3. Beer and Alcohol
According to a small study done by the National Institute of Health, alcohol intake may make you more vulnerable to mosquito bites. The study looked at mosquitos landing on the skin of a test group of individuals who had ingested a beer versus those who hadn’t. I guess you may want to stick to water at your next family barbecue!
Remedy: If you are drinking, try to sta out of the heat for long periods of time. You can also periodically digest water to keep your blood from being full of alcohol.
4. Genetics
Some folks simply just get bitten more. According to a study done back in 2004 and published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, “mosquitoes landed on people with type O blood nearly twice as often as those with type A. Those with type B blood fell in the middle.” Dr. Martin Donnelly, from the School of Tropical Medicine at the University of Liverpool, says that “Eighty-five per cent of the reason why mosquitoes prefer you is genetic.” Your genetic pool determines both your blood type and the chemical makeup of your skin.
MUST READ: Natural Bug Repellent Recipes
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has regulated that mosquito bite prevention comes from the following:
1. Wear insect repellent: When used as directed, insect repellent is the BEST way to protect yourself from mosquito bites—even children and pregnant women should protect themselves. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer lasting protection.
- DEET: Products containing DEET include Cutter, OFF!, Skintastic.
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin): Products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus and Autan outside the United States).
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD: Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals.
- IR3535: Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart.
2. Cover up: When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
3. Keep mosquitoes outside: Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window/door screens.
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