How to Stop Mozzie Bites

Mosquito bites, also known as "mozzie" bites, can cause the affected skin to become itchy, red and sometimes swollen. Mosquitoes in certain parts of the world, such as Africa and the Amazon rain forest, may also transmit dangerous diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue. Only female mosquitoes bite because they need the protein in the drawn blood to produce their eggs. Mosquito bites can be avoided if you take precautions and you are thorough in carrying out your methods of prevention.

Things You'll Need

• Long-sleeved top
• Trousers
• Closed shoes
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Mosquito bed net (optional)
• Citronella candle

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Instructions

• 1

  Cover exposed skin when you are outside and in a mosquito-prone area. Wear long-sleeved tops, trousers and shoes that cover all parts of your feet. Tuck in your clothes in so you don't leave any gaps or holes for the mozzies to sneak in. Wear lighter-colored clothes; mosquitoes are attracted to heat-absorbing darker clothes, according to the Travel Doctor. Also wear a hat.

• 2

  Apply an insect repellent to your skin, particularly on any areas that are exposed. You can also apply a repellent to your clothing and areas in your home such as bedding. The Travel Doctor website recommends using a repellent containing DEET --- a substance proven to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. If you don't want to use DEET, try an insect repellent containing lemon or eucalyptus

• 3

  Turn on the air conditioning in your bedroom and close the windows. Mosquitoes are attracted to warmer temperatures, so the cooler air will deter them. If you don't have air conditioning, hang a mosquito bed net from the ceiling to cover your bed.

• 4

  Light citronella candles if you are sitting outdoors. However, you do need to sit relatively close to the candles for them to be effective.