Mosquitos can be a significant problem for people across Australia. Research has found that one in five people has a higher incidence of mosquito bites than others. There are numerous reasons for this, but it might be too late. Therefore, preventative measures are required to prevent illness. In this article, we look at mosquito nets and the biting insects.
Why Are Some People More Prone to Getting Bitten?
Numerous factors determine why some people are bitten more by mosquitos. It could be as simple as a person’s blood type or the amount of lactic acid on their skin. Eating the right diet might reduce the chances, but it isn’t a guarantee.
Numerous other factors might play a part, including where you live. For those who live near slow-moving rivers, ponds, or lakes, this might increase the chance of being bitten.
The Issues of Mosquito Bites
Those who are bitten by mosquito bites can suffer from numerous issues. Many people can react significantly to the bite, with swelling, redness, and pain being common reactions to a bite.
The bite can worsen if you scratch the bite.
Numerous diseases can be transmitted by mosquitoes. For instance, Barmah Forest disease can be spread. This disease is only found in Australia. Other diseases that might be transmitted include dengue fever, Murray Valley encephalitis, and some others.
Understanding the Mosquito Life Cycle
To understand how to protect yourself from mosquito bites you need to understand their lifecycle and behaviours. So here is the breakdown of the mosquito life cycle.
Stage One: Egg Stage
The first stage is the egg. These are laid on or near the surface of water or on damp soil. The female will lay up to 200 eggs at a time and can lay several times in her lifetime. The egg stage is relatively short-lived, only about 48 hours.
Stage Two: Larval Stage
Once hatched, the mosquitos enter a larval stage. These are also known as wigglers and can be seen very clearly in the water. They are prey items for numerous species, so play an important part in the ecosystem.
The larval form can survive in lots of different types of water. Most of the larvae have siphon tubes, they use these to breathe as they cling to the water’s surface. There are four growth stages in this stage of their life.
Stage Three: Pupal Stage
The papal stage is a non-feeding part of their life. This cocoon is there to protect the transforming insect over two days, though it can sometimes be quicker/longer depending on environmental conditions.
When the individual is ready, the cocoon splits into two.
Stage Four: Adult
The final stage of the life cycle is the adult stage. Once they’ve emerged from their cocoons they will spend some time resting on the surface, this allows for their exoskeleton to dry and harden.
Once airborne the males seek out mates while both genders look for food. The male looks for nectar, while the female also looks for hosts. At this stage, the life span is about three to four weeks.
How Long Do Mosquitoes Live?
The lifespan of mosquitoes is relatively short. The males will live for only about 10 days. In comparison, females live for about 56 days. The pre-adult stages can last from anywhere between two and three weeks, depending on numerous factors.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes
There are numerous ways that you can protect yourself from mosquitoes. But one of the best options is to ensure that the mosquitoes can’t get to you. Using a mosquito net is one sure way to prevent mosquitoes from gaining access to your skin.
Buy a Mosquito Net for Bed
Mosquito nets for beds are the most common product that you can purchase. These go over your bed and prevent any biting insects from getting to you. The mosquito net is lightweight and allows for a good flow of air around you.
There are lots of sizes of mosquito nets, so you can get them for a single or double with ease. And they’re very easy to install. You can have them over your bed all year round, or just during the biting season.
Mosquito Net for Cot
In addition to adult nets, you can also get a baby mosquito net. These can cover cots, so babies aren’t disturbed in their sleep. A baby that is bitten can be very badly affected as they’re not able to understand the bite and it can be very painful.
For those who might go walking close to water sources and where mosquitoes go out, instead of applying cream to a baby to deter mosquitoes, you can get mosquito nets for prams.
Camping Mosquito Net Options
There are also options for those who want to protect themselves while out camping. The mosquito net for camping is almost essential for those who are looking to camp on a site or near any water as these are common places to find mosquitoes.
Camping mosquito nets are very easy to install and can be added to your sleeping area within seconds. They’re also a very cost-effective method to ensure that you get a restful sleep. But remember to always have the net in place. Sometimes mosquitoes will choose a tent as a resting place during the day, especially if you have any fruit juice or sweet items in the tent.
Final Word: Keeping Mosquitos Away Using Mosquito Nets
For those who want to remain mosquito bite-free, there's a range of options available on the market. Using a mosquito net is one of the best options. It allows you to have a peaceful sleep without harming mosquitoes, as they do have a place in the food chain and help to feed a lot of creatures.
With a variety of options, you will be sure to find the right mosquito net for your needs, whether you’re protecting yourself, and your baby or are at home or camping.
