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How to prevent mosquito bites

How to prevent mosquito bites

Every Australian will know just how irritating mosquito bites can be. And it’s not only because they’re itchy - mosquitoes may also carry diseases which can be spread through their bites. To help protect yourself against disease, it’s important to know how to prevent mosquito bites. Luckily, once you know how to stop mozzies from biting you, it’s very easy to avoid bites in your day-to-day life.

Avoiding mosquito bites 

Mosquito bites are a common problem, especially in warmer regions. There are different types of mosquitoes which are active at different times throughout the day. This means you need to take precautions against mozzies at all times, both indoors and outdoors. 

Knowing how to stop mosquito bites is a key way to prevent ross river fever, dengue fever and other and other diseases these insects may carry. 

Here are some simple tips on how to stop mozzie bites:

  • Wear loose, long-sleeved clothing. Mosquitoes are able to bite through tight clothes!
  • Apply an effective mosquito repellent to any areas of exposed skin. We recommend Aerogard repellents.
  • Avoid outdoor areas where there are high amounts of mosquitoes.
  • Take steps to limit the number of mosquitoes inside your home, such as by installing fly screens or keeping windows closed.
  • Keep yourself protected at night by using mosquito plug-in repellent, nets, window screens and having air conditioning on. Mosquitoes prefer areas with low airflow.

What attracts mosquitoes?

If you’re wondering why mosquitoes bite, or if there are some ways to stop mozzies biting you by making them less attracted to you - here’s the information you need to know.

Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans and animals emit while breathing. Of course, simply holding your breath isn’t useful advice on how to avoid mosquito bites. It is helpful to know that mosquitoes will more likely notice you if you’re engaging in strenuous activity that causes you to breathe heavier and emit more carbon dioxide. Take preventive measures to avoid those pesky mosquitoes when you plan on exercising.

Why are some people bitten by mosquitoes more often than others?

While everyone can get bitten, it may seem like some people are more appealing for mosquitoes to bite than others. 

Is this because some people have tastier blood than others? Well, yes. Studies show that mosquitoes have a preference for type O blood. However, your blood type doesn’t make a huge difference to your likelihood of getting bitten, as female mozzies will feed on anyone. Males however do not feed on blood.

It may also seem common to see mosquito bites on kids. This could be because mosquitoes are attracted to movement. It makes you stand out more from your surroundings – through the carbon dioxide you emit – and enables them to notice you more easily. Additionally, their skin can tend to react more than adults to the bites, making it seem like they get bitten more often. Many people have extremely mild reactions to mosquito bites, so you may think you do not get bitten but actually do very frequently!
While some things can make your skin more tempting to land on, anyone can be a target for mosquitoes. The best thing you can do is learn how to prevent mosquito bites and take preventative measures with your clothing choices and by using repellent. 

How to prevent mosquito bites using repellent

One of the most effective ways to stop mozzies biting you is to apply a topical insect repellent. These are designed to stop mosquitoes from landing on your skin by reducing their sense of smell and taste. You have plenty of choice in topical repellents, from roll on, spray and odourless repellents.

Insect repellents sold in Australia require registration with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. 

How to best prevent mozzie bites with repellents:

  • Apply mosquito repellent after sunscreen for maximum effectiveness.
  • Make sure you apply the repellent generously and evenly over any exposed skin not covered by clothing.
  • Mosquitoes will find any patch of skin you miss, so take your time with applying.
  • Keep reapplying repellent throughout the day, especially after contact with water or excessive sweating.
  • What if you don't want to put insect repellent on your skin? A fabric spray is available from Aerogard. This product can be applied to clothing rather than your skin. The formulation contains a different technology to topical repellents. It can protect your whole body from mosquitos for 6 hours without any skin contact. It can also be applied to various outdoor furniture.

Treating mosquito bites

Even if you know how to prevent mosquito bites, it’s not always possible to completely avoid them. If you do get a mozzie bite, taking proper care of it will help to prevent potential infection. 

Here are some simple tips to treat mozzie bites:

  • Wash the bite area with soap and water.
  • Try not to scratch it! This can break the skin which will cause further irritation and increase your risk of infection.
  • Apply ice to the area to minimise pain and swelling. 
  • You can also ask your pharmacist and GP for an insect bite relief cream or antihistamine tablets, to reduce the itchiness of the bite.

Frequently asked questions

How can I stop mosquito bites?

You can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing loose, long-sleeved clothing and always applying mosquito repellent on areas of exposed skin. 

Another way to limit your chances of getting mozzie bites is to stay away from areas where mosquitoes tend to gather, such as wetlands.

Which repellents are effective?

While there are plenty of home remedies and natural forms of repellents out there, the most effective way to avoid mozzie bites is with scientifically proven insect repellents, like Aerogard. Aerogard also has a Naturals range, which provides effective and natural protection from mosquitoes while using a 100% plant-based active*.

*Contains 0.14% synthetic ingredient

Are there natural ways to avoid mosquito bites?

The most natural advice on how to prevent mosquito bites is to limit the amount of skin that’s exposed to mosquitoes. If they can’t access your skin, they’re not going to bite you. This includes wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring that your clothing isn’t tight, or they’ll be able to bite through it.

What smell do mosquitoes hate?

Mosquitoes may be deterred by smells such as citronella. However, it’s not recommended to use this as your main precaution against mosquito bites. While it may keep mozzies away for a limited time, it does nothing to deter them from biting.

How to prevent mozzie bites at night?

You won’t notice if a mosquito lands on you while you’re asleep, so many people find they’re bitten most often during the night. So how do you stop mosquito bites while sleeping?

  • Sleep in long-sleeved, loose clothing.
  • Reapply topical repellent before you go to bed.
  • It may also help to keep a fan directed toward you, as mozzies are weak fliers and will avoid the stronger air flow.
  • Try using a mosquito net that has been treated with a repellent or use a plug-in night repellent. 

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