When Bugs Attack!

As many of you have probably already noticed it is the season for that those pesky little blood suckers, mosquitoes. This is because the rain and humidity influence the abundance of the mosquito and increase the availability of breeding sites.

Many of us know the irritation that is the itch of a mosquito bite. Only the female mosquito bites and in the process she releases a liquid containing digestive enzymes and anticoagulants into your system that causes the itch. This is because your body identifies this liquid as a foreign substance and releases histamine, which causes the blood vessels in the area to swell. The swelling of the blood vessels cause a red bump and the nerve endings in the area become irritated by the swelling, this causes the itchy sensation. Like all allergic reactions the severity varies from person to person.

You may have wondered why mosquitoes seem to like you more than the person next to you. Mosquitoes are attracted by the carbon dioxide that we - and other animals - exhale. They may also be attracted by various odours - perfume, perspiration, lactic acid, detergents - that combine in unique ways to make one victim more attractive than another as a meal. Also, some people react more violently to the bites than others and therefore appear to be bitten more often.

While we want to avoid mosquito bites because of the irritation they cause there is another reason to want to avoid being bitten. Mosquitoes are also able to spread several different human infections. They can spread diseases such as Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus, both causing a rash, fever and joint pain, lasting from a few days to weeks or even months. Both viruses also leave a person extremely tired and weak. Overseas mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of malaria, so it is always important in these areas to be vigilant about avoiding being bitten.

Mosquitoes tend to be more active in the 2 to 3 hour period around dusk or dawn, so if possible avoid being outside at these times. However if this is not possible then you can do a few things to help avoid being bitten.
Mosquitoes tend to be more attracted to dark colour clothing. This is because dark coloured clothing absorbs heat and mosquitoes are attracted to warm body temperatures and sweat. Therefore it is best to wear long sleeved, loose fitting light coloured clothing.

Ensuring you have a good insect repellent is important. Many recommend using a repellent that has DEET (diethyl toluamide) in it. DEET is an older compound with its safety and efficacy well studied.  It works by disrupting the sense of smell of the mosquito, therefore stopping them from finding their target.  With there being different strengths of DEET on the market it is believed the higher the concentration of DEET the longer the protection time. In children younger than 12 please make sure you read the label of the repellent or ask a pharmacist. As with any new product you are putting on your skin it is advisable to test it on a small area of your skin to ensure no reaction.

If you have been unable to avoid being bitten there are a few things you can do to help reduce the itch.
● An ice/cold pack can help reduce the swelling and itch
● Antihistamines can also help reduce the itch and swelling- ask your pharmacist
● Lavender oil and aloe vera can be soothing and ease the swelling and the itch.

It can be difficult to avoid scratching a mosquito bite, but by scratching it you increase your chances of infection or scarring. To reduce the risk of scarring it may be helpful to apply vitamin E oil to the area each day until it disappears.

Being prepared is the best form of prevention against mosquito bites. For more information please talk to our friendly staff in-store.

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