We have had a lot of complaints about people here in Benidorm being bitten, the poor mosquito seems to be getting the blame, but at certain times of the year these bites are inflicted by a very small black fly. This fly is part of the Ceratopogonidae family, and due to their small size Biting Midges are commonly known as NO-SEE-UMS. The common problem upon experiencing a bite from this insect is that something is biting, but the person suffering cannot see what it is.
Biting Midges No-See-Ums are sometimes incorrectly referred to as sand flies. Sand flies are insects that belong to a different biological group and should not be confused with the biting midges.
Coastal areas and beaches are among the most common breeding grounds biting midges.
No-see-ums are aptly named since they are so tiny and difficult to spot. If you do happen to catch sight of the bug that bites you, though, it helps to know what you're looking for.
No-see-ums are only about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) in length. They have wings, but at that size, those wings are hardly visible. At first glance, the insect may look like a flea.
These insects leave bite marks that can be extremely itchy and moderately painful. Thankfully, there are a few ways to treat the bites and soothe your symptoms.
No-see-um bites can also occur indoors if a breeding ground is located nearby outdoors. Keep the season in mind, too. No-see-ums are most active during May and June, when the weather is just beginning to warm up and September/October when its starting to cool down. The problem will usually last for a few weeks before the bugs go away.
Identify the welt.
A no-see-um bite initially appears as a small red dot. This dot can expand into a welt that is 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter.
When the bug bites, it injects saliva into the skin. This saliva is what causes the welt and the allergic reaction.
Welts usually last for two weeks, give or take a few days.
No-see-um bites are usually very itchy and can become mildly painful.
No-see-ums can bite multiple times and typically feed in large groups, so you'll usually find clusters of bite welts instead individual ones.
Moreover, no-see-ums do not inject you with a numbing agent as they bite, so you will probably feel each bite as it happens.
Most bites occur on the legs, hands, and back of the neck, but any area of exposed skin is a vulnerable point.
HOW TO STOP THEM BITING
Deet or any other repellents do not work on well, but if you do use it make sure you use one containing at least 30 percent DEET (do not use strong Deet based products on young children). Insecticide sprays also seem to have little effect, also try anything Citronella or lemon based or Avon’s Skin-So-Soft and the local Agua de Cologna. Lavender oil is also a repellent for flies. Basically the prevention is more or less the same for these as it is for Mosquitos.
keep as much as your skin covered as possible. Make sure it's not so loose that they can fly into the openings and bite you.
For information on Mosquito repellents etc.
TREATMENT OF BITES
One of the most important things to do when you have a no-see-um bite is to stop yourself from scratching it.
Scratching the welts can cause them to break open. Once a welt breaks open, it is far more likely to become infected.
It's a good idea to keep your fingernails short and clean for the duration of bite. You may scratch the area without thinking, and if dirt and bacteria are trapped beneath your nails, the site can quickly become infected.
Wash with soap and water. As soon as you notice the bite-ridden area, gently wash it with a mild antibacterial soap and warm water.
Washing the area immediately helps reduce the risk of infection. It can also get rid of any residual no-see-um saliva sitting on the surface of your skin, thereby reducing the amount of irritation you'll feel.
Numb the bite. When the bites begin to swell, you can stop the swelling by applying a cold compress or ice pack.
Soak a clean washcloth in cold water and gently press it over the bite area for 10 minutes to reduce initial swelling. To numb pain or more severe swelling, wrap several ice cubes in a clean washcloth and press that against the bite site. You could also use a bag of frozen vegetables. Numb the area in 10 to 15 minute intervals as needed for the first 24 hours.
Apply hot water to each bite. Heat water to an approximate temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius). Dunk the tip of a cotton swab in the water, then apply the scalding water directly over the bite.
This treatment works best for bites that itch but don't hurt.
When you apply the hot water, expect the bite to sting slightly for several seconds. The stinging should stop quickly, however, and the itch should be subdued. Only use this application two or three times per bite.
Never apply scalding water using anything larger than a cotton swab. Too much can cause a burn.
Try a topical analgesic or antihistamine. A standard over-the-counter analgesic cream can usually reduce pain associated with no-see-um bites, while a standard antihistamine can relieve itching. Always follow the package instructions to determine proper application and dosage. Usually, you will need to apply a thin layer of the medication directly over the bite using your fingers.
