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What causes the itch in mozzie bites? And why do some people get such a bad reaction?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Are you one of these people who loathes spending time outdoors at dusk as the weather warms and mosquitoes start biting? Female mosquitoes <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ento-120811-153618">need blood</a> to develop their eggs. Even though they take a tiny amount of our blood, they can leave us with itchy red lumps that can last days. And sometimes something worse. So why does our body react and itch after being bitten by a mosquito? And why are some people more affected than others? <h2>What happens when a mosquito bites?</h2> Mosquitoes are attracted to warm blooded animals, including us. They’re attracted to the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/abs/role-of-carbon-dioxide-in-hostfinding-by-mosquitoes-diptera-culicidae-a-review/2506B86EF63852B2D02EC3FCEE1E3B8B">carbon dioxide</a> we exhale, our body temperatures and, most importantly, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-08/mosquitoes-climate-change-skin/104548122">the smell of our skin</a>. The <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/parasitology/abstract/S1471-4922(21)00237-3">chemical cocktail</a> of odours from bacteria and sweat on our skin <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00532-8">sends out a signal</a> to hungry mosquitoes. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667114X21000522">Some people’s</a> skin smells more appealing to mosquitoes, and they’re more likely to be bitten than others. Once the mosquito has made its way to your skin, things get a little gross. The mosquito pierces your skin with their “proboscis”, their feeding mouth part. But the proboscis isn’t a single, straight, needle-like tube. There are multiple tubes, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/07/480653821/watch-mosquitoes-use-6-needles-to-suck-your-blood">some designed</a> for sucking and some for spitting. Once their mouth parts have been inserted into your skin, the mosquito will inject some saliva. This contains a mix of chemicals that gets the blood flowing better. There has even been a suggestion that future medicines could be inspired by the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2018/03/29/mosquito-saliva-vital-to-the-discovery-of-future-drugs.html">anti-blood clotting properties</a> of mosquito saliva. It’s not the stabbing of our skin by the mosquito’s mouth parts that hurts, it’s the mozzie spit our bodies don’t like. <h2>Are some people allergic to mosquito spit?</h2> Once a mosquito has injected their saliva into our skin, a variety of reactions can follow. For the lucky few, nothing much happens at all. For most people, and irrespective of the type of mosquito biting, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024559/full">there is some kind of reaction</a>. Typically there is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161589023002304?via%3Dihub">redness and swelling of the skin</a> that appears within a few hours, but often more quickly, after just a few minutes. Occasionally, the reaction can cause pain or discomfort. Then comes the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2023-01-20/mosquito-bites-itchy-calamine-heat-ice-antihistamine-toothpaste/101652608">itchiness</a>. Some people do suffer severe reactions to mosquito bites. It’s a condition often referred to as “<a href="https://www.webmd.com/allergies/what-is-skeeter-syndrome">skeeter syndrome</a>” and is an allergic reaction caused by the protein in the mosquito’s saliva. This can cause large areas of swelling, blistering and fever. The chemistry of mosquito spit hasn’t really been well studied. But it has been shown that, for those who do suffer allergic reactions to their bites, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091674904022183">reactions may differ</a> depending on the type of mosquito biting. We all probably get more tolerant of mosquito bites as we get older. Young children are certainly more likely to suffer more following mosquito bites. But as we get older, the reactions are less severe and may pass quickly without too much notice. <h2>How best to treat the bites?</h2> Research into treating bites <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0161589023002304">has yet to provide</a> a single easy solution. There are many <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/outdoor-health/home-remedies-for-mosquito-bites">myths and home remedies</a> about what works. But there is little scientific evidence supporting their use. The best way to treat mosquito bites is by applying a cold pack to reduce swelling and to keep the skin clean to avoid any secondary infections. Antiseptic creams and lotions may also help. There is some evidence that <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10309056/">heat may alleviate</a> some of the discomfort. It’s particularly tough to keep young children from scratching at the bite and breaking the skin. This can form a nasty scab that may end up being worse than the bite itself. Applying an anti-itch cream may help. If the reactions are severe, <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insect-bites-and-stings">antihistamine medications</a> may be required. <h2>To save the scratching, stop the bites</h2> Of course, it’s better not to be bitten by mosquitoes in the first place. Topical <a href="https://theconversation.com/insect-repellents-work-but-there-are-other-ways-to-beat-mosquitoes-without-getting-sticky-171805">insect repellents</a> are a safe, effective and affordable way to reduce mosquito bites. Covering up with loose fitted long sleeved shirts, long pants and covered shoes also provides a physical barrier. <a href="https://theconversation.com/are-mosquito-coils-good-or-bad-for-our-health-88548">Mosquito coils and other devices</a> can also assist, but should not be entirely relied on to stop bites. There’s another important reason to avoid mosquito bites: millions of people around the world suffer from mosquito-borne diseases. More than <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria">half a million people die</a> from malaria each year. In Australia, <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1005070">Ross River virus</a> infects more than 5,000 people every year. And in recent years, there have been cases of serious illnesses caused by <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/how-rains-pigs-and-waterbirds-fueled-shocking-disease-outbreak-australia">Japanese encephalitis</a> and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1256149/full">Murray Valley encephalitis</a> viruses. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-causes-the-itch-in-mozzie-bites-and-why-do-some-people-get-such-a-bad-reaction-243044">original article</a>. </div>

Body

It’s warming up and mozzies are coming. Here’s how to mosquito-proof your backyard

