Here’s what makes you so attractive to the bugs and how you can prevent bites.
There are some biological reasons why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people more than others.
If you’ve ever been at an outdoor party or BBQ during the fading hours of daylight and don’t personally notice an increase in the number of mosquitoes, you’ll probably hear someone complaining about it. That’s because mosquitoes are selective insects, and some people are more likely to get bites than others.
There are a few factors that could contribute to why this happens: In one controlled study by the Journal of Medical Entomology, the bugs landed on people with blood Type O nearly twice as frequently as those with Type A. The researchers noted this has to do with secretions we produce, which tips mosquitoes off on a person’s blood type.
More research needs to be conducted on mosquitoes’ potential preference for certain blood types over others, said Jonathan F. Day, an entomology professor at the University of Florida. But he agreed that mosquitoes do pick up on some cues we give off that make the bugs more likely to land on certain people.
“These cues let them know they are going to a blood source,” Day said. “Perhaps CO2 is the most important. The amount of CO2 you produce, like people with high metabolic rates ― genetic, other factors ― increases the amount of carbon dioxide you give off. The more you give off, the more attractive you are to these arthropods.”
But what separates us from the nonliving entities that give off carbon dioxide, like cars? Mosquitoes look for primary cues in conjunction with what Day calls “secondary cues.”
Lactic acid — the stuff that causes our muscles to cramp during exercise — is one of those secondary cues, for example. Lactic acid is released through the skin, signaling to mosquitoes that we are a target, Day said…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Mosquitoes also have other qualities that help them pick up on secondary cues.
“Mosquitoes have excellent vision, but they fly close to the ground to stay out of the wind,” Day said. “They are able to contrast you with the horizon, so how you’re dressed matters. If you have on dark clothes, you are going to attract more because you’ll stand out from the horizon, whereas those wearing light colors won’t as much.”
A mosquito also takes in “tactile cues” once it has landed on you.
“Body heat is a really important tactile cue,” Day said. “That comes into play with genetic differences or physiological differences. Some people tend to run a little warmer — when they land, they’re looking for a place where blood is close to the skin.” That means those whose temperatures are a little higher are more likely to get the bite.
Lifestyle or other health factors may also play a role, said Melissa Piliang, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic.
“If body temperature is higher, you’re exercising and moving around a lot, or if you’re drinking alcohol, you are more attractive to mosquitoes,” Piliang said. “Being pregnant or being overweight also increases metabolic rate.”
One study showed that people who consumed just one can of beer were more at risk of attracting mosquitoes than those who didn’t. Of course, drinking outside is a popular summer and fall activity.
“If you’ve been moving around all day doing yardwork and then you stop around dusk and drink a beer on your patio, you’re definitely at risk of bites,” Piliang said.
Close-up of young female backpacker tourist applying bug spray on hands
“One of the very best things to do is to avoid peak activity times [for mosquitoes],” Day said. “There are very, very few species that are active in the middle of the day. They are very selective. Sunrise and sunset are when you’ll see peak activity.” Switching your early morning run to an after-work run could help here.
Of course, this tip won’t help you if you’re, say, throwing a BBQ for friends later at night. Try to cover as much skin as you can in these cases, Day said, especially in areas or at times mosquitoes are most likely to be present.
“I love the fishing shirts and the long-legged outdoor pants that are breathable, but they prevent mosquitoes,” Day said. “A repellent that has a good protection time ― defined as the time from when you apply to when you get the first bite ― is also great. Roughly 5% DEET sprays gives you 90 minutes of complete coverage.”
DEET is a common ingredient in insect repellents, and sprays with DEET are probably the way to go if you know you’re at risk of bites, Piliang said. Despite the controversy over the health effects of DEET, a 2014 review by the Environmental Protection Agency re-concluded that normal use of DEET products does not pose a risk to one’s health, including children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
“DEET is the most effective,” Piliang said. “If you are going to be in a mosquito-prone place, knowing that they carry disease, it is your best bet. Take a shower later to wash it off, and put on just a little bit.” Always read the directions on a spray before using it, and help children apply products by following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
And while you may have heard that candles containing natural repellents like citronella oil can be useful, there is no research to support it yet. Instead, keep the fan on or hang out in a breezy area.
“Mosquitoes can’t get around very much,” especially in wind, Piliang said. “You can run a fan to keep air moving.”
If you do end up with a bite, you may or may not be bothered. “This all depends on how allergic you are to the chemicals in the saliva of the mosquito, and that can vary based on the type of the mosquito or how reactive you and your skin are to things in the environment,” Piliang said.
If it is itchy, the worst possible thing you can do is scratch it.
“If you do, then more histamine is released and it gets itchier,” she said. “If you scratch it, you’re also more likely to break skin. You can get bleeding, scabs and put yourself at risk for infection and scarring.”
But there are a few simple things you can do to alleviate the itch, like putting an ice cube on it. “The sensation of cold travels on the same nerve as itch, so you cannot feel both at the same time,” Piliang said. “Even a drink with ice on it will help relieve itch immediately.”
If you’ve received several bites after a morning or evening outside, she also recommended over-the-counter anti-itch creams with a mild topical steroid like hydrocortisone. “You can apply that two to three times a day to reduce itch,” she said.