Use a cream, ointment, or other rub for best results. Sprays are not as effective against insect bite relief.
Counter irritant analgesics may work best for painful bug bite relief. Ingredients in these treatments create a burning or cooling sensation that can distract the mind from the pain caused by the bite. Switch to a cortisone cream. If topical analgesics and antihistamines are not effective, try a cortisone cream, instead.
Cortisone creams tend to be a little stronger than antihistamines and work in a different manner. They essentially block the body from releasing chemicals or activating cells that can worsen itching and swelling.
Follow the package instructions carefully and never apply more than directed.
Use a zinc ointment. Obtain an over-the-counter zinc cream or ointment. Apply the product as directed on the package. Zinc creams are often used against rashes and minor skin irritations. Apply a thin layer directly over the bite and cover the area with a bandage to prevent the cream from getting wiped away. Immediately stop use if your symptoms worsen.
Treat with aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is a natural treatment. The plant possesses qualities that help numb pain and itchiness. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel over the entire affected area. It is usually safe to use large quantities of aloe vera, but as always, you should follow the label instructions when applying this treatment.
Consider an oral medication. Topical treatments usually have the highest odds of success, but in some cases, an over-the-counter oral drug might be more effective.
Treat pain and inflammation with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Use an oral antihistamine to treat itchiness or other signs of mild to moderate allergic reaction, like hives.
Consult a doctor immediately if you have a severe reaction. If you experience an abnormally severe allergic reaction, you might need prescription treatment.
For severe swelling, your doctor may prescribe prescription antihistamines or corticosteroids.
If you experience wheezing, difficulty swallowing, or swelling/itching anywhere else on your body other than the location of the bite, seek emergency medical treatment. Such reactions may need to be treated with an injection of adrenaline or a similar intravenous medication.
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Having swollen Limbs is often both annoying and uncomfortable. No one wants to feel like their rings are cutting off their circulation. Swelling, also known as edema and can happen anywhere in the body. It’s commonly seen in the hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs.
What causes the swelling? When you’re suddenly exposed to unusually hot temperatures, your body may struggle to cool itself down. Normally, your body pushes warm blood toward the surface of your skin, where it cools down by sweating. On hot and humid days, this process may not work properly. Instead, fluid might accumulate in your hands instead of evaporating through sweat.
This swelling, however natural, can be very uncomfortable or even painful. It may take your body a few days to acclimate to hot weather. Once it does, your swelling should go away.
If it doesn't go down on it's own when you're somewhere cooler, the swelling may be caused by other things, and you should seek help. But in summer, swollen fingers and ankles are an unfortunate, but pretty normal, side effect of enjoying sunny days.
Read the following article to learn how to prevent swollen feet, legs and hands, (Edema) in hot weather as well as some easy remedies to reduce swelling should it occur.
12 TOP TIPS FOR PREVENTING SWOLLEN FEET, LEGS AND HANDS
1. Stay as cool as possible during warm weather months.
Find shade when outside and don't sit in the direct sunlight when possible. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing.
2. Exercise or stay active
It doesn't have to be rigorous or intense exercise. Walking is one of the best options available, as it generally gets your blood flowing without overheating you. Swelling due to hot weather is directly related to blood flow. The more you exercise, the more you encourage your blood to flow quickly. This should prevent swelling in hot weather.
3. Avoid salty foods when you know you'll be exposed to hot weather as salt intake can cause or exacerbate swelling.
4. Follow a healthy dietary routine.
Drinking plenty of water, reducing your salt intake and incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables into daily eating habits can reduce the chances of swollen limbs in hot weather.
5. Elevate the swollen limbs. Legs are most commonly affected, but arms, hands and upper extremities can also become swollen.
6. Lie down and raise the affected limbs on pillows. Avoid bending at the knees, elbow or stomach, as this will inhibit blood flow.
7. Wear elastic bandages, support stockings or other forms of support garments. These will prevent fluid from pooling in the extremities and generally can stop swelling in hot weather.
8. Wear the support garments when you expect to experience swelling. This includes hot weather and airplane travel.
9. Massage the arms, legs, hands or feet.
10. Massage will encourage movement of fluid out of the swollen tissue and throughout the rest of the body.11 Have somebody else do the massage. This allows you to continue lying down, which will not inhibit blood flow.