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> The weather is warming up and that means more time in the backyard. It also means more mosquitoes. Here are five ways you can mosquito-proof your backyard that <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-battle-against-bugs-its-time-to-end-chemical-warfare-111629">don’t rely on spraying insecticides</a>. <h2>1. Get rid of water</h2> Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycles. They <a href="https://theconversation.com/feel-like-youre-a-mozzie-magnet-its-true-mosquitoes-prefer-to-bite-some-people-over-others-128788">need blood</a> – but water and warmth are just as important. Getting rid of water around your backyard will go a long way to keeping mosquitoes away. Water trapped in blocked roof gutters, drains and tarpaulin covering boats and trailers can be a great home for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can exploit the tiniest of water sources too. It may just be the upturned lid of a discarded plastic drink bottle. If it traps water, mosquitoes will find it and lay eggs in it. Flush out your bird bath once a week to disrupt the mosquito’s life cycle. If you have a pond, installing a fountain will discourage mosquitoes. If you can’t keep water clean and circulating, consider filling it with sand and gravel to create an interesting garden bed for succulents or other plants. Mosquitoes will avoid clean and chlorinated swimming pools but will quickly move into “green pools”. If you’re not using your pool, consider <a href="https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Wildlife/Living-with-wildlife/Pool-to-pond/How-to-convert-your-pool">converting it to a “pond”</a> so that fish can help keep mosquito numbers down. <h2>2. Screen up – windows, doors and rainwater tanks</h2> If you can’t get rid of permanent water, at least stop mosquitoes getting to it (or you). Ensure <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/clean-and-green/natural-environment-and-water/water/water-smart-homes/rainwater-tanks/using-your-rainwater-tank">rainwater and septic tanks</a> have screens to stop mosquitoes entering. Screen windows and doors to stop mosquitoes entering the home. There are plenty of flexible screening options for windows, doors and balconies. If you live in a mosquito-prone area, creating a screened outdoor area (such as a pergola, courtyard, or balcony) will give you the opportunity to spend time outdoors without being hassled by mozzies. <h2>3. Choose your garden plants carefully</h2> Some plants <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-the-American-Mosquito-Control-Association/volume-25/issue-3/09-0016.1/Are-Commercially-Available-Essential-Oils-from-Australian-Native-Plants-Repellent/10.2987/09-0016.1.short">contain essential oils and other chemicals</a> that, when extracted and concentrated, provide protection against biting mosquitoes. But there isn’t a lot of evidence that the whole plant will keep mosquitoes away from your garden. Some types of plants are even marketed as “mozzie blockers” or “mosquito repelling”. But there isn’t <a href="https://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/a40592197/do-mosquito-repelling-plants-work/">any evidence of effectiveness</a>. In fact, some of these plants, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2009.00736.x">such as melaleucas</a>, also happen to be associated with <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/36/4/515/903838">hot spots of mosquito breeding</a> in coastal Australia. The plants to avoid around the home are those that help mosquitoes breed, such as <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-6055.2008.00641.x">bromeliads</a>, which trap water. <h2>4. Encourage the animals that eat mosquitoes</h2> Mosquitoes are food for a range of animals including birds, bats, fish, frogs, lizards, insects, spiders and <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1365-2656.13965">dragonflies</a>. But don’t expect them to eat enough to keep all mosquitoes away. Bats are often promoted as a good “biological control” options but studies have shown mosquitoes are <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0077183">more likely to be a snack food</a> for small bats, not an irresistible staple of their diet. For garden ponds, frogs will eat a few adult mosquitoes but tadpoles of Australian frogs generally <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-the-american-mosquito-control-association/volume-21/issue-4/8756-971X(2006)21%5b492%3aTOFCAF%5d2.0.CO%3b2/TADPOLES-OF-FOUR-COMMON-AUSTRALIAN-FROGS-ARE-NOT-EFFECTIVE-PREDATORS/10.2987/8756-971X(2006)21%5B492:TOFCAF%5D2.0.CO;2.short">don’t eat many mosquito “wrigglers”</a>. Australian native fish <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15532929/">will readily eat mosquitoes</a> and may be useful for backyard ponds. But not all fish are good. While “mosquitofish” (aka “plague minnow”) is distributed overseas to assist in mosquito control, <a href="https://meridian.allenpress.com/australian-zoologist/article/30/3/316/134508/Does-predation-by-the-fish-Gambusia-holbrooki">it’s a disaster for local wildlife</a> and, <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aquatic-biosecurity/pests-diseases/freshwater-pests/finfish-species/gambusia">along with other exotic fish species</a>, should not be released into local waterways. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13157-019-01133-2">Healthier habitats promote fewer mosquitoes</a> so the best thing you can do is create habitats for the animals that eat mosquitoes. <h2>5. Avoid traps and other gadgets</h2> There are lots of devices purported to catch, kill, or repel mosquitoes from your garden. Some may catch a mosquito or two but they’re not very effective in knocking out big numbers. “Bug zappers” with bright lights will collect lots of flying insects. It’s just that mosquitoes make up a very small proportion of collections. Electrocuting devices, again, don’t seem to attract a lot of mosquitoes. Devices that <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-buzz-from-your-smartphone-wont-stop-mosquito-bites-92611">emit high frequency sounds</a> won’t help either. The best devices are typically those that are baited with carbon dioxide. These are a mainstay of state and territory <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mosquito-borne/Pages/surveillance.aspx">mosquito and arbovirus surveillance programs</a>. For a mosquito, the C0₂ tricks them into thinking the trap is a warm-blooded animal. The only problem is these can be expensive to run and don’t seem quite as effective for mosquito control <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-the-american-mosquito-control-association/volume-22/issue-3/8756-971X(2006)22%5b490%3aTATTFA%5d2.0.CO%3b2/Traps-and-Trapping-Techniques-for-Adult-Mosquito-Control/10.2987/8756-971X(2006)22%5B490:TATTFA%5D2.0.CO;2.short">unless used in large numbers</a>. <h2>Yes, you’ll still need repellent</h2> Perhaps the best way to avoid mosquito bites is to pick an insect repellent <a href="https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/december-2016-volume-26-issue-5/a-review-of-recommendations-on-the-safe-and-effective-use-of-topical-mosquito-repellents/">recommended by health authorities</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/mozzies-biting-heres-how-to-choose-a-repellent-and-how-to-use-it-for-the-best-protection-150183">apply it</a> to ensure all exposed areas of skin are covered. These products and safe, affordable and effective.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/212711/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-warming-up-and-mozzies-are-coming-heres-how-to-mosquito-proof-your-backyard-212711">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

