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When it comes to mosquitoes and their blood-sucking ways, we're over it. Instead of running around like a crazy person the next time a swarm of mosquitoes is nearby, here are some tips for prevention and treatment of those itchy bites that will make this the summer you get over your fear of that high-pitched buzz.
Easy Ways To Prevent And Treat Those Pesky Mosquito Bites
Prevention: Stay inside(01 of11)
Not for the WHOLE summer but at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. They also tend to prefer wooded areas and standing water so will be most present near lakes and ponds (so really, all the fun things we love about summer). (credit:Getty Creative)
Prevention: Wear light-coloured clothing(02 of11)
Mosquitoes are attracted to heat and carbon dioxide, and you'll get hotter faster in dark clothing so anything of the pastel variety will keep you cooler, and less appealing to them -- a win, win. Keep the pants and shirts long-sleeved for added coverage. (credit:Getty Creative)
Prevention: Shower regularly(03 of11)
Mosquitoes are attracted to sweat, so showering regularly will keep you clean and fresh and less appealing to bite. (Sad news for kids everywhere.) (credit:Getty Creative)
Prevention: Use insect repellent(04 of11)
If you want to bring out the big guns, use insect repellent on exposed skin and loose clothing. But be aware of the ingredients -- like the level of DEET-- especially on children.
Experts recommend using spray with no more than 10 per cent DEET on kids ages two to 12. And be sure not to spray it on kids' hands if they will put them in their mouth or rub their eyes.
(credit:Getty Creative)Prevention: Toss standing water(05 of11)
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water so anything that could be hospitable to this should be removed when not in use -- kiddie pools, birdbaths and even toys left on the lawn. (credit:Getty Creative)
Treatment(06 of11)
If you follow all these tips and still get bitten (because those suckers are nothing if not relentless), there are plenty of ways to minimize the discomfort of the bites (rather than carving an X in your skin like you did at camp). (credit:Flickr)
Treatment: Don't scratch!(07 of11)
The mosquito's saliva causes an allergic reaction and itching can make the bite worse, and take longer to heal. So your first line of defense is to clean the bite with soap and water and avoid itching it at all. (credit:Getty Creative)
Treatment: Baking soda(08 of11)
That $3 orange box is really a miracle cure-all. A paste of baking soda and water will relieve itching and even minimize swelling. (credit:AL)
Treatment: Coconut oil(09 of11)
Coconut oil is another essential, all-natural product to keep on hand for many reasons. Just dab a little coconut oil on your bite for a quick hit of relief. (credit:Shutterstock)
Treatment: Itch sticks(10 of11)
Specially formulated creams that can be bought at most major drug stores contain several active ingredients to help the itching. The best part of these is they often contain a mild antibiotic to help avoid any possible infection. (credit:Getty Creative)
Treatment: Aspirin(11 of11)
The good news is you don't have to look too far for some sweet, sweet relief. Crush up an Aspirin, mix with water and dab it directly on the bite for a few minutes then rinse with warm water. (credit:Shutterstock)