LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Summer has only just started and Southwest Florida is already seeing an insect invasion.
The Lee County Mosquito Control District has been studying, trapping and treating mosquitoes, but just like every other year, the insects keep buzzing around by the thousands.
Many residents are feeling their itchy bites or trying to prevent the pests.
ABC7 wanted to fact check different tips and tricks to find out what works.
Does eating or avoiding certain foods and drinks help repel mosquitoes?
Eric Jackson, the deputy director of Lee County Mosquito Control, said the answer is no.
“I don’t know of any research that shows that has an impact,” he said.
Jackson and his team work to educate the public on how to avoid mosquito problems.
“There’s all kinds of these old-time remedies,” Jackson said.
Some say they’ve been cutting out sugary drinks or their favorite desserts to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes.
“It’s not sweet blood, but it’s not far off,” Jackson said.
On the same note as sweets, we’ve heard some theories about beer or booze consumption inviting the insects to bite you.
“It’s not necessarily alcohol. Your body temperature has risen and you’re just emitting carbon dioxide,” Jackson said. “Those are the attractants that bring the mosquitoes in, especially carbon dioxide.”
Jackson points to studies that link the gasses and acids our bodies put out to an increase in bothersome bites.
“That’s the first thing mosquitoes are looking for to find that blood meal,” he said.
He said if you’re outside eating or working out, that might be the reason you’re getting bit, creating indirect correlations.
“People who are breathing heavily, you’re sweating, you’ve got a lot of carbon dioxide coming out of your skin,” Jackson said.
What about your blood type?
That’s one question many wonder about. If they can’t stop scratching, but people around them are fine, maybe it’s a difference in blood type?
“There has been research in a controlled setting that people with type O blood may attract more mosquitoes than others,” Jackson said.
But he said it’s not definitive.
“There’s also that correlation with maybe people with type O blood also secrete more of those chemicals like I was talking about, ” Jackson said.
Home remedies
There’s been some chatter online about certain home remedies.
Some people believe that Listerine mouthwash can kill mosquitoes or keep them away, because of the ingredient eucalyptol. But experts said Listerine doesn’t contain enough of it to be effective.
“Your best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites would be, first of all, if you’re outside and you know the mosquitoes are there, put a barrier on to prevent them from biting. That could be loose-fitting clothing,” Jackson said.
But, of course, it’s hot out so you might not want to cover up. Jackson said your next best bet is a repellant.
“The main repellents that we know work are deet, IR3535 and Picaridin,” he said.
The key is making sure it’s EPA approved.
“There is a lemon eucalyptus oil that’s known to work as well, but I would say deet is probably your best bet,” Jackson said.
While homemade hacks might not be all they’re cracked up to be, there are things you can do to effectively help control mosquitoes.
“Get rid of the sources of water that are growing them. Just go around the house checking for water that you may have in containers, making sure your rain gutters aren’t clogged, especially as we get more rain now,” Jackson said.
He said something as small as a bottle cap can hold enough water to breed the bugs. If you have bromeliad plants you should also be aware of those collecting water, and use something like a turkey baster to get it out.
Lee County Mosquito also does service requests. If you’d like them to come assess your home and help fix a problem you can submit a service request online or call 239-694-2174.
It’s National Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Click HERE for more information and resources.
"really" - Google News
June 24, 2021 at 06:52AM
https://ift.tt/35O9AP2
Fact check: What really works to prevent mosquito bites - ABC7 News
"really" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3b3YJ3H
https://ift.tt/35qAk7d
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Fact check: What really works to prevent mosquito bites - ABC7 News"
Post a Comment