Get the Buzzzzzzzz
on Mosquitoes...
Most of the mosquitoes that drive us Americans nuts come from the mosquito subfamily called Anopheles. The most widespread is the Anopheles punctipennis, which has us frantically slapping ourselves from coast to coast.
* The females are the ones that bite, and they prefer doing it in the dark - whether at night, in the shade, or on cloudy days.
* Both males and females eat nectar, but the female must also have blood meals to survive. She manages this task by cutting our skin with the serrated edges of her jaws and inserting her tubelike fascicle.
* It takes the average mosquito about one minute to gain entry to its blood meal and another two to three minutes to reach satiation (unless, of course, a well-placed slap rudely interrupts the process!)
To Steer Clear...
Some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others, but no one knows why for sure. Studies show that estrogen, sweat, and dark skin are mosquito turn-ons, as are moist, warm air, carbon dioxide, and dark colors, especially dark reds, blues, and black.
Chemical Repellents are readily available at Darrington Pharmacy, but be sure to follow directions and label cautions carefully. These preparations can cause skin irritation and other problems.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute
for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not
use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or
prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or
suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.