How To Avoid Getting Bit Buy Mosquitoes And Remidies For The Unlucky Ones

Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Avoid bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes.

They are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

Many species of mosquito prefer biting from dusk until dawn. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. Avoid playing outdoors during the peak biting times in your area.

Citronella candles may be useful when your children are playing outside.

Try to stay away from still water.

People who are highly allergic should avoid vacationing in the Everglades.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an insect repellent on exposed areas of skin. The most effective compound is DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide), an ingredient in most insect repellents. However, insect repellents containing DEET should be used sparingly on children.

Don't apply insect repellent under clothes, or too much of the toxic substance may be absorbed. Also, avoid applying repellent to portions of the hands that are likely to come in contact with the eyes and mouth.

Pediatric insect repellents with only 6-10% DEET are available.

For greater protection, clothing and mosquito nets can be soaked in or sprayed with permethrin, which is an insect repellent licensed for use on clothing. If applied according to the directions, permethrin will repel insects from clothing for several weeks.

Skedaddle and Avon's Skin So Soft both work well for some kids. Neither these nor the stronger repellents stop mosquitoes from landing -- only from biting.

Some studies suggest that taking thiamine (vitamin B1) 25mg to 50 mg three times per day is effective in reducing mosquito bites. This safe vitamin apparently produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes (Pediatric Clinics of North America, 16:191, 1969). It seems to be especially effective for those people with large allergic reactions. Thiamine takes about 2 weeks before the odor fully saturates the skin.

Calomine lotion, or any lotion/cream on the market. It's used for many different itchy bites (and for poison ivy contact too, I think). Some contains stuff that counteracts allergic reactions to a point, too. There are some you can buy that contain antibiotics as well, to help prevent infection.

Home Remidies To Treat Mosquito Bites
Garlic may work in the same way (except, of course, the odor is detectable by humans), but I have seen no scientific studies supporting this.

Toothpaste. A little bit of toothpaste smeared over the bite will stop the itchy feeling quite well for most people.

Things You'll Need
1 regular aspirin
1 tsp. baking soda
8 oz. water
Washcloth
Steps
1
Step One
Dissolve the baking soda in water.
2
Step Two
Soak washcloth in baking soda solution.
3
Step Three
Ring out approximately half the solution out of the washcloth.
4
Step Four
Allow the wet washcloth to sit on the bites undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes.
5
Step Five
Dip one regular aspirin in the baking soda solution to moisten it. Do not allow it to dissolve.
6
Step Six
Rub the wet aspirin on the bites. This may deposit a white residue on the bites.
7
Step Seven
Remove the aspirin residue when dry with a soft cloth.
Tips & Warnings
For maximum effectiveness, use this remedy as soon as possible after the bite.
The best way to stop mosquito bites from itching is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

This remedy works, in part, by dissolving the enzyme the mosquito sprays on your skin to soften it enough to allow the bug to penetrate your skin. If you don't have baking soda, a drop of ammonia or nail polish remover will also work. Follow up with the aspirin treatment to reduce swelling.

Do not apply this or any other home remedy to broken skin. If the bites have been scratched to the point of bleeding, treat the bites as wounds prone to infection. Cleanse, disinfect and wrap the bites in bandages until healed.