Mosquitoes have plagued the world for centuries. Small as they are, some researchers consider them the most dangerous animals in the world because they are the primary vector for certain human diseases like malaria and yellow fever. As a land surveyor, you spend a great deal of time outdoors which puts you at risk for mosquito bites.
Now that summer is fast approaching, it is time to stock up on mosquito repellents and other skin protection products. Here is what you need to know about the dangers of mosquitoes and the most effective ways to protect yourself and your crew.
Mosquitoes have a bad reputation for ruining outdoor events and it is no secret that they are carriers for dangerous diseases. Mosquitoes feed on human blood and when they land on a human, they can transfer dangerous pathogens when they bite. These tiny insects can travel up to 100 miles, spreading diseases such as the following:
When it comes to spreading disease, mosquitoes are more effective transmitters than flies because they bite. It is also important to note that mosquitoes spread disease-causing agents rather than disease itself. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that more than 50% of the world’s population is currently at risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosquitoes feed on blood, so they are most attractive to living animals that could potentially provide a meal. Initially, mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale - body heat and the color of your clothing may also play a role in the initial draw. When the mosquito gets close enough, the smell of skin is the primary attractant.
Some studies suggest that mosquitoes are more highly attracted to certain blood types. There is some evidence to suggest that certain habits or conditions - like drinking beer or being pregnant - may also make someone more attractive to mosquitoes. Every species of mosquito is different, however, and every person has a unique scent.
Human skin contains up to 400 chemical compounds that play a role in both attracting and repelling mosquitoes. Your personal scent is produced by the bacteria living in your skin and exuded in the form of sweat. Genetics play a major role in how attractive that scent may be to mosquitoes, though some of it comes down to diet and physiology.
Mosquitoes have a keen sense of smell and certain scents can be effective in keeping mosquitoes away. Citronella candles are well known as mosquito repellent, as are natural herbs like lemon balm, garlic, and lemon eucalyptus. Mosquito repellent products made with chemicals like DEET and picaridin work as well.
Mosquito repellents come in a variety of different forms and the best one to get may vary depending on your situation. For everyday field work, mosquito repellents in spray form are convenient and effective with some offering up to 12 hours of protection.
Here are some of the best mosquito repellents on the market:
Your primary concern is protecting your skin, but you may also want to look into mosquito repellents for your clothing and gear. Sawyer Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent is a powerful but odorless formula that will repel mosquito and more than 55 other kinds of insects. A single application lasts for 6 washings and will not stain fabrics or finished surfaces.
In terms of mosquito repellents, chemical sprays are generally the best for long-term protection. Be sure to choose one that does not contain higher than a 30% concentration of DEET and apply the product according to the instructions on the label.
Here is the proper procedure for using mosquito repellent:
It is always important to follow the safety instructions on the label for mosquito repellents, regardless which one you choose. Chemical bug spray can irritate the skin if applied improperly, so take precautions and wash it off when you are finished with the job.
When it comes to immediate protection in the field, mosquito repellents are usually the most effective option. At home, however, there are more natural methods of mosquito repellent you can try. Simply using a fan to create air movement may help repel these pests and wearing light-colored clothing may make you less noticeable to these small insects.
Growing certain herbs in your garden may also help keep mosquitoes away from your home. You can also use essential oils from these herbs to make your own mosquito protection products. For example, mixing 30 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil with 4 ounces of witch hazel produces a small bottle of mosquitoes repellent spray.
The following herbs can be used as natural mosquito repellents:
It may also help to create physical barriers against mosquitoes by screening-in your porch with mosquito netting. You should also remove areas of standing water from your property to reduce the number of places the insects will have to lay their eggs.
Even the best mosquito repellent may not be 100% effective in preventing bites, and insect protection products will not do you any good unless you use them. Proper use of mosquito repellent protection is important, but you should still know how to treat a bite.
Here is how to properly treat a mosquito bite:
After treating a mosquito bite, the best thing you can do is avoid scratching it. Applying a cool compress may help reduce itching in addition to preventing swelling. If you develop a fever or some kind of allergic reaction, get in touch with your doctor.
How Much DEET Should You Use?
Insect repellents often contain chemical ingredients like DEET and picaridin which are more effective repellents than most natural alternatives. When it comes to determining how much DEET to use, there are several factors to consider. You will receive about 90 minutes of protection with a 5% concentration of DEET and up to 5 hours of protection at 25%. Concentrations above 30% are generally not recommended, especially for direct skin contact.
Do Mosquito Coils Work?
Similar to citronella candles, mosquito coils offer more limited protection than other mosquito repellents. These coils produce a smoke that confuses mosquitoes, but it comes from the insecticide allethrin which can be toxic to the lungs, especially when used indoors.
Do Mosquito Patches Work?
When shopping for mosquito repellents, you might consider a patch or bracelet if you are looking for one that is convenient and easy to use. Unfortunately, neither of these options has proven to be particularly effective in comparison to spray-on mosquito repellents.
What About Other Mosquito Repellents?
Other popular mosquito repellents include bug zappers, clip-on repellents, and mosquito lamps or lanterns. Bug zappers are very effective at killing bugs, but most are harmless - one study showed that only about 1% of the thousands of insects killed were biting insects.
Clip-on mosquito repellents contain a fan that blows the insecticide metofluthrin around your body. They might work to repel mosquitoes for an hour or two, but they do not offer long-lasting protection. Similarly, mosquito lamps and lanterns offer limited protection and their efficacy drops off in even the slightest breeze.
