Have you ever wondered why mosquito bites cause inflammation? I may have the answer. When mosquitoes bite you, they typically bite off the part of the skin that is not covered by clothes. This leaves that bitten area of the skin red or inflamed, and a bump forms. The bump becomes swollen due to the mosquitoes feeding off your blood. According to the Mayo Clinic (2022) website, “Mosquito bites are caused by female mosquitoes feeding on your blood.”
Once the mosquito bites and ingests your blood, saliva is injected into your skin. Their saliva causes a reaction in your immune system that results in itching. According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic (2022), “The saliva triggers an immune system reaction that results in the classic itching and a bump.” The ways to prevent this are by lessening your exposure to mosquitoes, fixing tears or issues in screen windows, and placing a mosquito net over your sleeping area if you are sleeping outdoors.
Use effective insect repellents with ingredients such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol (PMD). Wearing protective clothing will help as well, such as a hat, long sleeve shirts, and pants. Using preventive medicine is helpful to prevent inflammation from mosquitoes. Vaccinations and medications that help prevent inflammation and reactions from mosquitoes are available by talking to your doctor. You can reduce mosquitoes around your home by regularly emptying outdoor flowerpots, unclogging roof gutters, getting rid of old tires in the yard, and emptying your children’s wading pools often.
Mosquitoes bite during the day and at night. No one likes getting bitten by mosquitoes, so take control of the protection of your skin and be proactive by taking the necessary steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes can be a severe problem in the summer due to the warmer temperatures and lush vegetation that create optimal breeding conditions. In addition, mosquitoes can cause itching bites and serious diseases quickly. There are non-chemical mosquito repellents that work best.
Eliminating standing water is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents (Cocke, Geest & Shufran, 2022). Standing water is a vital component in mosquito breeding, and the more people can eliminate it ahead of time, the fewer mosquitos will be there. One of the most straightforward methods to accomplish this is to evaluate a property for any potential sources of standing water. The evaluation could include sewers, gutters, and dishes left outside in the water. In addition, investigate the area around any flower pots, bird baths, or other water sources. People who live in places with standing water for extended periods should consider filling them in with soil or other material to reduce or halt water flow. They should also ensure that any containers in their yard, such as garbage cans or buckets, are free of moisture and adequately covered.
Garlic oil or garlic powder has been used as a natural and effective mosquito repellent for centuries (da Silva & Ricci-Junior, 2020). When mosquitoes detect garlic, they avoid the area, which is advantageous if people live in a mosquito-prone location. In addition, sulfur compounds and a potent scent in garlic render it an effective natural mosquito repellent. One of the advantages of garlic is its enduring impact. When applied correctly, garlic can repel mosquitoes for three weeks. Garlic oil and garlic powder can create a natural mosquito repellent in diverse formulations. Using garlic powder or crushed garlic cloves on lawns and window sills has been successful. People residing in such locations also have the option to purchase commercial commodities that incorporate garlic oil, for instance, liquid sprays and candles.
In the southern United States, introducing beneficial insects into an outdoor area is an efficient yet simple technique to naturally repel mosquitoes (Gouagna et al., 2020). Ladybugs and dragonflies both serve vital roles in mosquito control. Ladybugs are well-known for their ravenous hunger for aphids, usually found on nectar-rich flowers and crops. Mosquitoes are also drawn to these plants; ladybugs can help control the invasion.
Planting insect-repelling plants is a simple technique to minimize mosquitoes. Due to the scent of these plants, which deters mosquitoes, they can be used as natural repellents. The most well-liked plant for preventing mosquitoes is a green plant called citronella, which may be grown in the yard or bought in candles or lanterns (Dhillon, Bains, & Kocher, 2021). Lemongrass possesses potential as a natural repellent, depending upon the geographical location. Consequently, introducing plants near residential areas, either in a garden, potted plants, or strategically placed foliage, can remarkably decrease the mosquito population. It is imperative to uphold one’s health while utilizing repellent plants, as mosquitoes tend to water excessively and decompose flora. Because of this, it is essential to stick to a watering schedule and ensure the plants get enough sunlight and nutrients. What method have you found that works to repel these pesky bugs?
References
Cocke, T. E., Geest, E. A., & Shufran, A. A. (2022). Learning about mosquitoes, diseases, and vectors: a classroom activity. Science Activities, 59(3), 142-150. https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2022.2071816
da Silva, M. R. M., & Ricci-Júnior, E. (2020). An approach to natural insect repellent formulations: from basic research to technological development. Acta tropica, 212, 105419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105419
Dhillon, G., Bains, S., & Kocher, D. K. (2021). Microencapsulated citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil as mosquito repellent finish for cotton. Agris Research Journal, 57(2), 275-279.
Gouagna, L. C., Damiens, D., Oliva, C. F., Boyer, S., Le Goff, G., Brengues, C., … & Fontenille, D. (2020). Strategic approach, advances, and challenges in the development and application of the SIT for area-wide control of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Reunion Island. Insects, 11(11), 770. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11110770
Wilkinson Wellness Laboratory 