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Tips on avoiding bites from the Crossroads' mosquito influx

  • Allison Miles •
  • Originally published July 23, 2012 at 6:54 p.m., updated July 24, 2012 at 1:05 a.m.

  • Need more info?

  • Have a mosquito-related question you want answered? The American Mosquito Control Association might be able to help. Email amcata@bellsouth.net for more information.

  • victoria spraying continues

  • Both the City of Victoria and Victoria County Health Department are working to keep mosquito populations at bay.

    A representative with the city's Parks and Recreation department said it completed the first cycle of spraying last week and ...

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    • victoria spraying continues

    Both the City of Victoria and Victoria County Health Department are working to keep mosquito populations at bay.

    A representative with the city's Parks and Recreation department said it completed the first cycle of spraying last week and began the second cycle Saturday.

    Tammy Fikac, with the health department, said the county began spraying about a week and-a-half ago and already completed two cycles.

    Fikac said the county keeps track of residents' calls and that those help determine where and when to spray. To contact the health department, call 361-578-6281 and ask for the environmental division.

    For more information on the city's routes, call 361-485-3200.

Recent rains greened up the Crossroads and helped with crops, but also brought a barrage of biting bugs in its wake. And as mosquitoes scoped out targets for dinner, they left many a resident itchy and agitated.

With more moisture in the forecast, the insect issue will likely continue.

Here are some tips for warding off bites.



DRAIN EXTRA MOISTURE

Mosquito populations thrive in standing water, so discard it when possible. Empty bird baths every five days or so and make sure ditches are free-flowing. Check air conditioner drip pans, as they provide great breeding grounds and ways for the insects to get into the home. Remember, the bugs can lay eggs in spaces as small as discarded soda cap, so stay diligent in your checks.



DRESS THE PART

Wear light-colored clothing because studies show the insects are drawn to darker colors. Also, go for looser fits or tighter-knit fabrics since it's more difficult for the bugs to bite through them. Cover up as much as possible when outdoors and, if necessary, consider buying clothing with repellents incorporated into the fabric.



USE A REPELLENT

Sprays that are evaluated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency can make a big difference. The gold-standard repellant is DEET, but some people prefer other more natural varieties. Picaridin, a synthetic derivative from pepper plants, works well, as does oil of lemon eucalyptus, a natural product. Be thorough when applying repellents to the skin and avoid spraying on or under clothing. Only use products as directed.



REMEMBER, FANS CAN BE YOUR FRIEND

Mosquitoes aren't powerful flyers, so a stiff breeze can help ward them off. Keep a floor fan around to stay bug-free.



KNOW THAT OTHER FORMS OF REPELLANT CAN WORK BUT ARE WEAKER THAN SPRAYS

Citronella candles offer marginal protection, but any breeze dilutes the repellant. The same is true for clip-on devices. Lab tests show they provide protection and even kill mosquitoes, but they, too, are affected by heavy breezes and any movement the wearer might make.



KEEP IT KID-FRIENDLY

Although DEET repellents are approved for infants as young as 2 months old, the best advice is to keep them away from mosquitoes. If you do apply a DEET spray, make sure it isn't more than a 10 percent formulation. You can find that information on the front of the can. For infants younger than 2 months old, drape mosquito netting with an elastic edge over the carrier to avoid bites.



AVOID THE OUTDOORS DURING PEAK TIMES

Mosquitoes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. So, if you can remain inside, you've got an advantage.



TAKE SOME ADVICE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT

Many people and websites tout tips for getting rid of mosquitoes, but much of that advice is bogus. Dryer sheets don't ward them off and nothing a person eats will affect how likely they are to be bitten. Another myth is rubbing garlic juice on one's skin. This will repel bugs for about 20 minutes but friends and family for much longer. Stick with the tried-and-true methods.

SOURCES: Joe Conlon, technical adviser with the American Mosquito Control Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and Texas AgriLife Extension Service website