Imminent arrival of huge "double-size" mosquitoes

Aussies can’t seem to catch a break this year; between inflation, record-breaking weather events and interest rate hikes we’ve had it rough. If you were planning on summer being a welcome relief, think again and start making preparations for the shocking mosquito season that lies ahead - which is believed to be the worst in 30 years. The insect population numbers have skyrocketed, thanks to extreme wet weather, so you might want to stock up on the likes of bug spray and Aerogard. These fat, hungry, “double-size” bloodsuckers are making their way into major cities after wreaking havoc in the NSW Central West. "We are told this is what is expected after all of this rain, is the floodwaters recede, we get ponds, these pools of water, the female mozzies go on a frenzy, lay their eggs," Today reporter Sarah Stewart said. Stewart said Sydneysiders can expect an influx of the hungry insects in coming weeks, as conditions ripen for even more of the pests. "We are hearing from farmers if you work outside, they get on your hair, up your nose, they bite them through their hats even," she said. "Unfortunately, we are told they are going to head to Sydney to the coast, over the coming weeks." Just weeks ago, Associate Professor Cameron Webb from NSW Health Pathology told 9news.com.au that numbers are expected to explode once the weather officially warms up. Image: Nine News

Body

How to make your own mosquito trap

Nothing ruins a good time like a swarm of hungry mosquitos. Keep the outdoor fun going longer with this easy DIY mosquito trap. You will need: <ul> <li>An empty 2 litre plastic bottle</li> <li>A marker</li> <li>A box cutter</li> <li>A tape measurer</li> <li>¼ cup of brown sugar</li> <li>1 cup of hot water</li> <li>1 gram of yeast</li> <li>Duct/electrical tape</li> </ul> How to: 1. About 10cm from the lid, make a mark around the bottle. 2. Using your box cutter, cut the bottle in half at your mark. 3. In a saucepan, boil your water until steaming. 4. In the lower half of the bottle, add brown sugar and boiling water. Let cool. 5. Once cooled, add yeast. Stirring isn’t necessary. 6. Take the top of the bottle, flipping it upside down, and fit it into the base of the bottle, leaving enough room above the mixture for mosquitos to enter. If there isn’t, pour out some mixture. 7. Use tape to secure the cut edges at the top. 8. Place wherever your mosquito problem resides. The mosquitos will be attracted to the sugar mixture and not be able to fly back out of the trap. Image: Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Tragedy as Aussie boy dies from mosquito bite

A nine-year-old boy from Western Australia has tragically died from dengue fever while on holiday with his family. Glenn Pulgadas had been on holiday with his parents, Glenn and Ryza, in the Philippines to see extended family when he was bitten by a mosquito. According to the <a title="www.abc.net.au" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-30/wa-boy-dies-dengue-fever-in-philippines-warning-travellers/101386032">ABC</a>, the boy began feeling unwell on August 12th and was admitted to hospital. He was described as being “weak in appearance” with headaches, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and nose bleeds. Glenn then went into dengue shock syndrome which typically includes clamminess, a rapid weak pulse and narrowing of pulse pressure. These symptoms then led to organ failure, with Glenn tragically passing away on August 25th. The young boy is being remembered as "bright and bubbly" by all who knew him. “Glenn was a bright, bubbly, young boy who was so full of life and always had a smile on his face,” said family friend Danielle Zarzycki. Glenn's hometown community of Harvey has launched a <a title="www.gofundme.com" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/glenn-pulgadas-memorial">GoFundMe</a> page to raise money for funeral expenses which has so far reached more than $9000. One of the top donators, who gave $1,000 to Glenn's family, is local St Anne’s School, where Glenn was a year three student. Dengue fever is spread via the bite of some species of mosquito. Three out of four people who contract dengue won’t even get sick, and for those who do the symptoms can be mild and they often recover in a matter of days. About one in 20 people who become sick with dengue will be hit by a severe form and in the worst cases, the disease can lead to shock, internal bleeding and death. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Where do all the mosquitoes go in the winter?

