Mosquitoes are pesky creatures and common summer pests that can cause discomfort. These aquatic flies belong to the family Culicidae. One interesting fact about these creatures is that only adult female mosquitoes feed on blood to produce eggs, while male mosquitoes feed on plant juices such as nectars. In addition, mosquitoes are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night.
There are about 3,500 different species of mosquitoes found all over the world. However, only a few bite and transmit diseases like Zika, West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya. Mosquito bites can be very itchy and cause a lot of irritation. This is why many people use mosquito repellents to keep them away. But is it safe? How do these repellents work?
How Does Mosquito Repellent Work?
Mosquitoes are attracted to human blood because of the protein in our bodily fluids. In addition, they can detect carbon dioxide and ‘smell’ our skin when searching for another meal. Mosquito use receptors to detect their human target’s body heat and carbon dioxide.
Mosquito repellent makes humans unattractive to mosquitoes, so they will avoid areas treated with this. It also works by confusing and interfering with the receptors on their antennae, which deters them from biting the skin.
Though repellents do not kill mosquitoes, they provide protection from bites for a long period. A single application will last up to an hour. The University of Florida mosquito researchers test and evaluate the effectiveness of repellents based on how long it will continue to repel mosquitoes after one application. This is called Complete Protection Time (CPT).
Different types of mosquito repellent and how to choose the right one for you
There are two main types of mosquito repellent: natural and chemical. Natural mosquito repellents usually contain plant-based oils that are effective at deterring mosquitoes. Chemical mosquito repellents typically contain synthetic compounds like DEET, IR-3535, or picaridin, which are also effective but can come with some risks.
Some of the Chemical mosquito repellents:
DEET (chemical name: N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the most common active ingredient in mosquito and insect repellents. DEET is a very effective insect repellent, but it’s not always safe. It only works for a few hours once you apply the lotion, and then its effectiveness decreases greatly because of this short lifespan in high concentration.
IR-3535 – short for Insect Repellent 3535. It is a synthetic insect repellent developed in the 1980s. IR-3535 is one of the most effective insect repellents and can be expected to provide long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, deer ticks, and biting flies. It has been used for centuries by Europeans who want a product that doesn’t contain DEET but still provides good coverage against these pesky insects.
Some of the natural mosquito repellent options include:
Aside from the synthetic repellents, you can use several oils as mosquito repellents. Mostly, these oils come from your garden plants, such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender. You can make your own mosquito repellent using these oils or buy products that already contain them.
Lemon eucalyptus oil: Lemon eucalyptus oil is an effective mosquito repellent. The oil comes from the lemon eucalyptus tree and has a strong citrusy scent. When applied to the skin, it creates a barrier that repels mosquitoes. Lemon eucalyptus oil is safe for humans and animals and even for children. It is important to reapply the oil every few hours, especially if sweating.
Citronella oil: This oil is derived from the citronella plant and has been used as a mosquito repellent for centuries. Citronella candles and lanterns are a popular way to use citronella oil, but you can also add this to lotions and sprays. When used properly, citronella oil is an effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Lavender oil: Lavender oil has a calming scent that is also effective at repelling mosquitoes. The oil can be added to lotions and sprays or used in diffusers and candles. Lavender is an excellent insect repellent that keeps you and your family safe from mosquitos, particularly important if you have small children. The oil contains up to 25% linalool which works like DEET in keeping them away!
When choosing a mosquito repellent, you’ll want to consider how long it lasts, how often you need to reapply it, and if there are any health risks associated with the active ingredients. However, the most important thing to remember is that repellents are only as good as they can be. If you don’t apply it properly or cover all of your skin, you won’t be completely protected. The mosquitoes are skilled at finding the smallest chinks in your repellent armor.
Other Alternatives to Repel Mosquito
There are other things you can do in addition to using mosquito repellent.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants: Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and the heat from our bodies. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will help to keep them away from your skin.
Use a fan: Mosquitoes are weak flyers and have trouble flying in windy conditions. Using a fan will help to keep them away from you.
Stay indoors at dawn and dusk: Dawn and dusk are when mosquitoes are most active. So, if you can, stay indoors during these times.
Use mosquito netting: Mosquito is an effective way to keep mosquitoes away from you. You can also use it over your bed, stroller, or playpen.
Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Therefore, eliminating standing water sources will help reduce the mosquito population.
Change your lightbulbs: Mosquitoes are attracted to light. Changing your lightbulbs to yellow or CFL bulbs will help to keep them away from your home.
Conclusion:
Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can ruin any outdoor activity. They can also transmit diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Therefore, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Wearing mosquito repellent is one of the best ways to keep them away from you. Many different mosquito repellents are available, so choose one that is right for you. Remember to reapply it regularly and cover all exposed skin.
You can also take other steps, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using a fan, and staying indoors at dawn and dusk. Eliminating standing water sources will also help to reduce the mosquito population.When mosquito infestation is severe, you may need to call a professional pest control company to help solve the problem.These precautions allow you to enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7400
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN419
https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/mosquitoes-in-the-us.html#:~:text=Over%20200%20types%20of%20mosquitoes,mosquitoes%20do%20not%20spread%20germs.
https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,957,93.html
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https://saltlakepestcontrol.com/indoor-mosquito-repellents-in-salt-lake-city/