As warm summer weather arrives, we know what comes along with it — mosquitoes. Now there may be someone reading this who actually likes mosquitoes, but I don’t. I don’t like the buzzing and, as a fair-skinned Irishman, I don’t like the biting. They apparently like me, and I want to end the relationship. Sound familiar?
Unfortunately, mosquitoes are common insects that exist all over our planet. The little buggers come in various shape and sizes, too, with more than 3,500 types found worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), not all mosquitoes bite. Maybe, but I haven’t met one.
Did you know that adult mosquitoes can live indoors and outdoors? Or that mosquitoes can bite day and night? How about that adult mosquitoes live two to four weeks, depending on the species? Much like humans, female mosquitoes live longer than male mosquitoes. Interestingly, only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so to get a “blood meal” to produce eggs. These little known Cliff Clavin facts and more can be found on the CDC website.
I was inspired to research mosquitos after reading a recent Huffington Post article stating that citronella candles do not repel mosquitoes. Of course, I just bought a pack at a local hardware store in preparation to combat the vampires. In doing so, I read the packaging on one that stated it did not repel mosquitoes. I thought that was odd, but now it makes sense. Apparently, citronella in its essential oil form can deter bugs, but citronella candles don’t have enough of the active ingredients to prevent mosquitoes from “getting all up in your personal space,” according to the Huffington Post story. Citronella candles also release their active ingredients vertically from the flame, minimizing where the active ingredients reach. Who knew?
So if citronella candles don’t repel mosquitoes, then what does? Well, the story says outdoor essential oil diffusers are more effective in bug protection than candles. Those that contain geraniol and linalool are best, and these two compounds can be found in essential oils and aromatic plants and herbs like rose oil, lemongrass, basil and lavender. If you are looking for a low-cost bug repellant, the story suggests diluting lemon eucalyptus essential oils in water and spraying it around your outdoor area.
If you prefer to keep things simple, you can do what I do and start a fire in a wood-burning pit. According to the story, smoke from natural woods helps with bug protection. Interestingly, “bug lights” work to repel bugs, too. Simply swap out your deck or outdoor light bulbs with these yellow lights. And if all else fails, turn on a large outdoor fan. Mosquitoes are not strong fliers, and a large fan will keep you cool and make it more difficult for mosquitoes to get near you.
Here’s to a mosquito-free summer! Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 |