Summer evenings by the pool, lake or BBQ mean mosquitoes. But what about during winter when we’re mostly indoors? As the weather cools, these bloodsucking pests are rarely seen. But where do they go? Warm, wet conditions suit mosquitoes Mosquitoes have complex life cycles that rely on water brought to <a href="https://theconversation.com/hidden-housemates-the-mosquitoes-that-battle-for-our-backyards-59072" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wetlands, flood plains, and water-holding containers</a> by seasonal rainfall. Depending on whether we’re experiencing a summer under the influence of <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-the-arrival-of-el-nino-mean-fewer-mosquitoes-this-summer-102496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">El Niño</a> or <a href="https://theconversation.com/la-nina-will-give-us-a-wet-summer-thats-great-weather-for-mozzies-147180" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Niña</a>, mosquito populations will change in different ways. During warmer months, their life cycle lasts about a month. Eggs laid around water hatch and the immature mosquitoes go through four developmental stages. Larvae then change to pupae, from which an adult mosquito emerges, sits briefly on the water surface, and then flies off to buzz and bite and continue the cycle. Water is crucial but temperature is really important too. Unlike warm-blooded animals, mosquitoes can’t control their own body temperatures. The warmer it is, the more active mosquitoes will be. There’s usually more of them about too. But once cold weather arrives, their activity slows. They fly less, they don’t bite as often, they reproduce less, and their life cycle takes longer to complete. Temperature also plays a role in determining the ability of mosquitoes to <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.584846/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spread viruses</a>. Cold weather isn’t great for mosquitoes but <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-ento-011613-162023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">millions of years of evolution</a> have given them a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13071-017-2235-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">few tricks to survive</a>. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C43%2C4883%2C3211&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/468677/original/file-20220614-21-qmcj4w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>Ponds and puddles may be frozen but that doesn’t mean all mosquitoes have disappeared. <a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/7UYnlgDyf0o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tom Keldenich/Unsplash</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CC BY</a></figcaption></figure> Mosquitoes don’t disappear completely On a sunny afternoon in winter, you may notice the occasional mosquito buzzing about in your backyard. Not as many as in summer but they’re still around. Some mosquitoes do disappear. For example, the activity of the pest mosquito Culex annulirostris, thought to play an important role in the <a href="https://theconversation.com/japanese-encephalitis-virus-has-been-detected-in-australian-pigs-can-mozzies-now-spread-it-to-humans-178017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spread of Japanese encephalitis virus</a> in Australia, dramatically declines when temperatures start dropping <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1442-9993.1980.tb01260.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">below 17.5℃</a>. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aen.12021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studies in Sydney</a> have shown some mosquitoes, such as Culex annulirostris, disappear. Others, such as Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex molestus, remain active throughout the winter. You just may not notice them (unless they enter your home to buzz about your ears). <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469917/original/file-20220621-17-k6jyri.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption>Some mosquitoes, such as the common Aedes notoscriptus, may occasionally be seen buzzing about in winter. Cameron Webb/NSW Health Pathology</figcaption></figure> Mosquitoes can disappear into diapause We’re familiar with the idea of mammals hibernating through winter but mosquitoes, like many other insects, can enter a phase of inactivity called <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eea.12753" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diapause</a>. Once cold weather arrives, adult mosquitoes find hiding places such as tree hollows and animal burrows, within the cracks and crevices of bushland environments, or in garages, basements or other structures around our homes, suburbs and cities. These mosquitoes may only live a few weeks during summer but going into diapause allows them to survive many months through winter. Mosquitoes can also be found in frozen bodies of water, whether it is a bucket of water in your backyard or a near freezing wetland. For example, there is a group of mosquitoes that belong to the genus Coquillettidia whose <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvec.12338" target="_blank" rel="noopener">larvae attach</a> to the submerged parts of aquatic plants and can survive the cold winter temperatures. Their development dramatically slows and they’ll stay in the water until spring arrives. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/469888/original/file-20220621-11-eny4r6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>By going into ‘diapause’ adults can survive in places like tree hollows for the cold months. <a class="source" href="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625635756778-218152037ccc?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1770&q=80" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unsplash/Pat Whelan</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CC BY</a></figcaption></figure> All their eggs in one winter basket Some mosquitoes make it through the winter thanks to their eggs. Mosquito eggs can be incredibly resilient. They survive being dried out in hot and salty coastal wetlands during summer but also frozen in snow-covered creeks in winter. In coastal regions of Australia, eggs of the saltmarsh mosquito (Aedes vigilax), sit perfectly safely on soil. Once the weather warms and tides bring in water to the wetlands, these eggs will be ready to hatch. There is also a special mosquito in Australia known as the “snow melt mosquito” (Aedes nivalis) whose <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-6055.1996.tb01371.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eggs survive under snow</a> and hatch once that snow melts and fills ponds, creeks and wetlands throughout alpine regions. Does it matter where mosquitoes go in the winter? It also isn’t just the mosquitoes that survive the cold months. Viruses, such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/japanese-encephalitis-virus-can-cause-deadly-brain-swelling-but-in-less-than-1-of-cases-178985" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Japanese encephalitis virus</a> or <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-ross-river-virus-24630" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ross River virus</a>, can survive from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2631767/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">summer to summer</a> in mosquito eggs, immature stages, or diapausing adults. Knowing the seasonal spread of mosquitoes helps health authorities design surveillance and control programs. It may help understand how <a href="https://entomologytoday.org/2022/05/24/snow-covered-tires-help-invasive-mosquitoes-survive-cold-winters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invasive mosquitoes survive</a> conditions in Australia outside their native ranges by <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0211167" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hiding out from the cold</a>, such as in rainwater tanks. Even mosquitoes typically found in tropical locations can even <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.13480" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adapt to cooler climates</a>. This knowledge may even expose the chilly chink in mosquito’s armour that we can use to better control mosquito populations and reduce the risks of disease outbreaks.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/185021/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/where-do-all-the-mosquitoes-go-in-the-winter-185021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Fresh warnings after spread of mosquito-born disease

Two NSW residents have fallen seriously ill and are currently being hospitalised with a mosquito-borne disease that can result in potentially severe neurological impacts, sparking warnings about avoiding bites. NSW Health on Monday evening said the patients were a man from Corowa and a child from Wentworth, both in the NSW-Victoria border region. The department said the man was in intensive care and the child had been discharged from the ICU but was staying in hospital because of the seriousness of their illness. Authorities are expecting more cases to be confirmed in the future and several people are undergoing further testing. Acting Chief Health Officer Marianne Gale urged NSW residents to take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. "We are working closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and other states and territories to determine the extent to which the virus is circulating," Dr Gale said. "Unfortunately, our recent wet weather has led to very high mosquito numbers, so we need the community to be particularly vigilant and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. "We know mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn, and we need people planning activities near waterways or where mosquitoes are present to be especially cautious, particularly those in the vicinity of the Murray River and its branches." Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Sonya Bennett last week declared a national alert over the virus, which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Fortunately, this disease cannot move directly from person to person. The virus is common in a wide swathe of Asia and the Western Pacific, including India, most of China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Japan. Recent cases are the first time it's been identified in NSW in humans or animals, according to NSW Health. Most humans who contract the virus do not experience any symptoms or only experience mild symptoms like headaches or fever. But the worst affected may suffer inflammation of the brain, a sudden onset of vomiting, high fever and chills, severe headaches, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and nausea. Image: Getty

Body

Can mosquitos spread coronavirus?