12. Identify and treat any underlying causes of swelling in addition to heat. This could include obesity, drug or alcohol addiction or varicose veins.
There are many other natural ways that you can ease swelling when it has occurred including applying ice packs to your swollen area, cooling foot soaks with Epsom salts and wrapping your feet and ankles in damp towels.
For Hands
Stretch out your fingers and then ball them into fists, repeat this motion a few times, this will help with circulation.
Elevate the hands, rather than have them dangling by your sides. Again, this will help circulation and blood flow, and keep hands elevated at night, maybe on a pillow, could help.
Icing your hands: this will help the blood vessels shrink back down, and in so doing, they will stop leaking fluid into the fingers.
Massaging your fingers and dunking them in cold water will also help.
Natural Remedies
Put a teabag on your fingers and dunk them in water mixed with epsom salts, which are known to generally help with inflammation.
Magnesium is an important mineral for blood circulation so it’s no surprise that a deficiency in the amount of magnesium in the body can often lead to swelling. A dose of 200mg taken twice a day can make a difference.
Vinegar This will help reduce the pain and the swelling. heat some vinegar in a pot of water and soak a towel in the pot , remove the towel and apply it to the swollen area, repeat for 5 times or 5 minutes
Mustard Oil Massage your hands and feet with mustard oil, this helps increase blood circulation, apply slight pressure to the swollen areas.
Warning
There are a lot of posts lately about swollen hands and feet ie water retention and a lot of people recommending the use of Furosemide.
Please be very very careful taking this drug, it is used to make you wee more often and you will be loosing a lot of sodium and potassium which in this heat is not good for you and can make you feel worse. Fluid retention is the bodies way of protecting itself so you could be doing more harm than good.
Furosemide will actually lower your blood pressure too so never take it if you have problems with your blood pressure and never take it if you are on any other medication without seeing your GP first. If you do take it make sure you drink lots and lots of water to compensate or you could end up in hospital with a kidney infection, heat stroke or de-hydration.
Furosemide tablets may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
The best way to deal with water retention is to drink more water (strange I know), also drink things like Cranberry Juice and aqua-tonic drinks etc which will help keep the sodium levels correct in your body.
DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE DIABETIC
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; calf or leg pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness; chest pain; coughing up blood; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; numbness, burning, or tingling sensation; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears or other hearing problems (eg, hearing loss); severe or persistent dizziness; severe stomach or back pain (with or without nausea or vomiting); shortness of breath; symptoms of fluid or electrolyte problems (eg, confusion; dry mouth or eyes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes; muscle aches, cramps, pain, spasms, or weakness; not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed; seizures; severe dizziness; severe or persistent loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness); symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; confusion; drowsiness); symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vein inflammation; yellow vision.
x Please take care of yourselves in the high temperatures read our sun safety page x
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What are your top tips to prevent swollen legs, feet and hands, comment below.
Warfarin (INR) Blood Testing in Benidorm - When taking warfarin, you may need to have blood tests every few days or weekly. Once your dose is stable, blood tests are usually done every two to four weeks, sometimes longer. If your dose changes you may need to have your INR tested more often. These tests could of course coincide with your holiday.
Keeping your blood from clotting when on Warfarin is a delicate process that needs to be monitored closely. An INR range will be set for you by your health care team, regular testing is very important.
There are some things that can upset your Warfarin such as -
Of course some of the above can happen whilst you are on holiday which is why your blood tests need to be continued.
Here are a couple of places you can attend to get your INR test - Information has been provided by Benidorm Seriously Facebook Members.
Levante IMed Hospital Outpatients Department, Take your Passport, EHIC card and any insurance papers with you - Go in the main door walk past the main reception area on your left, there is another area right behind this reception, with white sofas, approach one of the receptionists (who all speak perfect English) They will then make and appointment for you and show you where to go.
It is 8 euros each test and they give you a breakfast voucher for coffee and croissant and you get the results soon after.
Or
Head here, which will cost around 10€
Please remember the importance of having your EHIC card or GHIC Card with you and in date and also of course Travel Insurance.
HOW TO GET MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR FIND CHEMISTS IN BENIDORM
Medicine is something we all need from time to time, here in Spain if you need any medicine you have to go to the local pharmacy you can not buy paracetamol etc from a supermarket as you can back in the UK. The chemists in Spain are referred to as “Farmacias” or “Farmacia”. These can be easily recognized by the big green neon crosses.
