Mosquito Bites: How To Avoid Them While Sleeping
The mosquito bites at night are very troublesome. They cause itching, swelling, and sometimes allergic reactions. The main culprit of the attacks is the female. It uses its sharp mouthparts (proboscis) to draw blood from its victims, which it will use for egg production.
Although mosquito bites are not painful, the saliva given off by the insect causes a red bruise on the skin, followed by symptoms such as itching, blistering or rashes.
However, the greatest risk is the contagion of diseases such as dengue and malaria, among others.
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Mosquitoes abound all over the world. It is estimated that there are around 3,500 species and that each female lays around 3,000 eggs per year.
Also for this reason, escaping a mosquito bite is practically impossible. However, there are people who (for genetic factors) are more targeted by attacks. In addition, there are several other factors that affect the possibility of being bitten.
It also affects the blood group. Studies suggest that people with blood group 0 attract more mosquitoes than the A group.
Even the secretion of substances such as sweat, cholesterol, ammonia and lactic acid, have a strong attractive power for this insect. As well as the presence of skin bacteria and high body temperatures.
Other factors that attract mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can bother us at any time of the day, but bites are frequent even at night.
They don’t do it on a whim or at random, apparently they have a biological clock just like humans. And that’s what drives them to hunt at night.
Generally, mosquitoes attack people who emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, such as the elderly and pregnant women.
They also attack those who do not take care of personal hygiene, those who use sweet scents or those who suffer from excessive sweating on the feet.
Mosquitoes don’t have good eyesight, but they have a great sense of smell. It is the smells that lead them to the victim. While it is the individual predisposition that determines the intensity of the response to the sting.
What to do to prevent mosquito bites at night?
The first tip to avoid mosquito bites at night is to use repellents.
Although very effective, they should still be used with some caution and applied away from eyes, mouth, as well as wounds or irritated areas. These products don’t kill them but they drive them away.
The effect generally lasts 8 hours and exists in various formats: sprays, wipes, creams, ointments, etc. In any case, it is always better to opt for a product with low toxicity and interaction and effective against different species.
Installing mosquito nets is another solution. Ideally, the holes measure 1.2mm by 1.2mm. They can be mounted on doors and windows or around the bed. For greater effectiveness they can also be sprayed with light insecticides.
Other methods of repelling mosquitoes
- Nothing that is done to avoid the presence of mosquitoes is exaggerated. In addition to itching, these insects interrupt sleep with their powerful buzz. With these means it is possible to counter them without too much effort.
- Wear mosquito repellent bracelets. Their composition based on lemongrass and other repellents provides sufficient protection.
- Reclaim the habitat. They reproduce in stagnant waters, so it is advisable to remove these sources.
- Use suitable clothing. Long, light-colored clothing can provide adequate protection.
- Use natural methods. You can place plants or substances that ward off mosquitoes near windows or in general at access points. Vinegar, basil, eucalyptus and thyme are suitable for this purpose. The electric speakers are also practical and easy to use.
- Maintain hygiene. Although it seems obvious, it is necessary to disinfect the sheets with hot water, clean the bed frame and the headboard and fumigate with specific products.
After a puncture it is advisable to wash the area, avoid scratching and apply cold compresses.
If it is too itchy, an antihistamine can be taken under medical advice. If the sting becomes infected, it is best to contact your doctor or emergency room.