The pathogens mosquitos spread by sucking our blood cause over half a million deaths each year and hundreds of millions of cases of severe illness. But there is no scientific evidence to suggest mosquitos are transmitting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. While there are many things we have yet to know about the coronavirus, current research supports that it’s highly unlikely a mosquito will pick up the virus by biting an infected person, let alone be able to pass it on. Mosquitos CAN transmit other viruses Female mosquitos need the nutrition found in blood to help develop their eggs. Viruses take advantage of this requirement as mosquitoes can easily move from host to host to transmit diseases. But for a mosquito to become infected, it first needs to bite an infected animal, such as a bird of kangaroo, or a person. The list of diseases a mosquito can transfer includes dengue, tallow fever, chikungunya, Zika and Ross River virus. They can also spread malaria, which is caused by a parasite. But they cannot transmit other viruses such as HIV and Ebola. Coronavirus is mainly spread through droplets produced when people sneeze or cough, and by touched surfaces that are contaminated. While the virus is found in blood, there’s no evidence that can spread via mosquitos. So if a mosquito does pick up a substantial dose of the virus, the virus won’t be able to infect the mosquito itself. And if the mosquito isn’t infected, it won’t be able to transmit it to the next person.

Body

Can mosquitoes spread coronavirus?

The pathogens mosquitoes spread by sucking our blood cause over <a href="https://www.who.int/malaria/en/">half a million deaths each year</a> and <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue">hundreds of millions of cases of severe illness</a>. But there is no scientific evidence to suggest mosquitoes are transmitting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There is <a href="https://cmr.asm.org/content/20/4/660">much more to learn about the coronavirus</a> but based on current understandings, it’s highly unlikely a mosquito will pick up the virus by biting an infected person, let alone be able to pass it on. Yes, mosquitoes can transmit other viruses Female mosquitoes need the nutrition contained in blood to help develop their eggs. Viruses take advantage of this biological requirement of mosquitoes to move from host to host. But for a mosquito to become infected, it first needs to bite an infected animal, such as a bird or kangaroo, or a person. Mosquitoes can transmit a number of viruses, including dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, Zika and Ross River virus. They can also transmit malaria, which is caused by a parasite. But they can’t transmit many other viruses, including HIV and Ebola. For <a href="https://europepmc.org/article/med/10554479">HIV</a>, mosquitoes themselves don’t become infected. It’s actually unlikely a mosquito will pick up the virus when it bites an infected person due to the low concentrations of the HIV circulating in their blood. For Ebola, <a href="https://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.1996.55.89">even when scientists inject the virus into mosquitoes</a>, they don’t become infected. One study collected tens of thousands of insects during an Ebola outbreak but <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/179/Supplement_1/S148/880615">found no virus</a>. No, not coronavirus The new coronavirus is <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-precaution-recommendations">mostly spread via droplets produced when we sneeze or cough</a>, and by touching <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-know-how-long-coronavirus-survives-on-surfaces-heres-what-it-means-for-handling-money-food-and-more-134671">contaminated surfaces</a>. Although coronavirus has been <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2020.1729071">found in blood samples from infected people</a>, there’s no evidence it can spread via mosquitoes. Even if a mosquito did pick up a high enough dose of the virus in a blood meal, there is no evidence the virus would be able to infect the mosquito itself. And if the mosquito isn’t infected, it won’t be able to transmit it to the next person she bites. Why some viruses and not others? It’s easy to think of mosquitoes as tiny flying dirty syringes transferring droplets of infected blood from person to person. The reality is far more complex. When a mosquito bites and sucks up some blood that contains a virus, the virus quickly ends up in the gut of the insect. From there, the virus needs to infect the cells lining the gut and “escape” to infect the rest of the body of the mosquito, spreading to the legs, wings, and head. The virus then has to infect the salivary glands before being passed on by the mosquito when it next bites. This process can take a few days to over a week. But time isn’t the only barrier. The virus also has to negotiate getting out of the gut, getting through the body, and then into the saliva. Each step in the process can be an impenetrable barrier for the virus. This may be straightforward for viruses that have adapted to this process but for others, the virus will perish in the gut or be excreted. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Associate Professor and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-mosquitoes-spread-coronavirus-134898">original article</a>.

