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Mosquitoes - 6 Points to Ensure a Happy Weekend!
We have over 300 Species of Mozzies in Australia, so yes its more critical than ever before to make sure you are prepared in the tropics.
An insect repellent will help protect you from mosquitoes that spread malaria and other diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Yellow fever. You can use an insect repellent on your skin and clothes to keep away (repel) insects. Your doctor may also prescribe you a medication to prevent malaria (antimalarial drug).
So if you are going away camping or living in the tropics its improtant to be prepared.
1. Know where mosquitoes live
Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle (egg, larvae, pupa, mosquito). The first 3 stages won't bother you, but stage 4, is when the mosquito leaves the water and comes looking for you. FYI - It is only the female mosquito coming to bite. The males do not.
Long grass, weeds and brush are all resting places for them as well. They like deep and dark foliage to rest in particularly during the day.
2. Be prepared during dusk to dawn
Mosquitoes are busiest and most prevalent at dusk and dawn But some mosquitoes are busy during the day as well. It depends on the mosquito.
3. Repellant is a must
If your skin is sensitive to Chemicals then avoid DEET, some repellents have oils such as tea tree and citronella repellents will need more frequent applications and are not as effective.
4. Smells that attract mosquitoes
A mosquito is attracted by the carbon dioxide that a human and animal exhale. Plus they are attracted to heat sources coupled with their excellent vision. It is not easy to stay invisible to a mosquito. They are also attracted to your body odour so if you are sweating them mozzies will naturally be more attracted.
5. Save your money - don't buy gadgets for mosquitoes
While all the gadjets look attractive and sound relevant, sadly none are yet know to work.
The bug zappers (which emit a UV light) are killing the wrong bugs. They do not kill the biting insects. There are no controlled studies that show these zappers actually work on mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not attracted to that light so avoid the hype.
How about the repellent wrist bands? A lot of studies on this, and overall not recommended as a method of repellent. It may stop the mosquito from landing on your wrist, but the rest of the body is still vulnerable.
Ultrasonic devices that repel mosquitoes? No. They don't. 10 studies have been done on these devices and all came back stating they do not work and do not kill mosquitoes or repel them (source here). So spend your money wisely and embrace the Serenity (lol)).
6. Ensure Proper Protection
Wether you are going Camping or live in the tropics, its important to ensure you have no free entry points for mozzies into your tent or house, so ensure that all your fly screens are intact with no holes, and in the case of tents ensure that the tents are all properly sealed before going camping.
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