Written by Matt Hick
It's a nice summer day and you're relaxing in your yard.
Suddenly, you feel something bite you. You may begin to itch,
when another bite takes place, and then another. It's those
pesky mosquitoes again. Why do these insects annoy us and what
can we do about it?
Mosquitoes have been around for millions of years. These
insects have many sensors on their tiny bodies, which enable
them to seek out humans for their attacks. Mosquitoes hatch
from eggs, which need water to develop. When they complete the
stages of their life cycle leading them into adulthood, they
leave the water. Interestingly enough, it is only the female
mosquito that bites, because she depends on blood for protein
for her eggs. The male mosquito feeds on plant nectar.
The first line of defense against these pesky creatures is
avoidance. Since mosquitos are attracted to smells, you should
avoid wearing perfumes and strong hairsprays in the summer.
Insect repellents such as DEET are also very effective. Wearing
long sleeves and pants when possible and limiting your outdoor
activities between dusk and dawn helps as well. The time
between dusk and dawn is the peak time for mosquitoes. It is
also wise to drain standing water on your property, as
mosquitoes need the water for their life cycles. Also, repair
or install screens in your home's windows and doors. Some
recommend taking one tablet of vitamin B-1 twice a day as a use
to repel these nasty creatures.
If you do fall victim to mosquitoes, there are a number of
remedies you can use to help with the discomfort of their
stings. Instead of scratching, try hitting the bite. It is the
scratching that will cause swelling. You can also apply an ice
pack to deal with the symptoms or use cool compresses. Calamine
lotion or anti-itching lotions such as a 1% hydrocortisone cream
will help to relieve the itching. Anti-inflammatory drugs and
antihistamines can control your symptoms as well.
Among the remedies found in your home, mint toothpaste is
probably the best known. By applying this to the infected area,
the itching and swelling will be relieved. Putting rubbing
alcohol or vinegar on the area is also effective. Mixing meat
tenderizer with water or vinegar to form a paste, and spreading
it over the swelling is something else you can try. Some claim a
deodorant or antiperspirant rolled over the area will do the
trick. Visine or plain old lemon juices are also some remedies.
If all else fails, you can always try an oatmeal bath.
Another remedy is to try rubbing a wet bar of soap over the
bite until a paste forms. Sometimes wetting the bite and
putting salt on it will work. Dabbing witch hazel on the bite
will also help the itch. Some suggest painting the bite with
clear nail polish to relieve your symptoms. If you happen to be
at work, try putting a piece of scotch tape over the bite for a
while.
The main reason for these remedies, beside relief, is to
control the itching so it doesn't lead to bleeding, scabbing,
or possible secondary infections. Just keep in mind that
although we might view mosquitoes as pesky creatures, in rare
instance they can be dangerous. They can transmit fatal
diseases such as mosquito borne encephalitis, malaria, and West
Nile virus. Protection goes a long way.
About The Author: Remedy Articles at
http://www.Remedy-Today.com. Learn how to operate a Successful
Adsense Website Network at http://www.eWebCreator.com. Matthew
Hick has been designing profitable Niche Adsense Websites for
over 5 years.