The pharmacists here are very well trained so if you feel the condition is not severe, you can simply consult a Farmacia and get your medicine. This means a visit to the hospital is not always necessary and you can save a lot of time as a result, if you do need further medical attention and they advise you to see a GP you will find out where to go and what to do HERE
Antibiotics are NO longer available over the counter; you now need a prescription; you would need to go to your nearest Salud.
24 HOUR FARMACIAS, CLICK ON THE LINK FOR MAP
FARMACIA TRAMOYERES, Avenida del Mediterraneo 29 - 966 81 26 08
FARMACIA EUROPA, Avenida de Europa 12 - 965 85 21 54
Other Chemists in Benidorm - Farmacias - Please note all times are subject to change and are just a guide.
Farmacia Jose Pascual Navarro Cayuelas
Av. Juan Fuster Zaragoza, 1 - 965 86 71 58
No opening hours supplied
Farmacia Ibiza en
Ibiza, Calle Ibiza - 965 86 43 44
Monday to Sunday 09:00 to 22:00
Farmacia Benidorm
Av. del Mediterráneo, 3 - 966 80 00 43
Monday to Sunday 09:00 to 22:00
Farmacia Ldo. Joaquin Maria Amato
Calle Valencia, 4 - 965 85 33 39
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Christina Blay Pascual
Av. de Estocolmo, 2 - 965 86 86 40
Monday to Saturday 09:30 to 14:30 and 16:00 to 21:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Crespo Soria
Av. Dr. Severo Ochoa, 5 - 966 81 20 18
Monday to Saturday 09:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 21:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Soria Crespo
Avenida Beniarda 51 - 965 85 33 49
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 21:00, Saturday 09:00 to 14:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Lda Ana
Av. de Almería, 4 - 965 85 31 97
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Carbonell Martínez
Avenida Rei Jaume 1, 38, Edificio Rocablanca L 3
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Bali
Calle Langreo, 4 - 965 86 49 90
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 21:30, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Blanca Llacer Ochoa
Avenida de Montecarlo 11 - 965 85 52 97
Monday to Friday 09:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 21:00, Saturday 09:30 to 13:30, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Suárez Pola
Av. de Europa, 6 - 966 80 72 05
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 22:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Morcuende
Edificio Torre Poniente, Avenida Rei Jaume I, 1 - 966 80 10 04
Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 21:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Fuster
Avinguda Alfonso Puchades, 14 - 965 85 41 09
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:30, Saturday 09:30 to 13:30, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Jorge Martínez De La Cámara
Alameda del Alcalde Pedro Zaragoza Orts, 1 - 965 85 05 23
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 22:00, Saturday 09:30 to 22:00, Sunday CLOSED
Farmacia Nuria Maurandi
VÍA EMILIO ORTUÑO, 21 - 966 80 12 25
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:30, Saturday 09:30 to 14:00, Sunday CLOSED
Jose Fernando Ruiz Mijares
Calle Santander 18 - 965 86 57 04
Monday to Friday 09:30 to 13:30 and 16:30 to 20:30, Saturday 09:30 to 13:30, Sunday CLOSED
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Here are a few interesting mosquito facts and a guide to the best repellents to use against the dreaded mosquito.
did you know?
Most mosquitoes, buzz in the key of C.
They buzz round your head as they are attracted to the carbon dioxide you breath out.
Only females bite.
The noise comes from their wings beating and this is their way of attracting the opposite sex, so when they are buzzing they are not biting.
It is generally only the females you hear buzzing.
They have an organ in their antenna, which was named the Johnston organ after the man that discovered it. It allows them to recognize the buzz of other mosquitoes.
There are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes have a blood-type preference, favouring type O blood over type A or B blood.
Mosquitoes love women that are pregnant, the extra core temperature being given as the reason.
The human skin appears red to a mosquito - do not wear red.
People with high concentrations of steroids or cholesterol on their skin surface attract mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes prefer Blondes.
They do not like people that eat Marmite and lots of garlic.
They love people that eat Bananas.
They love those who drink alcohol, especially beer!
They also love people that are overweight, both male and female...followed by those that sweat.
A mosquito's proboscis has 47 sharp edges on its tip to help it cut through skin and even protective layers of clothing. Perhaps this is where the rumour of “mosquito teeth” comes from.
