Mosquito season has already begun, and that means they are bugging us!
This pesky insect is attracted to us because they smell the carbon dioxide we exhale, are drawn to our body heat, and smell our skin – then they know that we are a potential source of blood. As you probably are well aware, mosquitoes are annoying, and their bites result in red itchy bumps that can drive us crazy.
So, with that in mind, here are a few ways to avoid and repel mosquitos and to treat bites:
Avoid/Repel
Stay inside! But if that isn’t possible (and it probably isn’t)…
Remove and stay away from standing water
Use screens
Put up a tent if you’re going to be eating outdoors
Install a mosquito control device
Use citronella candles and yellow outdoor lights
Keep as much of your skin covered (really tough to do in the summer, though!)
Treat Bites
Don’t scratch them!
Try applying calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or baking soda paste (add a little water to some baking soda)
Take an antihistamine like Benadryl and/or an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen
Use an ice pack or a washcloth soaked in cold water
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are a real pain, but hopefully the tips above will help you coexist. There is lots of information about them on the web - check out this article.
