Naturally Keep Away Buzzing Biting Mosquito

By: Dr. A Jolly Devi
With the full setting of monsoon and hot humid summer, the uninvited guest swarm here and there creating a troublesome for all of us. Yes, the mosquitoes, they can spread dangerous and fatal disease like malaria, dengue, chikungunia to name a few. In addition to these it may cause stress and tension to the person. At night the sound produce by mosquito is more annoying especially when a person in deep sleep.
Several measures are being taken up by many at their level to prevent the mosquitoes but still mosquito and its associated disease is an alarming in many places. We all know about many commercially available mosquitoes repellent such crème, coil, roll, spray, liquid vaporizer etc. All these are having the repellent activity at the same time they may affect the health of the person especially the children. Research and studies have mentioned about health hazard of the synthetic chemical components used in making the mosquito repellent. Continuous used of synthetic repellent is not advisable.
Do you know that mosquito can fly anywhere from half meter to 24 km depending on the species. If the breeze is above 1MPH (Miles Per Hour) it makes difficult for the mosquito to fly. So, select cool breeze where there is proper cross ventilation during the day time. Else, Just direct the fan’s force downward especially towards the lower half of your body because mosquitoes tend to fly very close to the ground to avoid wind.
During daylight hours mosquitoes also use their vision to search for food i.e. biting. Since they fly very close to the ground, they tend to find targets by looking for things that contrast with the horizon. It is suggested to used/wear light colors as they are less attractive to them.
Those who sweat more are also attracted by mosquitoes due to lactic acid, ammonia and other compound emitted from the body. So try to maintain the body temperature even if you doing physical exercise, heavy work or staying out door for long time.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary thing mosquitoes search for to identify food sources, When we drink alcohol and eating spicy food our body metabolic rate increases thereby producing more carbon dioxide. One can reduce the consumption and maintain a balance metabolic rate.
Some studies mentioned that mosquitoes prefer certain skin bacteria, these bacteria create a distinct fragrance when mixed with sweat. Ever wonder why mosquito commonly bite our lower limb, it may be because ankles and feet areas are especially ripe for bacterial growth. So, keep your body parts neat and clean.
Plant to avoid mosquitoes, many plant species having the natural repellent activity can be planted easily. Java Citronella, Lemon grass, Marigold, Equalyptus, Neem, Artemesia are known to have the insect repelling capacity. The essential oil extracted from their leaves is more beneficial. At the household level one can simply cut the leaves and crush to get the smell and spread or hung near the window or door. This oil affects a mosquito’s olfactory senses to pick up smells. The aroma emits by these plants itself act as a natural repellent.
Keep your surrounding clean, avoid any water stagnation. Interior aquatic plant, fountain and birdbath to be frequently checked, it can be a perfect breeding ground.
(The author is College of Community Science, CAU(I), Tura, Meghalaya, Email: [email protected])