It’s hot and humid. With mosquitoes about, applying insect repellent creams, sprays and lotions may not feel good. But how do the alternatives stack up?
A group of Anopheles mosquitoes taking a blood meal in an experiment conducted by the New Mexico State University Molecular Vector Physiology Lab.
Hansen MVP lab
A medical myth persists that the B vitamin thiamine is a systemic insect repellent that wards off mosquitoes when taken orally. But scientists have disproven this mistaken belief again and again.
Mosquitoes need to feed on blood in order to reproduce. But how do they choose whom to feed on?
boonchai wedmakawand/Moment via GettyImages
Certain viruses like dengue and Zika can make their hosts smell tastier to mosquitoes. Luckily, vitamin A and its derivatives may help combat these odor changes.
Summer is no fun when mosquitoes are biting. Insect repellent creams, sprays, and lotions are safe and effective but there are alternatives. Here’s what works and what doesn’t!
The anopheles gambiae mosquito transmits malaria to humans.
James Gathany/Everett Collection/Shutterstock
The cream was found to boost the body’s anti-viral immune response, stopping mosquito-borne viruses in their tracks.
Leaving water out for wildlife is important during droughts and bushfires but if it’s not changed regularly it can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Roger Smith/Flickr
Temperatures are soaring and bushfires are decimating Australia’s wildlife. So how can we avoid creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes when putting water out for thirsty birds and animals?
Although yellow fever does not currently exist in Australia, the species Aedes aegypti - which can transmit the disease - is found widely across northern Queensland. The virus remains a global health concern, but citizen scientists could help prevent its spread.
Simon Kutcher/flickr
Nuisance-biting and mosquito-borne disease are ongoing concerns for health authorities. But an effective citizen science program is now showing how all of us can help beat the bite of mozzies.
Clothes can offer some protection.
John Jones/Flickr
It’s tempting to ditch the mozzie creams and sprays, and switch to clothing that has its own “built in” bug repellent instead. But the technology isn’t quite there yet.
An inch-long bloodsucker on the hunt for a meal.
Ben Seese/Flickr
Yes, giant mosquitoes are a thing. They’re specialized to wait out the dry times only to emerge from their eggs when high water provides the perfect larval environment.
The itchiness from mosquito bites are from their spit that they leave behind in our skin.
Mai Lam/The Conversation NY-BD-CC
Cameron Webb, South Western Sydney Local Health District
The sounds of mosquitoes may be annoying to many but tuning into their musical whines could help design new mosquito traps. Just don’t expect sounds from your smartphone to protect you from bites!