Various things attract mosquitos to a potential host. Their receptors and vision pick up on the carbon dioxide humans and other animals emit, as well as their body heat, perspiration and skin odour. Dark and bold coloured clothing, perfumes and alcohol can also attract mozzies. Note that standing water, tall grass and vegetation are common breeding grounds for mosquitos.

There are various ways you can reduce or remove mosquitos in your area. First and foremost, attempt to identify and eliminate breeding sites, including sources of stagnant water such as pools, swamps and blocked gutters. You can also install insect screens for doors and windows that can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes that enter your property. In addition, you can make use of chemical sprays on surfaces where mozzies congregate, install a mozzie zapper that attracts and kills them on contact, or use citronella candles and sandalwood sticks to create mozzie-free zones. Applying mosquito repellent to your skin and clothing can also protect you from mozzie bites. If all else fails, professional pest control may be necessary to safely and thoroughly eliminate a mosquito infestation.

Numerous insect sprays are available that can kill mosquitoes in a matter of seconds. You can also find a mosquito coil that releases insecticide to kill mosquitoes when lit. Removing any nearby breeding grounds such as standing water, tall grass and vegetation can additionally help to cull their numbers.

You can implement one or more strategies to repel mosquitos and prevent bites without having to use actual mosquito repellent. Firstly, wearing long and light coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible is highly recommended, as mozzies are attracted to dark coloured clothes and exposed skin. Staying cool and reducing perspiration is also effective at making you less attractive to mozzies. You can additionally prevent bites by installing insect screens on doors and windows, avoiding scented products like lotions and perfumes, and removing sources of standing water in the area.

The market has no shortage of mosquito repellents, including options suitable for indoor and outdoor use such as sprays, candles, sticks and more. From mosquito repellent for camping and insect repellent for camping to mosquito repellent for indoor use, you’re sure to find something that’s right for you.

When you get a mosquito bite, the temptation to scratch can be overwhelming, but this only makes the bite swell up and get itchier. The first thing to do is simply not scratch. You can also wash the area with soap and water, apply an ice pack for 10 minutes, apply a mixture of baking soda and water, or use over-the-counter antihistamine mosquito cream to relieve itching.