Mosquitoes are disease carrying agents; they can infect people with malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever. (Hard to believe such little things can cause so much damage)
They thrive in humid, tropical climates, especially where there is standing water. Jeddah’s floods provided ideal breeding conditions for the proliferation of mosquitoes, but with a little foresight, it is possible to prevent being bitten. The itch from their bites is your skin’s reaction to their anti-coagulant saliva injected into you as they feed. (scary right?!?)
But here are some ways to prevent those vampires from sucking the blood out of you!
How to Prevent Mosquito Bites:
1. Wear light colored clothing
Mosquitoes are attracted to dark or bright and shiny clothes. (Don’t wear your golden leotard then!)
2. Avoid peak biting times of dusk to dawn
Stay indoors & away from still water. (We are sorry to tell you, but your exploration journey of the swamps must wait)
3. Keep a mosquito swatter or electronic bug zapper handy (No, it’s not a tennis racket)
4.Keep your body covered as much as possible
Although mosquitoes can bite through cloth. (Man they’re powerful!)
5. Use mosquito repellent candles & mosquito nets if spending time outdoors. (Don’t these look pretty!)
6. Eat copious amounts of garlic, B1 vitamins, or lemons
This will alter your body chemistry. (and keep the vampires away!)
7. Keep flower pots and saucers free of water. (We welcome butterflies not mosquitoes)
8. Cover outdoor drains with screen or use a drop of vegetable oil
To prevent mosquito eggs from hatching and flying out. (The many faces of oil)
9. Keep gutters debris-free & eliminate standing water
Ensure window screens are fully functional, & maintain swimming pools regularly or cover if possible. (The work must be done!)
10. Spray inside the house with insects repellent
While the kids are away at school. (These aren’t deodorants)
11. Don’t use plug in repellents for they contain harmful chemicals. (You want to get rid of the mosquitoes not the entire human race)
