How to Avoid Ankle-Hungry Mosquitoes

Ankle-hungry mosquitoes are a big problem for outdoor enthusiasts, but they aren’t the only source of mosquito bites. Aedes mosquitoes, which are commonly referred to as ankle-biters, are a type of tropical mosquito that has migrated in mass to Southern California. They thrive on small bodies of water and are aggressive, biting humans all day. They are also poor flyers and prefer to land on human skin.

Wearing light-colored clothing is a great way to avoid mosquito bites. Lighter colors reflect sunlight, keeping you cooler. Insect repellant and hats are good choices. Also, wearing long pants and sleeves will keep mosquitoes away from you. If you have to go out in the open, consider wearing clothing that is made of thicker material like khaki.

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents on human skin. Some of these odors come from active bacteria on the skin. In addition, if you sweat heavily, the bacterial colonies on your body will release ammonia, lactic acid, and uric acid. Generally, the warmer your body is, the more likely you are to sweat. Additionally, mosquitoes are drawn to these areas of your body because they collect more moisture and have a higher temperature.

These insects are capable of carrying many diseases. Some of these include Zika virus and yellow fever. However, they don’t appear to carry the West Nile virus. It is best to protect yourself from these insects by wearing clothing and repelling the mosquitoes with insect repellents. In addition to wearing protective gear, you can protect yourself by keeping your ankles clean and dry.