Mosquitoes, summer visitors

Mosquitoes are diphtheria insects, members of the Culicidae family counting about 3,500 species worldwide. In Greece there are mainly 3 widespread genera of mosquitoes. Most of us believe that mosquitoes feed on blood (we never understood why ours!), but that’s not true. In fact, they feed on nectar or pollen found in nature. “So, why are they biting us?”, you will rightfully wonder. Female mosquitoes need blood in order to survive and lay their eggs. See? Everything happens for a reason!

“Vigilant” enemies

Mosquitoes are irritated and attracted by certain factors, such as:

• Movement
• Body heat
• Humidity
• Carbon dioxide (exhale)

Their activity is affected by temperature and humidity. Thus, most mosquitoes are active and bite -mainly- during the early morning and night hours, as well as throughout the night. For sure, there are also species that bite around the clock!

Sting and symptoms

Usually, mosquito bites do not cause alarming symptoms. Among the most frequent are:

• Skin redness
• Mild swelling
• Itching

These symptoms subside relatively quickly, within a few hours or a few days, depending on the body’s immune system. Be careful, though! Do not “scratch” the spot because you may cause infection. Notice that there are, also, cases in which, if mosquitoes are infected, they can transmit diseases to humans, such as West Nile virus, malaria, etc.

Take action!

Sun, sea, summer and… a swarm of mosquitoes to keep you company! Read below some simple and easy ways to get rid of the “bloodthirsty” summer visitors, before they turn into a nightmare.

• Insect repellent products: The most effective ally in the unequal battle with mosquitoes. Whether it comes to repellents that we place inside or outside our house (e.g. liquids, snakes, etc.), or body repellents, one thing is for sure; we totally need them! Insect Repellent Lotion MACROREPEL, with eucalyptus essential oil, will repel mosquitoes from the uncovered body areas for about 5 hours. It is also suitable for children over 2 years old, as it is DEET and chemicals free. Spray and… carefree!
• Screens: The best solution to keep mosquitoes away from your home. Of course, they will only work effectively, if you do not open and close them all the time.
• Not in stagnant water: When the female mosquito makes a “meal” of blood, then her eggs mature and she lays them on the surface of the water. That’s the reason why mosquitoes are “attracted” by places where water stagnates. Thus, make sure to keep your terraces and yards dry if you do not want mosquitoes to keep you company!
• Clothes: Summer without mosquitoes is not possible. The parts of your body that are left exposed will be firstly attacked by mosquitoes. It may not be so easy but, try to wear thin, airy clothes that cover your body fully, especially if you know that you will be visiting an area with intense mosquito activity.
• Fans: Mosquitoes are easily carried away by the wind. This practically means that a fan will repel mosquitoes from where you stand. But they will not go very far. Do not believe that you have escaped their company so easily!
• Mosquito nets: If you try to sleep at night but it seems impossible, try putting a mosquito net over your bed and … sweet dreams!