Post by artisans on Nov 5, 2008 21:52:28 GMT 2
We all know that come the heat of the summer and the mosquitoes will be out and about.
For some of us, they don't seem to cause too many problems but for many repelling the little critters can seem a full time job!
Here's a few truths about them:-
Well, that an intereting list of mossie facts but what do you find effective?
There is little doubt that having doors and windows open while the light is on is just asking for the local mossie population to drop by for dinner!
We tend to go for a more natural approach, as we would rather not be applying chemical repellants for any length of time. We rely on lavender oil, mixed with a carrier, Avon's dry oil spray for example. Applied every evening, early, seems to work for us. We also have the fan in the bedroom and one on the desk.
We know that there are plenty of other good recommendations out there that are used every summer. So, tell us what you do to keep those pests away!
For some of us, they don't seem to cause too many problems but for many repelling the little critters can seem a full time job!
Here's a few truths about them:-
- many species of mossies do not have a long flight range - you maybe able to out run them if so inclined!
- Although it may feel like an armful, a mossie takes only 0.001 to 0.01 millilitre of blood per bite and that's on an empty stomach!
- It is only the females which need blood in order for eggs to mature. It is not used for nourishment. For energy both male and female mossies drink plant nectar, much like honeybees! I never knew that!
- Fossilised remains of mossies have been dates back to 400 million years ago!
- Life expectancy, unless whacked, is usually 2 - 3 weeks.
- If mossies were irradicated, something far worse could replace them - better the devil you know....
- Mossies are definitely attracted to Carbon Doxide and call them in from 35 metres away!
- It has been clinically proved that taking garlic tablets and vitamin B12 has no effect on dissuading a mossie to bite!
- Wearing perfum and drinking beer are known to attractions to mossies.
- The oil of lemon eucalyptus is officially as effective a repellant as DEET (which has been around for more than 50 years) and is natural. It is also effective aginst ticks.
- Yellow bulbs, although not a proven repellant, do not attract mossies like other bulbs can do.
- As mossies are weak flyers, a fan can be very effective (we use one throughout the summer by the bed and by the computers).
- Citronella candles offer some protection when outside but not much more than other candles producing smoke.
- Mossies find their targets visually, by heat emitted from warm bodies and through chemical signals.
- Women are more likely to attract mossies than men due to hormones!
- Blonds are more likely to attract than brunets.
- Larger people may be more likely to be a target as they omit more Carbon Dioxide and lactic acid.
- People with smelly feet may be prone to more bites.
- Dark clothing can be more attractive to mossies.
Well, that an intereting list of mossie facts but what do you find effective?
There is little doubt that having doors and windows open while the light is on is just asking for the local mossie population to drop by for dinner!
We tend to go for a more natural approach, as we would rather not be applying chemical repellants for any length of time. We rely on lavender oil, mixed with a carrier, Avon's dry oil spray for example. Applied every evening, early, seems to work for us. We also have the fan in the bedroom and one on the desk.
We know that there are plenty of other good recommendations out there that are used every summer. So, tell us what you do to keep those pests away!