Mosquito facts and Repellents
ASIAN TIGER MOSQUITO
The tiger mosquito has begun to spread through the interior of the province
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is a small black and white mosquito, about 1/4-inch long. The name "tiger mosquito" comes from its white and black pattern. It has a white stripe running down the centre of its head and back with white bands on the legs. Unfortunately, this mosquito can now be found in Spain.
The bite of the Asian tiger mosquito is not particularly irritating to most people, but they are persistent biters. The main difference between these and a normal mosquito is Asian tiger mosquito are active during the day. In addition to the pain caused by its bite, it is responsible for the spread of diseases such as chijungunya, dengue or Zika.
The life cycle of the tiger mosquito is very short, after it bites, the female lays its eggs wherever she can find small amounts of water, the larvae will emerge from them, turning into pupae and later into adult insects, this whole cycle takes just one week. To avoid their reproduction, remove objects that can accumulate water.
Mosquito facts and Repellents
GENERAL TIPS TO HELP
Blow them away
Almost any breeze—anything above 1 MPH—makes it very difficult for mosquitoes to fly. Plug-in fans are also a great deterrent, keep the flow of air directed at the lower half of your body; mosquitoes tend to fly very close to the ground to avoid wind, so directing the fan's force downward will block their approach. If you have an air-conditioning unit, turn that on.
Buy tightly woven clothes
Mosquitoes can't penetrate clothing that has a very tight weave. While cotton and linen typically aren't great armour against bug bites, many synthetic fibres—particularly high-tech athletic apparel—tend to be woven tightly enough to keep mosquitoes out. Any garment that offers sun protection will also have a tight enough weave to block bites.
Do: Wear these colours
Mosquitoes use their vision to search for food sources. and since they fly very close to the ground, they tend to find targets by looking for things that contrast with the horizon, dark colours stand out, but light colours are less attractive to them, they are particularly attracted to red, orange, black and cian (bright blue) but will avoid green, blue, brown and white.
THE BEST MOSQUITO REPELLENTS
Agua Del Colonia (available from all supermarkets and Perfumeries, either as a splash on or spray) ... own brand is fine, or Nenuco is a popular make... It will cost around 3€ for a large bottle. You can find this in the Baby stuff or Shower gel aisles......
This is what all us locals use, it has a lovely lemony smell, just spray/splash it on any uncovered skin, you can also sprinkle it over your bedding before going to sleep. It also helps to keep you cool and fresh in the hot summer months. There is also a body lotion version which is lovely.
HOME MADE MOSTUITO REPLLENT SPRAY - that really works.
Ingredients: Lavender cologne (Mercadona sells this 1.40€ for 750ml bottle - located near the shampoos and shower gels section).
Pure citronella oil.
Grab any spray bottle, pour in 250ml lavender cologne and add 8 - 10 drops citronella oil. Away you go. Cheap and natural.
Or
Bottle of mint mouthwash.
Bottle stale beer.
Cup of Epsom salts.
Put into spray bottle, shake well and use around terraces and all outdoor areas, this is safe for plants and really does work.
A good spray once a month during summer will keep the mozzies away.
AVON SKIN SO SOFT, dry oil spray also is often recommended, make sure it's the original green version you buy.
Mosquitoes also hate Listerine mouth wash, put in a spray bottle and spray the surrounding area.
DEET based insect repellents
DEET was developed by the US Army in the 1950s and is the most effective and widely used mosquito repellent in United States. Anything with DEET in should not be used on infants younger than 2 months of age. Children above three months can use repellents with DEET concentrations of 30% or less. Mosquito repellents with higher concentration does not provide additional protection, but they provide protection for a longer period.
Mosquito facts and Repellents
CITRONELLA
Oil of citronella is an all-natural insect and animal repellent made from the distilled oils of different varieties of grass, according to the National Pesticide Information Centre. The main components in the oil are citronellol, citronellal and geranio (Geranium).
Citronella is a grass that mainly grows in some Asian countries and some islands of the South Pacific. It has a rich, crisp lemony aroma and thus bears the name Citronella. It’s most commonly used as a natural fragrant oil, in insect repellents, as well as in beauty, household and perfume products. Because it fights infections, bacteria and fungi, historically it’s also been used to sanitize surfaces and treat bites or parasites.
