How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
If you are planning a vacation in tropical locations, protection from mosquitoes is crucial. Although swimming pools are safe, the Zika virus may cause microcephaly in infants. The same goes for several other mosquito-related illnesses, including dengue fever, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. It is therefore important to avoid exposure to these insects. Luckily, there are various ways to keep mosquitoes away.
The best protection is to wear light-colored clothing in areas where there is standing water. Long trousers made of tightly woven fabric are especially effective. Use mosquito netting that is white with twenty-six or more meshes per inch. Garage doors and windows should always be closed, and screens should be cleaned regularly. It is also a good idea to change the water in pet water bowls, bird baths, and vase water on a weekly basis. In hotter weather, this may need to be done more often.
To prevent mosquito bites, use insect repellent. Choose a repellent with DEET or picaridin as the active ingredient. It is important to follow the directions on the bottle. Apply a thin layer to your skin, covering every exposed part. It is best to wear long pants and long sleeved shirts. If you want to use a natural repellent, you can opt for one with DEET or picaridin.
Using a mosquito repellent that is made of lemon eucalyptus oil can be very effective as well. However, you should remember that mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day, and the Aedes aegypti species is particularly active in midday and early evening. If you must go outside, make sure you are in an air-conditioned or screened building.
Another natural repellent is basil. Its essential oil contains alpha-terpinene, a compound that can kill mosquitoes. If applied topically, basil oil has a high degree of effectiveness against mosquitoes. When burned, basil leaves can provide 85% protection for an hour. You should never burn thyme leaves, as this can cause irritation. Its oil can be absorbed into your skin.
Generally, chemical repellents are not a viable option when it comes to protecting yourself from mosquito bites. However, these products have been proven to be effective. Some of the active ingredient in these products is DEET, which provides long-term protection from mosquito bites. Its main disadvantage is that chemical repellents can be washed off by sweat, so you should avoid exposure to them as much as possible.
To be effective, you need to avoid standing water. Use mosquito netting and spray insect repellents. You can also keep a lookout for standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. By following these tips, you can stay protected from mosquito bites. And by using insect repellents, you can ensure that you will be safe during your next vacation. If you are planning a trip to a tropical island, you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay.
Essential oil-based products contain DEET, which works on contact with mosquitoes. These repellents are often diluted with DEET to provide better protection. A DEET-based product that contains both oils will provide better protection from mosquitoes and ticks. In addition to these, a DEET-based insect repellent can also be used in daytime. For people who spend their vacations in outdoor locations, DEET-based repellents are not the only option when it comes to mosquito repellents.
Those interested in protecting themselves against mosquitoes should consider applying permethrin on clothing and other fabrics. Unlike DEET, permethrin repellents work on the contact level and are most effective when combined with DEET. It will not be effective if you apply it directly to your skin, and it may irritate your skin. A repellent will also help reduce the amount of bites, but it will not prevent the bites completely.
Insect-repellents derived from plants like citronella and geranium can be effective against mosquitoes. They are also effective against ticks and other pests. For outdoor use, a DEET-based repellent can be applied to clothing. It provides protection from mosquitoes for two to eight hours. Whether you’re wearing an insect repellent or simply putting a DEET-based product on your clothes, DEET provides a barrier that protects you from these insects.
