A chikungunya fever outbreak, caused by imported cases, has recently been reported in Guangdong. Transmitted primarily through bites from Aedes mosquitoes, this mosquito-borne disease is preventable, treatable and controllable. The key prevention measures include eliminating adult mosquitoes, clearing stagnant water and avoiding bites. As summer arrives, here’s how to scientifically repel mosquitoes.
Who Are More Prone to Mosquito Bites?
Many people find themselves being targeted by mosquitoes more than others. Mosquitoes detect their targets mainly through carbon dioxide, body heat and volatile chemicals. The following groups are more attractive to mosquitoes:
People who exhale more carbon dioxide, such as those with large lung capacity, overweight individuals, pregnant women and children, all of whom have relatively active metabolism.
Those with well-developed sweat glands and higher body temperature. They tend to sweat more, and the lactic acid or other substances excreted on the skin surface attract mosquitoes.
People who wear makeup. Perfumes, creams and other floral-scented cosmetics may contain chemicals that attract mosquitoes.
Besides these factors, clothing color also matters. It turns out that mosquitoes have their own “color preference”. Dark-colored clothes absorb more heat and fit mosquitoes’ tendency to seek dark environments, thus making them more favored by mosquitoes.
Do Mosquitoes Bite on a Schedule?
There are many species of mosquitoes, and different ones are active at different times. Aedes albopictus, commonly known as “flower mosquitoes” or “black mosquitoes” due to their black bodies with white stripes, bite during the day, with peak hours from 6 to 8 am and 5 to 7 pm. Culex mosquitoes are mainly active at night, especially from 7 to 11 pm and 2 to 4 am. Anopheles mosquitoes are most active from evening to dawn, particularly on warm and moonlit nights.
In addition, after rain, there is more stagnant water, providing more breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which leads to an increase in their population.
4 Tips for Mosquito Prevention & Repelling
Personal Protection
When outdoors, wear light-colored long-sleeved clothes and pants to reduce exposed skin. Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing, and reapply it in sufficient quantity and at regular intervals as per the instructions. Avoid staying near mosquito breeding grounds such as grasslands, bamboo forests and stagnant water for a long time.
Environmental Management
Effectively reduce mosquito breeding by clearing stagnant water, overturning pots and containers, cleaning up all kinds of garbage around the house, and regularly changing water for aquatic plants. Keep drinking water or functional containers with water tightly covered. Containers used for collecting water for flowers, sunning water and air conditioning water should be covered or cleaned regularly. Change water for household potted plants and containers with aquatic plants every 5-7 days. When changing water, rinse the plant roots and the inner walls of the containers to prevent mosquito larvae from breeding.
Physical Prevention
Install screen doors and windows in living places, and use mosquito nets indoors. It should be noted that the mesh of screen doors, windows and mosquito nets should be small enough to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Chemical Control
For residential homes, hotels and other indoor places, use commercially available sanitary insecticide products with qualification certificates and registration certificates, such as aerosols and mosquito-repellent incense, to prevent and kill mosquitoes.
By following these methods, you can effectively reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes and prevent mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, ensuring a safe summer.
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