Mosquito season has arrived, exacerbated by heavy rainfall in Houston and surrounding areas in July. Dr. John Wolf, professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine, provides guidance on how to repel mosquitoes effectively.
Wolf advises wearing loose-fitted clothing made of lighter fabrics, long sleeves, and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. "Wearing bright-colored clothing, cologne or perfume will attract mosquitoes to you," he noted.
To protect property and skin from mosquitoes, Wolf recommends eliminating standing water around the home where mosquitoes breed. He also suggests discarding bug zappers as they are not effective and tend to kill beneficial insects like butterflies and dragonflies. Insecticide sprays are similarly discouraged.
While some individuals opt for natural remedies such as lavender, eucalyptus, lemon or lemongrass, cedar or citronella to repel mosquitoes from their skin, Wolf cautions that these may not be effective. Vitamin B complex is another popular choice but lacks scientific backing for its efficacy.
The most reliable mosquito repellents contain up to 30% DEET or picaridin. "While there is no perfect way to avoid mosquito bites, repellents with these ingredients are proven to be safe, reliable and effective. DEET, specifically, is approved for adults and children over two months," Wolf stated.
Products with up to 30% DEET can offer protection for up to 10 hours but should not be applied directly to the face due to potential irritation. When using both a repellent with DEET and sunscreen, Wolf advises applying sunscreen first followed by the repellent. "We don’t recommend using a product with a combination of sunscreen and a repellent with DEET because sunscreen needs reapplication every two to four hours while DEET should only be applied once or twice a day," he explained.
For mosquito bite treatment, Wolf recommends using a cool compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and itching. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone lotion or cream or an antihistamine can also be helpful. For serious reactions to mosquito bites, seeking urgent care or emergency room assistance is advised.