Body

Why mosquitoes prefer to bite some people over others

It’s always you, isn’t it? The person busy swatting away buzzing backyard mosquitoes or nursing an arm full of itchy red lumps after a weekend camping trip. You’re not imagining it – mosquitoes really are attracted to some people more than others. Why do mosquitoes need blood? Only female mosquitoes bite. They do it for the nutrition contained in blood, which helps develop their eggs. Mosquitoes don’t just get blood from people. They’re actually far more likely to get it from biting animals, <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-australian-wildlife-spread-and-suppress-ross-river-virus-107267">birds</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-18/australian-geographic-nature-photographer-of-the-year-winners/7753248">frogs</a> and reptiles. They even <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-018-0096-5">bite earthworms</a>. But some mosquitoes specifically target people. One of the worst culprits is the Aedes aegypti species, which spreads <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/index.html">dengue</a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/">yellow fever</a> viruses. Another that prefers humans are the Anopheles mosquitoes, responsible for spreading the parasites that cause <a href="https://www.who.int/malaria/en/">malaria</a>. How do mosquitoes find us? Most mosquitoes will get their blood from whatever is around and don’t necessarily care if they’re biting one person or another. Although it’s our blood they’re after, there is no strong indicator they prefer a particular blood type over another. Some studies have <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/41/4/796/885285">suggested they prefer people with type O blood</a> but that’s unlikely to be the case for all types of mosquitoes. Whether we’re picked out of a crowd may come down to heavy breathing and skin smell. When they need blood, mosquitoes can pick up on the <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/role-of-carbon-dioxide-in-hostfinding-by-mosquitoes-diptera-culicidae-a-review/2506B86EF63852B2D02EC3FCEE1E3B8B">carbon dioxide</a> we exhale. Around the world, carbon dioxide is one of the most common “baits” used to attract and collect mosquitoes. If you’re exhaling greater volumes of carbon dioxide, you’re probably an easier target for mosquitoes. When the mosquito gets closer, she is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214574517300342">responding to a range of stimuli</a>. Perhaps it’s <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471492210002618">body heat and sweat</a>: exercise that increases body temperature and perspiration can attract mosquitoes. Perhaps it’s body size: studies indicate <a href="https://academic.oup.com/trstmh/article/96/2/113/1909983">pregnant women are more likely to be bitten</a> by mosquitoes. How hairy are you? Mosquitoes may have a tough job finding a path through to your skin if there is an abundance of body hair. More than anything else, though, it’s about the smell of your skin. Hundreds of chemicals are sweated out or emitted by our body’s bacteria. The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214574517300536">cocktail of smells they create</a> will either attract or deter mosquitoes. It’s not just who they bite but where Mosquitoes could also have a preference for different parts of the body. One study showed mosquitoes are more attracted to hands and feet <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep27141">than armpits</a>, but that just turned out to be because of deodorant residues. Mosquitoes may also be more attracted to our feet: studies have shown cheese sharing similar bacteria to that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15275226">found between our toes</a> attracts mosquitoes! Who is to blame for this misery? It’s not your diet. There is no evidence that what you eat or drink will prevent mosquito bites. Some food or drink may subtly change how many mosquitoes are likely to bite you but it won’t make that much difference. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/9/4/129">Eating bananas</a> or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2832015/">drinking beer</a> has been shown to marginally increase the attraction of mosquitoes but the results aren’t enough to suggest any dietary change will reduce your mosquito bites. That’s why our supermarket shelves aren’t full of “mozzie repellent” pills. Your irresistibility to mosquitoes may not be your fault. Blame your parents. Studies have shown the chemicals responsible for the “<a href="https://europepmc.org/article/med/2230769">skin smell</a>” that attracts mosquitoes has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406498/">a high level of heritability</a> when twins are exposed to biting mosquitoes. What can you do about it? We have to be careful about generalisations. There are thousands of types of mosquitoes around the world and all will have a different preference for what or who to bite. And the attraction of individuals and the scenario that plays out in one part of the world may be much different in another. Remember, it only takes one mosquito bite to transmit a pathogen that could make you sick. So whether you’re a mosquito magnet or feeling a little invisible because you’re not bitten so often, don’t be complacent and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-best-and-worst-ways-to-beat-mosquito-bites-70274">use insect repellents</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128788/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-webb-6736">Cameron Webb</a>, Clinical Lecturer and Principal Hospital Scientist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/feel-like-youre-a-mozzie-magnet-its-true-mosquitoes-prefer-to-bite-some-people-over-others-128788">original article</a>.

Body

Sam Armtage shocks colleagues after revealing bizarre mosquito bite hack

Samantha Armytage left her Channel Seven colleagues looking in shock when she revealed the bizarre way she gets rid of mosquito bite itches. “Sounds painful,” Kylie Gillies exclaimed, as David 'Kochie' Koch admitted he had never heard of her solution. Promoting The Morning Show, Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur told Sunrise viewers they would be revealing a foolproof way to ease mosquito bite itches. Viewers didn’t have to wait long because Sam jumped in with her own suggestion. “That's the old put your fingernail in it like a cross in the mozzie bite,” Sam said with gusto, but her colleagues weren’t quite on the same page. “Oh no! We have go no show,” Larry jokingly said, while Kylie winced that it “sounds painful.” <img width="456" height="258" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/02/28/23/49ADB50400000578-5447359-image-m-37_1519859332416.jpg" alt="'Sounds painful!' Samantha Armytage shocks her Sunrise colleagues after revealing the bizarre way she gets rid of mosquito bite itches" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-a474b88482bc8fbc"/> Sam insisted that her solution “stops the itching” and even asked Kochie: “Haven't you ever done that?” “No!” he quickly replied. Joking, Samantha told Kylie and Larry: “I just gave you another advertorial. You are welcome ... I just cleared the budget for 2018.” While there is no scientific proof to Sam’s mosquito bite tip, there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence from people who swear it does work.

Caring

Aussie city facing record mozzie outbreak this summer

Residents of a major Australian city have been warned to brace themselves for mosquitos this summer, with record numbers of mozzies expected to swarm. Experts are expecting Sydney to cop an onslaught of mosquitos over the course of summer, with the pesky little blood suckers expected to converge upon the harbour city. Dr Cameron Webb, Medical Entomologist at University of Sydney and NSW Health Pathology, told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9 News</a>, “The mosquitoes are waiting in our wetlands.” With a wet summer forecast, Dr Webb advises all Sydney residents should be extra careful and take necessary preventative measures to reduce the impact. Dr Webb’s tips include: <ul> <li>Wearing lighter coloured clothing, as mosquitos are attracted to dark colours.</li> <li>Wearing closed toe shoes instead of thongs.</li> <li>Avoiding being outside in the later afternoon and early evening.</li> <li>Using repellents containing diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oils.</li> </ul> Do you normally get attacked by mozzies?

