Mosquito Bites

Are you a big fan of the great outdoors? In my experience, most people I've met either love Mother Nature, or they pretty much can't stand the lady. Which side of the fence do you sit on?

For me, I have to say that I love the great outdoors. However, I am not like most nature nuts, who anxiously await summer so they can get outside and go hiking or rock climbing.

No sir! I especially like the winter and fall seasons and for good reasons. I have no interest in taking two steps up a trail and inevitably being soaked in sweat. It's miserable in my book. Not to mention all that dreadful poison ivy that lurks about, just waiting to cover you with poisonous oil from one of its leaves.

Hungry Mosquitoes Awaiting Their Prey

Oh, and did I mention the mosquito bites?

Yeah, those are a royal pain in the rumpus as well. I was taking a shower this morning when I looked up and realized that I was not alone. In the shower with me were two hungry mosquitoes. They were elated to see me, but I was less than thrilled to see them. Anyone got any bug spray?

This hideous heat and humidity this summer has seemingly made the bugs more pesky than I would have liked. I've already gotten way too many mosquito bites this summer.

If you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, or any other outdoor activity, then you are probably familiar with mosquito bites. Yes indeed, those nasty, bothersome little insects that love to inject you with a mild venom are dense in the summer months.

Mosquito Bites Smorgasbord

My four year old daughter has already discovered how annoying mosquito bites can be as well. For some reason, they seem to find their way into our house. I can go to bed at night without a single mark on my body, and wake up with three or four mosquito bites on me. I mean, it must be a smorgasbord for them once we drift off to sleep. I refused to wear repellant to bed at night, that just seems a bit too extreme.

My mother used to always tell me when I was younger, that mosquitoes like me so much because I was so sweet. Ha! I think that the little vampire-like bugs are drawn to me more simply because they know I can't stand having bites on my skin.

In recent years, I've started wearing long pants when I know I'll be outside in the evenings hoping to prevent my legs from getting attacked. It does helped somewhat. Now, they only concentrate on my arms. Lucky me.

I have found that repellant has proven to be helpful in keeping the mosquitoes away from me though I still always manage to have at least one mosquito bite the following day.

Mosquito Bites Less Bothersome in Fall and Winter

Again, this is why I prefer the fall and winter. You'd better believe that when you step outside after a good frost, there isn't a mosquito in sight. In fact, I'll bet you have trouble finding any bugs or insects. This is just the way I like it. I can kick up my heels and stroll about as I please.

Mosquito Bites Cause Viruses

One of the main concerns with mosquito bites in particular these days is viruses. A recent article in my local newspaper talked about the dangers of mosquito bites with the West Nile virus being the worst. This nasty sickness has been discovered all over the U.S. I can tell you right now that mosquito bites are not like they used to be. That irksome red bump that annoys you and encourages you to scratch is just the tip of the iceberg. Now you have to worry about the deadly virus that has no cure. That's always great to hear.

I did keep a close eye on my daughter after she got her first mosquito bites, just in case she might have a reaction or contract something she shouldn't have. Her bites did seem to get redder and more swollen than normal, but she may have been scratching at them when no one was watching.

Bug Spray

My husband found a can of bug spray that you are supposed to spray into the air when you're outside and it will prevent mosquitoes from lurking. Has it worked? I can't say yes or no. Neither my husband nor my daughter have gotten any more mosquito bites since the purchase, but I certainly have. Of course, I may simply have gotten my mosquito bites in the shower. It seems to be a common hang out spot for them in our house.

Aside from the bug spray there is one other repellent I can't go without telling you about. My brother-in-law gave us some handy insect repellent for when we go camping that worked extremely well. The problem with getting it though, is that you have to get it at a military surplus store. It's called Insect Repellent Type 11A (6840-753-4963), and if you can get some, it works great.

If you are concerned with mosquito bites and going outdoors, the absolute best thing you can do is keep all water out of your yard. Bird bathes and such will attract mosquitoes and infestations. Furthermore it's a great idea to always wear effective bug spray. At this time DEET seems to be the major insect repellent on the market for protection of mosquito bites.

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Copyright 2006 © Renee Johnson

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