As more and more of us take exotic holidays and travel to far off places, it is becoming more important to be aware of the potential dangers of mosquito and insect bites and how to prevent them.
We all know how uncomfortable and “itchy” so called mild bites are along with their red inflammation and swelling but things can actually get a lot worse. Malaria (a disease synonymous with mosquito bites) kills over 3 million people a year, and in the last ten years the insect borne West Nile virus has killed over 250 people in the USA alone.
So now, more than ever, as climate change brings new species of biting insects into areas that we would not expect, prevention is certainly better than cure!
So the question is – How do you prevent Mosquito bites?
Well, like so many things in life it is all a question of minimising the risk of being bitten by a mosquito, so here’s the five top tips:
- Be careful how you smell. Insects are attracted to strong scents, so try to avoid strong smelling soaps, shampoos and perfumes.
- Wear light colours. Dark colours attract biting insects so try to avoid them where possible.
- Cover up as much as you can. If they can’t get to your skin they can’t bite you, so where possible and practicable wear long sleeves and long trousers with socks and shoes.
- Understand the risky times of day. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk along with midges, whereas black flies like the morning.
- Watch out near water. Rivers, ponds, lakes and marshes are the natural habitat of many of the vicious biting insects.
So, if after your nice hot shower with perfumed soap you decided to take a lakeside walk at sunset in your black sleeveless T shirt you may be seen as rather tasty by more than just the other tourists!
Of course, in conjunction with all of the above tips, the golden rule is always INSECT REPELLENT, INSECT REPELLENT, INSECT REPELLENT!
If you are out and about a good quality insect repellent is a must. There are basically two types, those containing DEET and then natural or DEET free products.
Experts are fairly unanimous that the products based on the chemical DEET are the most effective and offer longer lasting protection and can be used on infants from the age of 2 years upwards.
However, in most cases a natural or DEET free product will provide ample protection and are suitable for children under the age of 2. The best of these plant derived alternatives contain a recognised deterrent ingredient called PMD which is derived from lemon eucalyptus.
If you do get bitten by a mosquito or other biting insect do not scratch or pick it! Keep the bite as cool as possible and apply something like Autan Cooling Insect Spray.
We carry a range of travel size insect repellent sprays and wipes, and also insect repellent wrist or ankle bands. These come in a choice of four colours with the Mosi-Band Dry Insect Repellent Bands containing DEET and the Mosi-Band Dry Non Toxic Insect Repellent Bands being a DEET free alternative.
It’s certainly something worth considering when you’re packing your travel bag for your holidays!
