I hate mosquitoes! I suppose they are not especially popular with other folks either, but some of us are a particularly delicious to the little beasties. Right now I am going crazy from a red bug bite on the back of my shoulder. How did the bug get to a spot on my shoulder that I can’t even scratch? Who knows; maybe it somehow got under my shirt or maybe it had a snorkel long enough to nail me right through the material.

Mosquitoes can quickly spoil any outside adventure. Where I live, they have never been a problem, but this year they are especially prolific. It isn’t just me that has noticed it. Other people have commented on the bountiful crop this year as well. There are supposedly ways to keep them away from your property, or at least lessen the number. You can have your grass sprayed with pesticides, but I am not a fan of broadcasting pesticides that kill useful pollinators, like bees and butterflies, along with undesirable insects.

Articles always say to avoid mosquitoes get rid of anything that provides a breeding place, even small puddles in drains or saucers under plants. I don’t have anything like that, but I can’t police the neighbors. Also, there are many natural streams in the area which could provide puddles of still water. As I told the exterminator when he suggested spraying my yard, what good will it be as mosquitoes can travel long distances to locate a meal.

Because of my susceptibility to these evil insects, I have gone to the trouble of trying to figure out what it is that makes me so tasty. I found out that they are mini vampires that want to suck my blood. They are particular, though, and like type O+ blood best of all. Need I say what my blood type is? There isn’t much you can do about your blood type. However, I read that other things attract as well, for instance sweat and floral scent. I try to avoid anything scented when I go outside, but sweat is another thing hard to avoid, especially when the weather is as hot as it has been this summer.

My only defense is insect repellant. I sprayed my legs and arms when I was working outside recently, but it didn’t keep that one crazed mosquito away. According to my information, the repellant must contain a chemical called DEET to be effective. I suppose this particular ‘skeeter did not read the research. Or perhaps that is why it attacked from behind where I had failed to spray. Next time, if there is a next time, I will spray myself from head to toe. Spraying your skin with chemicals can’t be a good thing, so I always take a shower as soon as I can. Other products offer less protection, but smell better. I used to douse myself with Avon Skin so Soft with every bath.

What makes the bites itch so much anyhow? It seems when mosquitoes are relieving you of blood, their saliva causes histamine that creates an intense allergic reaction. I read that you can use nose spray to help relieve the itch. It is anti-histamine. Get it? I have tried almost everything in desperation: oatmeal, honey, vinegar, Vick’s salve, but I mostly use an itch eraser developed especially for insect bites. It is about as no-good as anything else.  The only real protection seems to be to stay inside, especially at dusk which is mosquito dinner time.

Pesky bugs seem to be a fact of life. My friend who is an entomologist says she is often asked why mosquitoes exist, as well as other insects that are considered pests by humans. Her reply is that insects do not exist only for humans’ convenience or purpose, but have the right to existence for their own self just as we do. That requires some really deep thinking, doesn’t it? I can agree with this philosophically — but, sorry, I still hate mosquitoes.

Copyright 2023 Sheila Moss