Prevent Mosquito Bites

Avoiding Mosquitoes

It's summer and your datebook is filling up fast. You've got vacations lined up, barbecues to go to, parties to attend and a slew of other activities that, more likely than not, are being held outdoors. While your foremost concern might be deciding what exactly to wear for each occasion, you may also want to pay heed to the unpleasant problems brought on by mosquitoes.

Sadly, these unwelcome pests come out in droves when the weather heats up. It's not unusual to spend a perfectly pleasant day outside, only to return home and discover legs full of red bites. Unfortunately, there's so much more to a mosquito bite than meets the eye. These little insects bring pain, itchiness and even the potential for disease with them. They can cause the transmission of West Nile Virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria and encephalitis, among other very serious conditions. Low grade fevers may also accompany bites. A bite can be immediately uncomfortable, but the long-term effects can be downright alarming.

This is why it's so important to prevent mosquito bites in the first place. Obviously the best solution would be to avoid any environment where mosquitoes are situated, but during the summer that's as impractical as suggesting that people avoid the beach and bottles of cold water. Instead, take a proactive stance against this nemesis and practice a few tips that will keep your skin well protected while you're outside.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

If you're heading outdoors, you definitely need to take some necessary precautions to keep yourself safe from the possible dangers that lurk in a mosquito's bite. Since there are so many different tips and suggestions, it's helpful to pick and choose the ones that best suit you and your lifestyle.

• Wear light clothes. Since mosquitoes are naturally drawn to things that are reminiscent of mammalian flesh, it's helpful to stay covered as much as possible. Avoid bright colors and stick with neutrals like khakis and olives.

• Steer clear of fragranced body products, such as soaps and lotions. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents.

• Apply an insect repellent to exposed skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends DEET, which is found in common insect repellents. Take care to avoid using it on the hands (contact with the eyes and mouth would be harmful) and don't apply it beneath clothing. Children benefit from a 6 to 10 percent concentration of DEET, which is found in pediatric formulas, while adults may apply 30 to 50 percent concentrations.

• Apply permethrin, an insect repellent, to clothing for greater protection. According to the directions, permethrin helps prevent insects from even touching clothing for as much as several weeks after application.

• Some studies suggest that a daily B1 vitamin taken from April through October will help repel mosquitoes. During mosquito season, add 100 extra milligrams of B1 to your regimen to reap the greatest benefits.

• If you're hesitant about using chemicals, apply Vicks Vaporub instead. This is a natural insect repellent that will instantly drive those mosquitoes (and the cooling sensation is an added bonus in the sweltering heat!).

• According to some theories, mosquitoes love bananas. If you're headed out for the day, avoid eating bananas. The manner in which the body processes the banana's oil is attractive to the female mosquito, who loves sugar!

• Shower with citronella soap. This is a natural mosquito repellent that has been proven to work time and again. The soap contains an effective percentage of pure essential citronella oil and is ideal even for sensitive skin.

• Of course, sunscreen is a must if you're headed outdoors. Apply it prior to your insect repellent for best results.

Worst Case Scenarios

If you're plagued by bites and can't seem to avoid them no matter what you do, consider limiting your time outdoors during peak mosquito hours. If you must go outdoors, invest in mosquito netting, which can protect the face (and even soaked in permethrin for double protection).