Hey, KZN! Mosquito season is almost in full swing
Are you tasty? Here's some help...
The Mzansi vampires are back and they want to “suck your blood”.
UPDATE: Are vampires out for the SANBS blood in KZN?
As things start to heat up in Durban, it is important that we "gear up" for the pests that keep us up at night.
Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet, contributing to the spread of deadly diseases like malaria, which kills hundreds of thousands of humans every year.
There are numerous theories as to why these insects prefer the taste of some humans rather than others.
It could be what you’re wearing, or bacteria on skin, but none have ever been scientifically proven to be the cause.
A recent study reports that several scents keep the mozzies away. These include: the smell of lavender, citronella, clove, peppermint, basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary.
Have you ever wondered why mozzies come for you more than anyone else?
A study suggests that it is because of your smell.
A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Oct. 1 shares that production of a chemical tied to smell makes some people mosquito magnets, and it may be something they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives!
Furthermore, researchers examined the chemical compounds of each participant and noticed the ones who were mozzie magnets produced carboxylic acids, used by bacteria on human skin to produce unique body odours, at much higher levels than others.
"There’s a very, very strong association between having large quantities of these fatty acids on your skin and being a mosquito magnet," said the specialists.
Read More: INTERESTING: Did you know that male mosquitoes use you as their wingmen to find a mate?
Here are some practical ways to avoid mosquito bites:
- Avoid leaving doors open
- Use a manual or electric fly swatter
- Wear mosquito repellant
- Use a mosquito net
- Eliminate Sources of Standing Water
- Use fans or foggers
- Use plants that deter mosquitoes
- Eliminate breeding inside your home
For more tips to stop the buzzing and blooding, click here.
Read More: Here's a list of blood donation sites in KZN #ECRBloodDrive
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Image courtesy of canva