“And the last thing you can do if you’re really bit up is take an antihistamine,” she added. “It can counteract the reaction a bit.” While OTC types that make you drowsy — like Benadryl — are more common, you can take non-drowsy antihistamines like Zyrtec or Allegra for daytime relief.
Of course, prevention is always better than treatment, so use these tips to stave off bites in the first place as you head out for the season’s remaining BBQs and tailgates.
Are you tired of dealing with skin imperfections like wrinkles, blemishes, melasma, moles, and warts? Look no further! We have a natural and effective solution for you – banana peels combined with baking soda.
Why Banana Peels and Baking Soda?
Banana Peels: These peels are not just food waste! They are actually packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can nourish and revitalize your skin.
Scrape the inner white part of the banana peel with a spoon and collect about 2 tablespoons of the material.
In a small bowl, mix the banana peel paste with the baking soda until a smooth paste forms.
Application
Thoroughly clean and dry the area of skin where you intend to apply the mixture.
Apply the paste directly to the areas affected by wrinkles, blemishes, melasma, moles, or warts.
Leave the mixture on for about 15-20 minutes.
Rinse Off
Wash off the paste with lukewarm water. Be gentle to your skin while washing to avoid any irritation.
Moisturize
After drying your skin, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Tips for Best Results
Frequency of Use: To see significant improvements, use this treatment two to three times a week. Consistent application is key!
Patch Test: Before applying the mixture broadly, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun, especially after using this treatment, as the skin may be more sensitive to UV rays.
Precautions
If you have moles or warts, it’s important to have them checked by a healthcare provider before trying any home treatments.
Baking soda can be drying and may irritate sensitive skin. If you experience any redness, itching, or discomfort, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
Hot water, sea salt, chamomile, and apple cider vinegar can be used as a home remedy to relieve cramps, arthritis, tingling, osteoarthritis, pain, and inflammation. Each ingredient has special qualities that help to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. Here’s how these ingredients operate together and how to use them efficiently.
2. Sea Salt: Contains minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which can help reduce edema and relax muscular contractions.
3. Chamomile: Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate pain and inflammation. It’s also a natural relaxant that can reduce muscle spasms and improve sleep.
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4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, ACV can help relieve joint pain and stiffness by dissolving acidic crystals in the joints and promoting mineral absorption.
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How to Prepare the Remedy
Here’s a simple recipe for making a soothing bath using these materials, which can be especially useful for soaking affected areas such as the hands, feet, or even the entire body if general pain treatment is required.
Ingredients
2 cups of Epsom salt or sea salt
1 cup of apple cider vinegar.
A handful of chamomile flowers (or 3–4 chamomile tea bags)
A tub full of hot water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bath:
Fill your bathtub with hot water that is at a suitable temperature for soaking without producing burns or discomfort.
2. Add the Ingredients:
Dissolve the Epsom salt or sea salt in the bathtub.
Allow the chamomile flowers or tea bags to soak in the bath water for about 10 minutes before entering (you can do this while the tub fills).
3. Soak:
Soak in the bath for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Allow the combination to relax your muscles and joints. Instead of soaking the entire bathtub, you can use a basin to soak only the localized areas, such as your hands or feet.
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4. Rinse Off:
After soaking, rinse with fresh water if necessary, especially if the vinegar scent is strong or your skin is sensitive to extended salt exposure.
5. Repeat:
Repeat this bath 2-3 times each week to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Precautions
Always check the temperature of the bath to avoid burns.
Individuals with sensitive skin should test their skin’s reaction to apple cider vinegar in a tiny area before fully soaking in it.
People with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before beginning any new treatment plan.
Conclusion
This cure addresses a variety of muscular and joint pain complaints by combining the natural medicinal elements of hot water, sea salt, chamomile, and apple cider vinegar. It’s a natural, cost-effective, and calming way to alleviate pain from illnesses such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Cockroaches are among the most despised household pests, and with good cause. While chemical remedies such as insecticides provide a quick remedy, they frequently pose health hazards to humans and pets, as well as significant environmental damage. If you’re tired of using chemical sprays to keep pests at bay, it’s time to look into safer, natural options.
Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil are proven to repel cockroaches. Combine a few drops of your preferred oil with water and spray it in areas where cockroaches are likely to hide, such as under sinks, along baseboards, and around garbage cans.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are a simple and effective treatment. Cockroaches loathe the fragrance of bay leaves, thus they are an effective natural deterrent. Crush a few leaves and arrange them in corners, cabinets, or near entryways. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder derived from fossilized algae. When cockroaches come into touch with it, the powder destroys their exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death. Sprinkle a small layer in areas where you suspect cockroach activity, taking care not to inhale the fine particles.
Citrus peels
Cockroaches detest the aroma of citrus. Place leftover lemon, lime, or orange peels in areas prone to cockroach activity. Alternatively, clean surfaces with a citrus-infused water solution.
Baking Soda and Sugar Trap
This DIY trap is a simple and effective technique to get rid of cockroaches. Combine equal parts baking soda and sugar, and distribute small amounts in shallow containers near cockroach hotspots. The sugar attracts the cockroaches, while the baking soda interacts with their stomach acid, resulting in their death.
