Stop Bugging Me! Six Effective
Tactics To Stop Bugs From Biting

by Darline Turner Lee, Physician Assistant, ACSM Exercise Specialist

Article Last Reviewed: Sept. 9, 2006

The flora and fauna here in Texas amaze me. My first attempts at gardening were a disaster. I tried planting flowering plants like my mom does-dig a hole, drop a plant in and add water, but they didn’t grow. I knew nothing of xeriscaping or the soil treatments needed here in Texas to grow many of the flowering species my mom grows back home in the native soil. My mom’s flowerbeds hold lush Impatiens (one hundred and six to be exact), Rhododendrons across the front of the house and Hydrangeas and Azaleas along the back driveway provide ground cover, shade and property divisions much like Holly bushes do here.
Geraniums, gardenias, fuchsias and cyclamens were scattered around the yard-along the walks, hanging from the garage and on the front and back steps in pots. Each summer it was my job to water the plants in the cool of the mornings. By afternoon they all stood erect with full blossoms in the summer sun.

Summer was great in my neighborhood. There were lots of kids and pick up games of kick ball, dodge ball and hide and seek kept us occupied for hours on end. The city pool was the place to be on a hot day, and for a dollar you could buy a permit that gave you entry to the pool for the entire summer. From early morning until the first street light came on in front of Mr. DeSantis’ house in the evenings we roamed freely.

Although we played well into the evening dusk, we rarely used insect repellent and got few mosquito bites. However, I always got one mosquito bite in the center of my forehead every year. The area would welt and itch for a few days and then subside. I don’t know why it always occurred smack in the center of my forehead, or why it only occurred once each year. Nevertheless it was an annual event.

Compared to Texas insects, the bugs back home were wimps. Recently I was driving and a bug crashed into my windshield with a thud. I never knew that bugs could make such noise with impact. Last year I got a bite on my ankle while taking out the trash. My whole ankle swelled up such that my leg was one diameter from the knee down. The bite area was more tender and sore than itchy, and took weeks to fully heal. The area changed from a red, swollen tender mound on the outer bone of my ankle, to a fluid filled vesicle sitting on top of the bone, to a crusty blister that itched like crazy, to a scab before finally healing. I still have a scar that itches from time to time.

I’m not sure what bit me, but it was huge. I slapped at it and although I killed it, it did not really crush under my hand. Luckily I didn’t develop a more serious illness from the bite.

Mosquitoes carry some deadly viruses including dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, West Nile virus, and various forms of encephalitis (brain inflammation). Some of the viruses come from infected birds or small mammals. The mosquitoes bite the infected animals, take in the virus-infected blood and then pass it on to the next animal (or human) it bites. Other viruses develop in mosquitoes that breed in standing water, such as in old discarded car tires, birdbaths, discarded flowerpots or wading pools. While there are thousands of species of mosquitoes, only a small number transmit viruses that can lead to illness or death in humans. The best defense against a mosquito borne illness is to avoid being bitten in the first place. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, and socks-all in light colors and lightweight fabrics.

Use insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend using approved insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. If you are outside for long periods of time, get wet or sweat, reapply insect repellent often. For added protection, spray clothing with permethrin, but avoid spraying skin as permethrin burns.

Avoid being outside from dusk until dawn, peak mosquito hours. If you are outside, use insect repellent liberally.

Dump or drain standing water. Dump water out of old flowerpots, birdbaths or kiddie pools. Make sure there is adequate drainage around gutter spouts and that water is not allowed to pool anywhere in your yard.

Repair or replace window screens.

Call animal control to remove any dead animal carcasses. In Austin, call Solid Waste Services at 512-974-7180.

Until recently, I have used insect repellent inconsistently. I have eczema (allergic dermatitis) and DEET products burn my skin. Lemon oil based insect repellents work well for me, but have to be reapplied more often than DEET products. However, they are a suitable alternative. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus is one such brand and it retails for about four dollars for four ounces.

I try to patronize local merchants, so I have been using No Mo Skeeters produced by local herbalist Ginger Webb owner of Texas Medicinals (512-476-8422). No Mo Skeeters contains citronella, lemongrass and lemon essential oils in a witch hazel base. These lemony substances contain geraniols that repel mosquitoes and have been studied and approved by the EPA as effective mosquito repellents. Less potent than DEET, geraniol based mosquito repellents require frequent reapplication. This is a small price to pay for protection against potentially lethal mosquito bites. No Mo Skeeters can be purchased at several local retailers or from Texas Medicinals directly at www.texasmedicinals.com.

No longer bugged by mosquitoes, Darline Turner-Lee is enjoying the warm summer nights. If you’re still bugged, e-mail her at darline@nextstepfitness.com