Preventing mosquito bites can be done in various ways, from keeping the house clean to using mosquito repellent products. This is important to do so that you and your family avoid various diseases caused by mosquito bites.
Mosquito bites can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin. Not only that, some types of mosquitoes can also carry viruses, germs, or parasites that can cause various diseases, such as dengue fever, malaria, and elephantiasis. This is the reason why you need to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Effective Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Here are some ways you can do to prevent mosquito bites:
1. Use mosquito repellent products
There are many types of mosquito repellent products available in the market, such as mosquito repellent or electric rackets. However, in its use, you must pay attention to the safety aspect, especially if there are babies and children or asthmatics in the house.
Burning and electric mosquito repellent is indeed quite effective to repel mosquitoes. However, the smoke and the chemicals contained in it have the potential to cause health problems, such as respiratory problems and irritation.
Therefore, keep yourself and your family away when the insect repellent is on and avoid using mosquito repellent while sleeping.
Alternatively, you can use an electric racket to kill mosquitoes, both indoors and outdoors. This tool is safe to use because it is chemical-free. However, do not forget to keep this tool out of the reach of children so as not to be electrocuted.
2. Install a mosquito net or use a fan
You can put a mosquito net around the bed to keep out mosquito bites. In addition, you can also use a fan to prevent mosquitoes from sticking and biting your skin.
3. Make sure there are no puddles
Stagnant water is an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay eggs and breed. Therefore, make sure there is no stagnant water by covering containers or objects, such as buckets, used cans, and plastic waste.
For water reservoirs, such as water tanks and baths, you can sprinkle larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from breeding.
4. Clean the environment around the house
Not only in the house, it is also important to keep the environment around the house clean to prevent mosquito bites. Therefore, sweep the yard every day and trim the grass and plants regularly.
In addition, install mosquito nets on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.
5. Use aromatherapy mosquito repellent
To keep away from mosquito bites, you can also use aromatherapy or mosquito repellent plants. Not only that, aromatherapy can also refresh and scent the room. Several types of essential oils, such as lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and orange, are known to be effective at repelling mosquitoes.
6. Apply mosquito repellent oil or lotion
To prevent mosquito bites, you can use mosquito repellent lotion. Choose a lotion with gentle ingredients, such as picaridin and lemon eucalyptus oil.
After applying mosquito repellent lotion, don’t forget to wash your hands so you don’t swallow the lotion or irritate your eyes. In addition, avoid using lotion on children under 3 years of age, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, and avoid using it on the face area.
Not only mosquito repellent lotion, you can also use telon oil and eucalyptus oil. The content and aroma of the two types of oil can keep you from being bitten by these insects.
7. Clean the skin after being bitten by a mosquito
Avoid scratching the skin bitten by mosquitoes even if it itches. Scratching can cause sores on the skin, allowing the entry of bacteria that cause infection.
It would be better if you immediately clean the skin bitten by mosquitoes with mild soap and warm water. After that, apply calamine lotion to reduce itching. If the itching is severe enough, you can apply an ointment containing hydrocortisone or take an antihistamine.
Steps to prevent mosquito bites can also be done by fogging by local officials. This method is usually done when there is an increase in dengue fever cases in an area, such as schools, offices, or housing. But you still have to be aware of the negative impact of fogging that may occur.
In addition, you also need to keep the environment clean and eradicate mosquito nests, so that these insects do not breed around your house.
Take various ways to prevent mosquito bites as described above, to avoid various diseases that can be spread by mosquitoes. If you have a fever accompanied by weakness, muscle aches, or headaches, see a doctor immediately.