Q. When it comes to information and advice about mosquitoes and mosquito bites, what is fact and what is fiction?
A. We've all heard - and probably passed along - advice about one of summer's most unwelcome pests, the mosquito. Some of us fear coming in contact with these insects because of the possible diseases they carry. Some of us regard these bugs as mere annoyances. All of us would prefer to avoid the mosquito and its bite.
Since the mosquito has a long history as a common pest, there are plenty of beliefs, misconceptions and advice surrounding the topic. But what pieces of information can you trust?
Mosquito Talk: True or False?
Certain people are more vulnerable to mosquito bites than others.
TRUE: Some of us are simply born to be mosquito bait. Genetics are responsible for 85 percent of our susceptibility to mosquito bites. Factors like scent, body heat, exhaled carbon dioxide and the chemicals in our sweat make certain individuals more attractive to mosquitoes. They are more likely to bite males, larger individuals and individuals with type O blood.
DEET, a common ingredient in mosquito repellent, has been proven to be hazardous to humans at any dose.
FALSE: When used properly, DEET has a safe track record as an effective bug repellent.
After extensive research, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded "as long as consumers follow label directions and take proper precautions, insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern." However, users should observe the following practices when using DEET:
• Read and follow all directions and precautions on product labels.
• Use sparingly.
• Avoid spraying on or near open skin, eyes, mouth, and nose, under clothing or near food.
• Wash treated skin with soap and water.
In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when DEET is used on children:
•Select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors.
•Avoid use on infants under two months of age.
So the clear lesson is that DEET or any chemical is only as safe as the practices employed by the user.
A bug zapper is an effective means of warding off mosquitoes.
FALSE: Unfortunately, the crackles and pops you hear coming from the bug zapper are probably not that of mosquitoes. It's more likely the zapper is attracting and killing helpful insect predators. However, relatively new products known as mosquito traps do appear to work by luring and trapping mosquitoes with substances such as carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, and other mosquito-friendly byproducts.
Water attracts mosquitoes.
TRUE: Mosquito populations often thrive in coastal locations, but even land lovers aren't safe. These pests are willing to travel a long way for a good meal.
While any water source is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, they prefer stagnant water (water that is not moving). If you're looking to lower the mosquito population in your back yard, you may want to get rid of that bird bath or decorative pond.
A person's age may affect his/her reaction to a mosquito bite.
TRUE: Because of their size, adults are more likely to attract mosquitoes; however, adults are also more likely to have little reaction due to repeated bites over the years. Children who have had little or no exposure to mosquitoes are at greater risk of experiencing symptoms in reaction to a bite.
West Nile was a passing concern that is no longer a real threat as a mosquito-transmitted virus.
FALSE: Most likely, West Nile will stick around for years to come, just as its common carrier, the mosquito. Mosquitoes can also transmit other serious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever; however, these diseases are rare in the United States where mosquito populations are better contained. Signs and symptoms of a serious infection may include fever, head or body aches, nausea, swollen glands, rash, lethargy, confusion, light sensitivity or jaundice. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- As a family practice physician, C.J. Smith, DO, provides full-service health care to all members of the family, ranging from newborns to geriatrics. He received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000, and he completed his residency at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Smith served as a family practice physician in the U.S. Army for four years.
A. We've all heard - and probably passed along - advice about one of summer's most unwelcome pests, the mosquito. Some of us fear coming in contact with these insects because of the possible diseases they carry. Some of us regard these bugs as mere annoyances. All of us would prefer to avoid the mosquito and its bite.
Since the mosquito has a long history as a common pest, there are plenty of beliefs, misconceptions and advice surrounding the topic. But what pieces of information can you trust?
Mosquito Talk: True or False?
Certain people are more vulnerable to mosquito bites than others.
TRUE: Some of us are simply born to be mosquito bait. Genetics are responsible for 85 percent of our susceptibility to mosquito bites. Factors like scent, body heat, exhaled carbon dioxide and the chemicals in our sweat make certain individuals more attractive to mosquitoes. They are more likely to bite males, larger individuals and individuals with type O blood.
DEET, a common ingredient in mosquito repellent, has been proven to be hazardous to humans at any dose.
FALSE: When used properly, DEET has a safe track record as an effective bug repellent.
After extensive research, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded "as long as consumers follow label directions and take proper precautions, insect repellents containing DEET do not present a health concern." However, users should observe the following practices when using DEET:
• Read and follow all directions and precautions on product labels.
• Use sparingly.
• Avoid spraying on or near open skin, eyes, mouth, and nose, under clothing or near food.
• Wash treated skin with soap and water.
In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when DEET is used on children:
•Select the lowest concentration effective for the amount of time spent outdoors.
•Avoid use on infants under two months of age.
So the clear lesson is that DEET or any chemical is only as safe as the practices employed by the user.
A bug zapper is an effective means of warding off mosquitoes.
FALSE: Unfortunately, the crackles and pops you hear coming from the bug zapper are probably not that of mosquitoes. It's more likely the zapper is attracting and killing helpful insect predators. However, relatively new products known as mosquito traps do appear to work by luring and trapping mosquitoes with substances such as carbon dioxide, heat, moisture, and other mosquito-friendly byproducts.
Water attracts mosquitoes.
TRUE: Mosquito populations often thrive in coastal locations, but even land lovers aren't safe. These pests are willing to travel a long way for a good meal.
While any water source is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, they prefer stagnant water (water that is not moving). If you're looking to lower the mosquito population in your back yard, you may want to get rid of that bird bath or decorative pond.
A person's age may affect his/her reaction to a mosquito bite.
TRUE: Because of their size, adults are more likely to attract mosquitoes; however, adults are also more likely to have little reaction due to repeated bites over the years. Children who have had little or no exposure to mosquitoes are at greater risk of experiencing symptoms in reaction to a bite.
West Nile was a passing concern that is no longer a real threat as a mosquito-transmitted virus.
FALSE: Most likely, West Nile will stick around for years to come, just as its common carrier, the mosquito. Mosquitoes can also transmit other serious diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue fever; however, these diseases are rare in the United States where mosquito populations are better contained. Signs and symptoms of a serious infection may include fever, head or body aches, nausea, swollen glands, rash, lethargy, confusion, light sensitivity or jaundice. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
- As a family practice physician, C.J. Smith, DO, provides full-service health care to all members of the family, ranging from newborns to geriatrics. He received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000, and he completed his residency at Metropolitan Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Smith served as a family practice physician in the U.S. Army for four years.