Travel Tips

6 things that make you more attractive to mosquitoes

The pesky mosquito – is there anything more annoying at a BBQ? For many of us, the answer is “no”, but for others, mozzies don’t seem to be an issue at all – but why? Why do mozzies favour come people over others? It may be because of these six things about you which they simply can’t get enough of. 1. You exhale a lot of carbon dioxide Larger people (and pregnant women) produce more carbon dioxide. Incredibly, <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/role-of-carbon-dioxide-in-hostfinding-by-mosquitoes-diptera-culicidae-a-review/2506B86EF63852B2D02EC3FCEE1E3B8B" target="_blank">this makes them more attractive to mozzies</a> and thus more likely to be bitten. If that’s not incentive to lose some weight, we don’t know what is! 2. You’re hot No, really, you are! <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0122716" target="_blank">A 2015 study</a> found that having a high body temperature increases the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes. Again, this only makes it harder for overweight people, who as a rule have a higher body temperature. Our advice? Stay cool! 3. You have type O blood It’s not just the blood bank that wants your type O. In 2004, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=15311477&ordinalpos=3&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum" target="_blank">researchers discovered</a> that people with type O blood had a significantly higher chance of being bitten by mozzies than those with type A. But take this one with a grain of salt – the study’s sample size was small and it hasn’t been repeated since. 4. The bacteria on your skin make you smell good Well, they make you smell good to the mozzies – not necessarily to the person sitting next to you. <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0028991" target="_blank">Researchers found</a> that the microbes that live on the skin produce certain chemicals which make you smell more attractive to those flying pests. 5. You’ve just exercised While being overweight makes you more susceptible to mozzie bites, so does exercise. Not only does it raise your body temperature (see above), but it also <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/161/3848/1346" target="_blank">increases lactic acid production</a>, which is secreted through the skin, attracting mosquitoes. 6. You’re a beer drinker It might be time to switch to soft drink – that cold brew isn’t doing you any favours. In 2002, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12083361" target="_blank">Japanese scientists found</a> that even one glass of an alcoholic beverage (beer in particular) makes you more attractive to mozzies, but no one is quite sure why this is. So, if you’re an overweight, exercise-loving, germy, beer-drinking person with type O blood, you should probably invest in some high-strength insect repellent!

Body

Are itchy insect bites worse for us?

New research suggests we could better understand mosquito-borne disease by looking closely at our itchy bites. Mosquitoes need blood. Unfortunately, they often get that blood from us; some of us are bitten more commonly than others. But mosquitoes aren’t flying syringes transporting droplets of infected blood from person to person. The mosquitoes need to be infected with a pathogen first before it can be passed on. And, more importantly, the mozzie’s spit must be infected. When a mosquito bites, she (only female mozzies bite) injects saliva to get the blood flowing. It’s a mixture of chemicals that helps the mosquito suck up blood from their unsuspecting victim. The reaction to mosquito bites can vary greatly. For many, a “mozzie bite” will be a mild annoyance that resolves itself without too much trouble. For others, the reaction can be more serious. It is particularly troublesome for young children who seem to react the worst. While there are no magic solutions to solve the itch, reactions generally get less severe as we develop a tolerance to bites. The spit may cause a reaction but it can also contain something more serious. Mosquito-borne pathogens, such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya, infect hundreds of millions of people every year. The emergence of Zika virus and its link to birth defects is yet another reminder of how potent these pathogens can be. Spit is the secret to infection Not everyone bitten by a mosquito carrying a virus will develop symptoms. New research suggests the worse our reactions to mosquito bites, the more likely it is we’ll get sick. The scientists allowed the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, to bite laboratory mice and then injected the mice with Semliki Forest virus (an African mosquito-borne virus that generally causes mild symptoms in humans) via syringe. Other mice were only injected with the virus. What they found was that the immune cells that rushed to the bite site as part of an inflammatory response helped the virus replicate and spread. Mice without mosquito bites had substantially lower rates of infection. The implication is the reaction of the host to a mosquito bite may play a critical role in the virus' ability to infect the host. This isn’t surprising, and previous research has suggested an important role for mosquito saliva in virus transmission. These mosquito-borne viruses have evolved to exploit mosquitoes to get from host to host, why not adapt to the immune response of their hosts to further aid their survival? Reducing bite reactions and infection risks The latest research hints at a fascinating potential for mosquito-borne disease prevention. We already have a wide range of safe and effective mosquito repellents that can help prevent bites. We just need to encourage people to use them correctly. If you can stop mosquitoes biting, you can stop disease. Perhaps the use of anti-inflammatory creams or other medications may further reduce the chances of illness. It’s difficult to stop all bites and only takes one infected mosquito to slip through the cracks in our repellent coverage to cause infection. Could using these creams act as a safety net? If you can’t stop all the bites, at least minimising the inflammation may assist in reduce risk of disease. How do you repel mosquitos? Let us know in the comments below. Written by Cameron Webb. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="/health/body/2016/06/little-white-dots-under-skin/">Why we get little white dots under our skin</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/why-mosquitoes-are-more-attracted-to-some-people/">Why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people</a> <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/10/natural-mosquito-repellents/">Natural mosquito repellents</a>

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6 plants that repel mosquitoes

There’s no need to drown yourself in bug spray to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Introduce these mosquito-repelling plants into your garden to keep the bugs away once and for all. Not only will the scents of these plants repel mozzies, but you’ll also introduce a lovely fragrance throughout your home with these six plants. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/plants-that-are-hard-to-kill/">8 plants that are near impossible to kill</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/how-to-control-whiteflies-in-the-garden/">How to control whiteflies in the garden</a>

