagnate water around your house. Clear water from from gutters, birdbaths, wheelbarrows, buckets, flowerpots and other outdoor containers. Keep kids' paddling pools empty and turned over when not in use. Make a hole at the bottom of tire swings to prevent water from collecting in it.

2. Keep skin covered as much as possible to prevent mosquito bites. Put on trousers, long sleeved tops and socks, and a hat. Be aware that mosquitoes can still bite through thin fabric, and dark colors can attract mozzies. Also, fragrances in deodorant, body lotion, hairspray, soap, and shower gel can be attractive to mosquitoes. It's wise to use unscented grooming supplies to avoid mosquito bites.

3. Wear mosquito repellent on exposed skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day to avoid mosquito bites. If you're using sunscreen, apply it before insect repellent. DEET is an effective mosquito repellant but it is known to cause skin irritations. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that DEET should not be used on infants below 2 months old. Also, avoid applying mozzie repellent on hands since they are likely to come in contact with the eyes and mouth.

Homemade mosquito repellents work just as well, they are gentle on the skin and Eco-friendly. You can make homemade mosquito spray with a few ingredients – fill a quart jar with some herbs such as catnip, spearmint, or pennyroyal. Cover with apple cider vinegar. Shake 2 times daily for 2 weeks. Strain and either rub on or spray on your skin.

Another quick homemade mosquito repellent is to massage some olive oil onto uncovered skin. Mosquitoes cannot penetrate the oil to bite you. The oil also breaks down the outside of the mosquito’s body which will stop them from biting you or anyone else in the future. You need to reapply this homemade mozzie repellant every 1 to 2 hours.

4. Stay indoors between dusk and dawn, as female mosquitoes are more active and you're most likely to get bitten during these peak hours. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. And, sleep with a mosquito net over your bed to avoid mozzie bites. Also, be sure to check for holes regularly.

Follow these simple tips and you'll significantly prevent mozzie bites in summer mosquito-afflicted days.

avoid mosquito bites

homemade mosquito repellant

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