Applying insect repellent helps ward off mosquitoes that may carry diseases.
Female mosquitoes bite to obtain the protein from blood that they use to nourish their eggs, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Body odors and the carbon dioxide exhaled through breath attract the insects, while repellents make people less appealing. Does this Spark an idea?
Disease Risks
Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases like the West Nile virus or malaria, according to the CDC. Certain repellents -- like those containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus -- are likely to repel these mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes Often Go Undetected
Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus are often active at dawn and dusk, which makes them less likely to be noticed. Applying repellent protects the wearer from being bitten, even if she can't see mosquitoes at first. Products containing DEET, picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective for at least a few hours, while many herbal repellents need application every 20 minutes.
Allergic Reactions
Mosquito bites can produce allergic reactions. Itchy red bumps, for instance, are considered allergic reactions to the insect's saliva. More severe reactions include blisters, hives, bruises and intense inflammatory reactions, according to the University of Florida's IFAS Extension. (ref 2)
Tags: allergic reactions, containing DEET, containing DEET picaridin, DEET picaridin, DEET picaridin lemon, lemon eucalyptus, Nile virus