Home & Garden

Why mosquitoes bite some people more than others

Anyone that has ever been to a BBQ, ever, knows about the frustration mosquito bites. The only more frustrating thing about those lumps then their itchiness it turning to your partner to complain about them, only to discover they don’t have a single bite. Turns out, there’s a science behind it. <a href="https://www.plos.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pone-10-4-Fernandez-Grandon.pdf" target="_blank">The authors of a new study</a> explored the differences in attraction of skin odors to mosquitoes in a group of (brave) volunteers drawn from a group of identical and non-identical twins. The test subjects put their hands into a specially constructed plexi-glass sealed dome where the odors either attract or repel 20 female mosquitoes without being allowed to bite. Sure enough the identical twins, who share all their genes, had consistently more similar scores compared to fraternal twins – therefore showing a clear genetic component in mosquito attractiveness. However, Joe Conlon, PhD, technical advisor to the American Mosquito Control Association says "Researchers are just beginning to scratch the surface," Scientists do now know that genetics account for a whopping 85 per cent of our susceptibility to mosquito bites. However, they've also identified certain elements of our body chemistry that, when found in excess on the skin's surface, make mosquitoes swarm closer. So who do mosquitoes like more? Being overweight or obese, drinking alcohol or doing exercise all raise your metabolic rate, making you more attractive to mozzies. They are also believed to be attracted to other chemicals that can reside on the skin and carbon dioxide. This means that pregnant women and adults are more prone than children. How can you stop it? Mosquitoes are attracted to movement, so if you’re someone to dance up a storm, gesture wildly or even try to wave mosquitoes off, you may be making yourself more susceptible. This is because mosquitoes don’t actually see that well, so you are making yourself more visible. They also have difficulty seeing light colored clothing and flying near fans. Or, a good old repellent will do. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/12/6-signs-you-need-more-sleep/">6 signs you need more sleep</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/side-sleeping-avoid-neurological-disease/">Your sleep position linked to diseases</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/women-have-a-harder-time-sleeping-than-men/">Why do women have a harder time sleeping than men?</a>

Body

Why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people

There's no doubt we're in the midst of mosquito season and if you’re finding you’re getting bitten left right and centre, while the person next to you manages to escape bite-free, there’s a reason for it – and it’s not because the mozzies have a personal vendetta against you. Dr Cameron Webb, Principal Hospital Scientist and Clinical Lecturer, told The Huffington Post Australia, “Some people are definitely more likely to suffer a mosquito bite than others.” He added, “But it's not just the number of bites that vary from person to person. Each individual will react to a mosquito bite differently. In the same way we all differ in our reaction to food, chemical or environmental allergens, we all differ in our reaction to the saliva mozzies inject when they feed.” So what is it about a person that makes them so delicious to mosquitoes? “Mosquitoes target in on individuals based on a range of factors. First and foremost, it is the carbon dioxide we exhale. That signals to the mosquitoes that there is a warm-blooded animal about,” explained Webb. “Secondly, it is the chemical cocktail of smelly substances on our skin that determines how frequently we’ll be bitten by mosquitoes. The mix of these 300 or so chemical compounds on our skin attracts (or sometimes repels) mosquitoes. "Blood type may play a role but there is certainly not a blood type mosquitoes will completely ignore. Probably the best natural repellent is a thick covering of body hair!" But if you do want to escape the unbearable itchy sensation, Webb recommends looking for products containing DEET. "The insect repellents that provide the longest lasting protection are those that contain 'DEET' or 'picaridin'. They’re commonly found in all the popular brands found on supermarket shelves. Make sure they’re applied as a thin and even coat on all exposed skin, as a dab ‘here and there’ won’t provide adequate protection,” he advised. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/former-housekeeper-to-queen-reveals-secrets/">Former housekeeper to the Queen reveals her secrets</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/laundry-room-space-ideas/">Simple ideas to get more space out of laundry room</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/cleaning-tricks-for-people-who-hate-doing-chores/">14 cleaning tricks for people who hate doing chores</a>

News

Natural mosquito repellents

With summer just around the corner, chances are good you’ll be spending plenty of time outdoors. Whether you’re at the beach, BBQ-ing with friends or setting up a picnic in the park, uninvited guests will often make an appearance, especially if you’re outdoors at dusk. While grabbing a can of a commercial mosquito repellent may be easy, many people are steering clear due to the active ingredients found in most formulations.DEET or diethyl-meta-toluamide is an active ingredient that has been linked to all kinds of nasty side effects, including damage to brain cells, behavioural changes and even harmful interactions with some medications. Go DEET free with one of these natural solutions for a safe, mozzie free summer.<ol><li>Catnip – Not just for driving your pet cat completely bonkers, the essential oil found in catnip is almost 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mozzies.</li><li>Citronella – Commonly found in candle form, the pure essential oil variety can also be used to protect against mozzies. Make sure you buy a 100 per cent pure essential oil suitable for topical application. The fragrance oil often sold for oil burners won’t work unfortunately.</li><li>Lavender – Mixing a few drops of pure lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba will not only leave you smelling sweet, it’ll also repel mozzies very effectively.</li><li>Lotus – If you’re looking for a mosquito repelling plant, try planting lotus flowers. Research has found that the plant is an effective mosquito repellent and also helps kill mosquito larvae.</li><li>Black pepper – Another essential oil to add to your arsenal. Black pepper oil has been found to be a highly effective mosquito repellent, even in small quantities.</li></ol>Related links:<a href="/lifestyle/outdoors/2015/10/stay-cool-while-camping/">5 ways to stay cool while camping</a><a href="/lifestyle/outdoors/2015/10/tips-for-caravanning-with-pets/">Tips for caravanning with pets</a><a href="/lifestyle/outdoors/2015/10/diy-mosquito-trap/">How to make your own mosquito trap</a>

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Natural mosquito repellents

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