Wear closed-toed shoes. When eating outside, keep food covered and garbage contained. Avoid the sweet drinks these insects like. If beverages aren't in a sealed container, look before you sip. Stay calm if you notice a bee, wasp, or yellow jacket nearby. Aggressive movements can lead to stings, because the insect is defending itself. Instead, walk away slowly. Do not jump into water, because bees are known to hover. How to care for a typical bite Clean the wounds with soap and water.
Keep them clean until healed to prevent infection. Use a cold pack or cool cloth to reduce swelling. Use a topical cream or oral antihistamine to reduce itching. When to see a doctor No biting flies in Minnesota are known to transmit disease, though some deer flies in other parts of the world do.
Three ways to prevent fly or gnat bites Avoid the places biting flies are most active: marshy, forested, shaded areas, and areas with dense vegetation. Maintaining your yard can reduce your risk. Because bites occur where skin is exposed, wear pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a hat. Wear light colors, because biting flies are more attracted to the heat of dark clothing.
Insect repellents may protect you from some types of biting flies, but not all. How to care for a typical bite Mosquito bites typically itch and may cause a degree of redness and swelling in children. To relieve discomfort, consider using: A cold pack or cool cloth A topical anti-itch cream or spray An oral antihistamine When to see a doctor Most mosquito bites go away after a few days without intervention.
Three ways to prevent mosquito bites Remove standing water — a breeding ground for mosquitoes — from around your home. Check after it rains; water may pool in unexpected places.
Stay inside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes bite most. How to care for a typical bite Clean the wound with soap and water.
Keep the wound clean until healed to prevent infection. Use a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. If the bite is on a leg or arm, rest with the leg or arm elevated. Medications to consider: an antihistamine to keep the swelling isolated, a topical anti-itch cream and an over-the-counter pain reliever. When to see a doctor Some people have allergic reactions to spider bites. Symptoms of a poisonous spider bite develop within 30 minutes to eight hours and include: Cramping Fever Nausea Severe pain An ulcer at the site of the bite If a spider bite becomes seriously infected, contact your primary care doctor.
Three ways to prevent spider bites Insect repellents on clothes and shoes can keep spiders away. Keep the outside of your home clear of woodpiles and tall grass where spiders like to hide.
Inside, ensure window and door screens are in good repair, seal any cracks where spiders can enter, and vacuum under beds and furniture. If a person notices a mosquito bite and feels any flu-like symptoms or a fever, they should seek medical treatment immediately. Female mosquitoes tend to target some people over others when it comes to feeding.
Researchers do not yet fully understand the reasons for this selective process. One study noted that mosquitos have sensors that pick up on carbon dioxide emissions and body odor. They can then identify which nearby people would make a suitable feeding ground. Body heat, movement, and body odors, such as sweat and lactic acid, might also play a role in attracting mosquitoes.
Preventing mosquito bites is always more effective than trying to treat them, given the potential seriousness of the diseases that can transmit during the bite.
Removing sources of standing water around the home and garden can reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. Using insect repellent may be necessary when doing activities that naturally increase carbon dioxide emissions and bodily odors, such as exercising outdoors. Studies show that it is one of the most effective on the market. DEET works by interfering with the receptors in the mosquito that detect carbon dioxide and body odor, causing them to not detect the person wearing DEET as a potential source of nutrition.
According to the U. Picaridin is a newer type of insect repellent. Working in the same way as DEET, it prevents the mosquito from recognizing its prey. A meta-analysis shows that the preventive effects of picaridin last for more or less the same amount of time as DEET. Picaridin is a safe option for children under 6 months of age , as it contains fewer potentially toxic qualities than DEET. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may be a good option for those who prefer a natural, chemical-free repellent.
People who are planning a vacation should learn about the risk of mosquito-borne illness at their intended destination. They should also speak with a healthcare provider before traveling. There may be optional or mandatory vaccinations or medications available to protect against certain mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever or malaria.
Where possible, choose accommodation with air conditioning or window and door screens, or sleep under a mosquito bed net. People should contact a doctor urgently on noticing the following symptoms after a mosquito bite:. In cases of anaphylactic shock following a mosquito bite, they should seek emergency medical assistance.
If you want to buy any of the repellents mentioned in this article, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews. Female mosquitos bite humans to consume blood. In doing so, they cause irritation and swelling but can also transmit some extremely harmful and sometimes fatal diseases. Malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever are only a few mosquito-borne conditions. Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active and keeping windows closed can also help avoid bites.
Mosquitoes tend to come out in droves at dawn, at dusk, and around wetlands. This advice for avoiding mosquito bites is the same for people who are more prone to skeeter syndrome — they just need to be hypervigilant about these precautions. When mosquito exposure is unavoidable, some people prone to skeeter syndrome may want to take an antihistamine prior to going outside, Newman says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends looking for repellants with the following ingredients to help reduce mosquito bites:.
Some studies over the years have linked DEET to some rare but serious side effects, including adverse neurological effects such as seizures , uncoordinated movements, agitation, aggressive behavior, low blood pressure, and skin irritation, according to the CDC. Whatever repellent you choose, the trick to outwitting mosquitoes is to apply — and reapply — as directed.
Reapplying is crucial to maintain the DEET vapor barrier above the skin that keeps mosquitoes from biting. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.
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