The irritating insects thrive off damp and humid weather conditions and they are most active from spring showers in April through to mild temperatures in October.
They are most visible at dusk and dawn, meaning those who are after a morning walk before work or an evening bike ride to the pub are the perfect target.
However, insect repellent is the “most effective” way to stop mosquito bites but a lot of these products contain DEET a powerful chemical, reports the Express.
Mosquitoes can spread germs that cause serious diseases. Prevent mosquito bites:
✔️ Use EPA-registered repellent
✔️ Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing
✔️ Remove standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs
✔️ Use window and door screenshttps://t.co/H59OyM7ruE pic.twitter.com/p42WKwPvJc
— CDC (@CDCgov)
Here are some alternative deterrents for humans to use that are less harmful.
5 natural remedies for preventing mosquito bites
According to Melanie Rose from Nationwide Pest Control, eucalyptus is one of the most hated smells by mosquitoes.
She commented: “The reason these smells deter mosquitoes is because they produce chemicals that mosquitoes don’t like, namely linalool and geraniol.”
Eucalyptus-scented candles and essential oils are known to work well to keep the hovering bugs away from you.
Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent of the purple flower on a lavender plant and this forces them to stay away.
An idea for applying the scent to your body to stop being bitten is using the extracted oils to apply on the skin – you can crush the flower and rub it in.
Scot Hodges, the vice president of professional development for Arrow Exterminators, explained: “Grapefruit is a refreshing summertime treat packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. But when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, a compound called nootkatone is a hero.”
Rosemary is a herb that many of us are used to using when we cook but its woody scent is what keeps mosquitoes away.
Try planting it in small pots around the places you spend the most time at home.
Why do people get bitten by midges and mosquitos and how to treat them?
TV doctor Amir Khan from Bradford recently appeared on ITV’s Lorraine with Dr Hillary who was in the studio and the pair discussed ways of how to avoid bites from midges and mosquitos.
Dr Khan explained: “Midges, when they bite you, you normally feel it straight away. It can get itchy and irritated.
“Mosquitos, before they bite you they inject you with an anesthetic so you don’t feel the bite as they drink your blood, Lorraine.”
“The reason some people are bitten more than others is because some give off chemicals that repel the mosquitoes which can be passed on genetically,” confirmed Dr Khan.
The insects also prefer certain blood groups such as O and A but they are least likely to bite blood group B.
However, they are also more likely to bite women.
Dr Khan added: “If you do get bitten, give it a good wash with some soap and water and you can apply some antihistamine cream. It will itch for a while but it should settle down.”
This content was originally published here.
