Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes

Since mosquitoes are virtually everywhere, it's important to remember to use protection when the possibility exists that you might come in contact with them.   

Every year new products join the market professing to provide relief from mosquitoes.  In addition, there are many age-old remedies or rituals that supposedly repel mosquitoes.  It seems that few of these devices work to any great degree, and in many cases people spend money on devices that kill or repel everything except mosquitoes.

Electronic Repellers (sound/high frequency devices)

Hand-held electronic devices relying on high frequency sound to repel mosquitoes have become very popular.  The manufacturers' marketing themes vary from product to product, however they follow the same line of thinking.  Some products say they mimic the wing beat of a male mosquito which scares away the female, and others claim to sound like a hungry dragonfly.  There is very little scientific data proving these devices work to any satisfactory degree.  On a side note, female mosquitoes do not flee from males, nor do they avoid areas where dragonflies are present. 

Bug Zappers

Bug zappers rely on ultraviolet light to draw insects to an electrified wire grid.  Although people using these devices do hear that resounding sizzle as insects are electrocuted, tests show that less than one percent of the insects killed in zappers are mosquitoes.  In most cases the insects killed are beneficial ones which would normally serve as a food source for other forms of wildlife.

Citrosa Plants (citronella)

The citrosa plant is a genetically engineered houseplant created to emit a citronella odor to repel mosquitoes.  Although citronella oil is known to have mosquito repelling properties, studies have shown that the plant does not repel mosquitoes.  In fact, tests showed that mosquitoes often land on the plant leaves, indicating the plant does not emit enough oil to repel the mosquitoes.  Crushing the leaf and rubbing it on the skin did nothing to repel mosquitoes either.  Burning citronella candles or oil has been known to provide some help in repelling mosquitoes.

Bats and Purple Martins

No two species have been so broadly publicized to control mosquitoes as Purple Martin and bats.  The truth of the matter is, that although both DO prey on mosquitoes, studies of stomach contents indicate that mosquitoes make up a very small portion of either creature's diet.  When bigger, juicier prey is available, mosquitoes are hardly worth the effort to chase and devour.  In most cases, Purple Martins and bats provide no significant reduction in mosquito populations in a given area.

Mosquito Repellants Containing "DEET"

Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide) are the most common repellents used. DEET provides short-term protection when applied to skin and clothing and is effective against most biting flies, mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.  Some repellents have DEET concentrations of up to 100%; however these high concentrations may cause toxicity and should be avoided. The CDC recommends applying DEET concentrations on the skin no stronger than 30-35% for adults and 6-10% for children.   DEET is effective when used in small amounts as long as it is spread evenly and completely over exposed skin.  Untreated skin remains vulnerable to bites.

In some instances small amounts of DEET are absorbed into the body through the skin, which can cause allergic or toxic reactions in adults and children.  Symptoms can include itching, swelling, blistering, or redness of the skin; and burning or stinging of the lips, tongue, and mouth.  If large quantities penetrate the skin or are swallowed, serious side effects can occur such as slurred speech, staggering, lethargy, and seizures.  Drinking DEET can be fatal.  Parents should avoid putting repellent on children's' fingers and hands to prevent them from swallowing it.

Permethrin

Permethrin is a highly effective insecticide and repellent which is recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear (NOT skin).  Clothing treated with Permethrin repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects and retains this ability after repeated laundering.

Carbon Dioxide Lure Traps (mosquito magnet, etc.)

Mosquitoes are attracted to us (or any other blood meal source) by our breath > carbon dioxide.  As such, these devices claiming to lure mosquitoes to their death by CO2 indeed do just that, they lure the mosquitoes to them by converting propane gas into CO2, then capture them in different ways depending on the product.  The most important thing to remember about any of these devices is to place them as far away from human activity as possible.  Since they can draw in large numbers of mosquitoes, you would want them traveling away from you.   Depending on model and size, most of them claim to cover an area somewhere between 3/4 to 1-1/2 acres.   An internet search for mosquito magnets or mosquito devices will give you an assortment of products to browse through.

  General Personal Protection Guidelines 

• Use insect repellant containing DEET 30-35% (except for children, use 6-10%)
• Wear light-colored clothes that cover most of your body, i.e., arms, legs, ankles.
• Make sure house screens are intact and closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering house.
• If outside, avoid wearing perfume, cologne, hair spray, or after-shave lotions; the scent may attract insects.  Use unscented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants.
• Spray permethrin on clothing and bed nets if camping or hiking.
• Wear shoes (not sandals) and socks.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY, stay inside if possible during the hours of dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. 

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15400 Wiscon Rd., Brooksville, Florida 34601      Phone: 352-540-6552      Dr. Guangye Hu, Manager