Why Early-Autumn Mosquito Bites Can Be Riskier than Summer

Mosquitoes are still active until autumn despite the widespread belief that their activity decreases after summer. With rising temperatures becoming the norm, mosquitoes have no trouble remaining active into autumn. Additionally, the activity of small redhouse mosquitoes, which transmit Japanese encephalitis, is also thriving during this time. The best way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is to avoid mosquito bites. What should you do to avoid being bitten by the more aggressive autumn mosquitoes compared to those in summer?

Mosquitoes are more active in autumn than in summer

The season in which mosquitoes are most active is gradually shifting from summer to autumn. Following last year’s trend, mosquitoes are expected to be more involved in autumn than summer. It is essential to be cautious as autumn mosquitoes are more aggressive than summer mosquitoes. Autumn is the breeding season for mosquitoes, and they become more active and consume more blood to obtain the energy needed for egg-laying. The more mosquitoes feed, the more they secrete a substance called “hirudin,” which causes itching and can lead to prolonged swelling.

Mosquitoes prefer dark colors

Mosquitoes primarily detect and approach objects that move from a distance. Their eyesight is not very good, so they tend to approach objects that clearly contrast their surroundings. Mosquitoes prefer dark colors such as black and brown. If you are wearing dark-colored clothes, it can attract mosquitoes.

 Mosquitoes are attracted by the scent of sweat

To determine if a target can be blood-sucked, mosquitoes track carbon dioxide. They then use their sense of smell and are attracted to volatile substances such as ammonia and octanol, which are present in sweat. After that, they check if the target is alive by sensing body temperature; if the target is not warm, they do not approach.

If you are particularly prone to mosquito bites, it may be because you sweat a lot or have a unique body odor. After drinking alcohol, body heat and sweat increase, and the smell of sweat changes due to the breakdown of alcohol, resulting in a higher chance of being bitten by mosquitoes.

If you are particularly prone to mosquito bites, it may be because you sweat a lot or have a unique body odor. After drinking alcohol, body heat and sweat increase, and the smell of sweat changes due to the breakdown of alcohol, resulting in a higher chance of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Even if you have a high metabolic rate, mosquitoes may still prefer to bite you

Even people with a high metabolic rate can be prone to mosquito bites. This is because they emit much carbon dioxide, which applies to pregnant women, young children, and larger people. The concentration of carbon dioxide is a significant factor mosquitoes use to select their blood-sucking targets. Even studies suggest mosquitoes follow small amounts of carbon dioxide in the air before actively searching for targets.

Minimizing skin exposure

To prevent mosquito bites, it is important to minimize skin exposure. Wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts outdoors to minimize skin exposure, and wearing loose-fitting clothes that mosquitoes cannot bite through is also beneficial. Use mosquito repellents on exposed skin or clothing, and avoid using cosmetics or perfumes that attract mosquitoes.

Keeping the surroundings clean

In your home, you should be mindful of creating an environment that is not conducive to breeding mosquito larvae. If there is stagnant water around your house or the drainage system is blocked, remove the stagnant water and clear the drainage system. It is also beneficial to use mosquito nets or screens, and if you engage in outdoor activities such as camping, use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets inside the tent to prevent mosquitoes from approaching during sleep.

It is prohibited to apply saliva to the bitten area!

Applying saliva to the bitten area may temporarily relieve itching. Mosquito venom is acidic, while saliva is alkaline, so saliva neutralizes the mosquito venom. However, if oral hygiene is poor, bacteria from the mouth can penetrate the skin through saliva and cause cellulitis. Cellulitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial penetration, and it can cause symptoms such as fever, pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to skin necrosis.

Relieving itching

When a mosquito bites you and feels itchy, it is best to avoid scratching and apply a cold compress instead. A cold compress can reduce blood circulation and numb the skin, relieving swelling and itching. Applying mosquito repellents with antihistamine ingredients can also be helpful.

 

If you are at high risk of Japanese encephalitis

Get vaccinated in advance

If you are bitten by a mosquito carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus, only a few people will develop Japanese encephalitis. However, if you belong to a high-risk group, it is recommended to get vaccinated in advance. High-risk groups include young children, those living in high-risk areas such as pig farms, and those planning to travel to countries where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent.

By. Jeon Sin Young (press@daily.co.kr)