Unlike other varieties of pesticides, citronella does not kill mosquitoes rather it repels them and other pests, reducing the number of mosquitoes that land nearby.
There are lots of different Citronella products available the most popular being candles or wrist bands.
Citronella works by masking scents that are attractive to insects namely carbon dioxide and lactic acid in humans.
One benefit of using citronella as mosquito repellent is that it is safe and non-toxic to humans and animals (and even the insects). Although some people can have mild allergic reactions to the oil, even ingesting citronella will not affect humans it is simply broken down and passed out of the body.
Mosquito facts and Repellents
LEMON AND CLOVES
Mosquitoes detest the smell of cloves and all things citrusy. Cut two lemons or limes into halves and press cloves into each half. Place these on a plate in your room by an open window or beside your bed and kiss those mosquitoes' goodbye!
You can also make an infusion with the lemons and cloves, then mix it with baby shampoo and apply to the skin.
VINEGAR
Despite the unpleasant smell of vinegar, it is a method to keep in mind to scare away mosquitoes, just place it in a glass in the room. Its strong smell will scare away any mosquitoes. Ideal for people who do not have a specially developed sense of smell, or use "white" vinegar, cheap as anything, and very effective, sold in supermarkets as "vinagre blanco" a glass of this, mixed 50/50 with water, place this beside open doors and windows.
Chamomile
Chamomile, in addition to being a digestive, is a perfect remedy against mosquitoes? To make a homemade repellent you will need a litre of water and 200 grams of chamomile. Boil the water and flowers for about 30 minutes, then remove it from the heat and, once it has cooled, rub the mixture on the body.
Garlic
The sulphur in garlic repels mosquitoes, flies, ticks and fleas. Peel and cut several cloves of garlic and pour them into a bowl with a little water. Let it marinate for a few hours and then use this water to spray the house.
Mosquito facts and Repellents
HOMEMADE MOSQUITO TRAP:
Items needed:
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 gram of yeast
1 2-liter bottle
HOW:
1. Cut the plastic bottle in half.
2. Mix brown sugar with hot water. Let cool. When cold, pour in the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Add the yeast. No need to mix. It creates carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes.
4. Place the funnel part, upside down, into the other half of the bottle, taping them together if desired.
5. Wrap the bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered, and place it outside in an area away from your normal gathering area. (Mosquitoes are also drawn to the colour black.)
Change the solution every 2 weeks for continuous control.
Change your outside lighting - Certain lights attract bugs, opt for yellow lights instead of traditional white bulbs. The golden glow also makes for a more pleasant outdoor experience. Make sure to turn off your outdoor lights before going to bed.
Mosquito facts and Repellents
OTHER OPTIONS
Mosquito coils: Like citronella candles, mosquito coils produce a smoke that confuses mosquitoes. The coils contain the insecticide allethrin. But once again, their range is limited, and they don’t work well when there is a strong breeze.
Electronic plug-in devices similar to the one pictured below can be purchased from most of the larger supermarkets for a couple of euros.
Take a B1 supplement. That one vitamin is Vitamin B1, otherwise known as thiamine. the recommended dose is 25 - 50mg three times a day. Start taking these about 2 weeks prior to your holiday to give it plenty of time to get into the system. (Hence why mosquitoes don´t like people who eat a lot of Marmite).
If you like to garden, consider adding mosquito repelling plants such as basil, catnip, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint,
If you do have an allergic reaction to any insect bite, go to any of the local Farmacias who will advise on what the best treatment will be for you, be it cream or antihistamine tablets.
Plants that will help deter mosquitos
Grow some Geraniums, Citronella, basil, lavender and mint these will all help, place them in pots near your windows.
How to Stop Mosquito Bites from Itching
There are a lot of suggestions for soothing the discomfort of a mosquito bite. Some are common-sense, some medical and some just a little odd. But they all have advocates who swear they work. Among The Suggestions:
Don't scratch the bite. That only irritates your skin further and could lead to infection. Give it a light washing with soap and cool water.
Try calamine lotion. A mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide and works as a cooling, all-purpose soother.
Apply a hydro-cortisone cream. The cream contains corticosteroids which will counteract the effect of the histamines and help reduce the swelling, which should give you some relief from the mosquito bite itch. An anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen will also help.
Use a cold compress or ice pack. Histamines dilate the blood vessels, filling the affected area with excess blood. Cold causes the vessels to constrict, so that the amount of blood is reduced around the bite.
