Spring Break Survival Guide: Mosquito Edition

5 Top Tips to Bypass Bug Bites

Flip flops, check. Sunscreen, check. Sunglasses, shorts, swimsuit... Check check check. When you are packing to leave for vacation, the last thing on your mind is the mosquitoes awaiting after the plane touches down. In fact, you may not notice the pesky insects at all; at least until you are getting eaten alive. Prevent the annoyance and potential danger of mosquitoes by noting our top tips for bite prevention while on vacation. 

Wear light colors.

Believe it or not, mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors like ants are to honey. Additionally, deep blues and blacks absorb more of the sun’s heat than lighter alternatives; so wearing white and light khaki colors will keep the bugs at bay AND help to keep you cool.

Eat the right foods.

Ever wonder why you’re getting eaten alive while your friends are not receiving any bites? It could be because your scent is more enticing, as food choices play a role in the way you smell. Research suggests that garlic, onions and lemongrass alter your scent to make it less appealing to the blood-suckers. Additionally, grapefruit and tomatoes contain compounds that deter the insects.

On the other hand, be sure to avoid beer as well as salty and sugary foods when you’re in mosquito-rich areas, as they have been linked to attracting the pests.

Wear sandals.

Mosquitoes love the bacteria that grows in warm, damp places, namely socks and close-toed shoes. Leave the tennis shoes behind and instead opt for a breathable alternative.

Skip the perfume.

This goes along with the previous tip, but it should come as no surprise that your favorite sweet, floral perfume may be the reason why you’re a mosquito target. The same can be said for heavily-scented hair products and lotions, so when in doubt, simply go scent-free.

Workout indoors.

As tempting as it sounds to go for a long run outside after months of being confined to the gym treadmill, mosquitoes will likely ruin the fun. Human sweat contains lactic acid, which the bugs find incredibly appealing. Additionally, you produce more carbon dioxide when your heart rate goes up which is another known mosquito attractant. Stay on the safe side and avoid the swarm by enjoying the AC.

Vacation should be as stress-free as possible. Don’t give the mosquitoes an open invitation on your next trip; instead make a conscious effort to prevent the bites so you can properly enjoy the tropical climate.

Sources:

Kate. “Repel Mosquitoes | Tips on How to Avoid Mosquito Bites.” Nomads, 5 Apr. 2018, nomadsworld.com/avoid-mosquito-bites/.

“What to Eat to Repel Mosquitoes.” Mosquito Magnet®,www.mosquitomagnet.com/articles/mosquito-repellent-foods.

Webb, Cameron. “Health Check: Why Mosquitoes Seem to Bite Some People More.” The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2019,theconversation.com/health-check-why-mosquitoes-seem-to-bite-some-people-more-36425.

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