Take an antihistamine. This won't work immediately, but a medication like Benadryl will prevent histamines from binding with receptors at the blood vessels. The vessels in the bite area return to normal, and the swelling and itching dissipates. Remember, you can take an antihistamine before going outside to minimize your allergic reaction to a mosquito bite.
Dab on some baking soda paste. adding a bit of water to regular baking soda, then applying the paste to the mosquito bite. The reason isn't clear, but it apparently helps relieve the itch.
Heat up a spoon and apply to the bite. The heat will destroy the protein that caused the reaction, and the itching will stop.
Rub on some Vics vapour rub.
Go homeopathic. Suggestions range from rubbing the bite with the inside of a banana peel to dabbing on toothpaste to covering the bite with mud.
The more times a person has been bitten by mosquitoes, the more likely they’ll become desensitized over time. That means adults typically have less serious reactions to mosquito bites than children do. Common symptoms of mosquito bites include soft bumps on the skin that may become pink, red, and itchy. Symptoms may occur up to 48 hours after the initial bite.
Symptoms of a more severe allergic reaction may include - Large area of itching, lesions, bruises near the site of the bite, lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph system), hives (at or around the bite), anaphylaxis (a rare, life-threatening condition that results in swelling in the throat and wheezing and requires immediate medical attention)
Allergic reactions aren't the only concern regarding mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases, such as:
malaria, dengue fever, encephalitis (brain infection), yellow fever, West Nile Virus (found in North America), meningitis (brain and spinal cord inflammation)
Signs that it may be something other than an allergic reaction include - Fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting, rash, fatigue, light sensitivity, confusion, neurological changes (such as muscle weakness on one side of the body)
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Of course, it may not be the mosquito that is biting you it could be midges
Protecting your pets from Mosquito bites
Dangers of Mosquitoes for Dogs
Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm to dogs, (Dirofilaria immitis) this is a worm that infects the blood vessels and heart of a dog, injuring the dog’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems. If a mosquito bites an infected dog, it can ingest heartworm larvae within that dog’s blood. Those larvae are passed to the next dog that same mosquito bites, and then they mature into adult worms within that second dog’s body.
If left untreated, heartworms can grow up to a foot long. A dog with heartworm can appear lethargic, cough, or vomit, and have difficulty breathing. It is important to treat heartworm early on before significant damage can be done to the dog’s body. Visit your vet for treatment.
Cats
Heartworms are often thought of as a problem that only affects dogs, but mosquitoes can spread heartworms to cats too. Canine heartworm disease and feline heartworm disease are different, and a cat’s immune system often kills off the heartworm larvae, stopping the infection. As a result, cats develop adult heartworms only about 10 percent as often as dogs do. While dogs can have several hundred heartworms at a time, cats only have between one to three adult worms. Heartworm can damage your cats’ lungs and hearts just the same way that it can in dogs.
Prevention
NEVER use DEET - NEVER use DEET on animals. This is dangerous to your pets. Citronella and eucalyptus oil may be safer but get the advice of your vet before using any mosquito repellent on your pet.
Keep Pets Indoors. If possible, keep your pets indoors early in the morning and from dusk onwards. Alternatively, put them in an enclosure fitted with a screen.
Because mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, it’s important to remove any standing water that may be present, change the water in your pet's bowl frequently, during hot weather.
Buy a good quality mosquito collar and change it as recommended by the manufacture.
Use a mosquito repelling shampoo.
There are certain natural ingredients that are safe for use on dogs. Lemon eucalyptus oil is one such ingredient, create a homemade spray, mix 25 drops of lemon eucalyptus essential oil and 4 oz of witch hazel. You can also combine these ingredients with some real vanilla extract or peppermint essential oil for even more benefit. Take note when spraying your dog to avoid getting any in their eyes.
Dilute verbena, lavender, pine, catnip, rosemary, basil, thyme, lemon eucalyptus, lemon balm, peppermint, and fennel. essential oils and dab them at the nape of your dog’s neck to naturally repel mosquitoes. Essential oils are extremely concentrated, so always mix them with a carrier oil before application.
Feed your dog some garlic to help repel mosquitoes! Dogs can safely consume 1/4 clove of garlic per ten pounds. Simply mince the garlic and add to your dog’s favourite food.