July 14, 2022 general

“Hate” is too strong a word. So, let’s just say I am not fond of people who brag “mosquitos NEVER BOTHER ME.” Also, I take no pride in bitterly complaining the reverse, “mosquitos LOVE ME”. I have wondered if I could help the government track mosquito populations, because if there was a mosquito anywhere in the zip code, she (they are the biters) would be gnawing on me. Was I eating too much sweet stuff (probably)? Or using the wrong shower gel (probably)? Science has finally discovered the surprising way the critters do  choose their victims. I’ll get to that…but first some basics.

Seriousness. Mosquitos are more than annoying. They spread diseases such as malaria, Zika, dengue, chikungunya and West-Nile virus.

Step one. In controlling the varmints first deprive them a place to lay their eggs. They do that in standing water, and it only takes as much as might collect in a Perrier bottle cap. A full plant saucer or an abandoned tire? Or overturned garbage can lid? Those are ideal nurseries. Howard Garrett, “The Dirt Doctor” has many good suggestions for natural mosquito control. A couple of years ago, I noticed that we seemed to have a lot of mosquitos inside the house. Obviously, that is creepy and not at all fair, since they have the whole of outdoors. I guessed that the problem was possibly a mosquito had laid eggs in the stagnant water in the drain of a seldom used guest shower. We flushed that out and sealed it off…the problem stopped.

DEET. The ”authorities” (who I have come to trust less and less) always say to use repellent that contains the ingredient, DEET. Yes, it works, but at what price? DEET has been suspected of environmental damage and with exposure to people: seizures, uncoordinated movements, agitation, aggressive behavior, low blood pressure, and skin irritation. Read more. On the positive side, the Environmental Protection Agency does not have enough evidence to say that it does or does not cause cancer. The supposed risks of  DEET may be a bit exaggerated, but why bother then there are safe natural alternatives? I like a natural deterrent product called, Skeeter. They make products to protect your patio or your body.

When bitten. I have found that heating a spoon in hot water and pressing that on the bite greatly relieves the itching. A homeopathic gel, Sting Stop, is also useful.

The BIG WHY? By now most people know that we have trillions of bacteria, representing thousands of species living in our intestinal tracts—our microbiome. Most people (unless perhaps they read my book, The Probiotic Cure: Harnessing the Power of Good Bacteria for Better Health), may not be aware that there is also a massive collection of bacteria ON OUR SKIN, called our external microbiome. Each person’s assortment is unique to them and can even be used by law enforcement much like fingerprints. Somehow, scientists determined that different breeds of mosquitos favor certain microbiomes. Dr. Ross Pelton reviewed some of the details in this article. The research did not offer insight in how to use the new information to fend off the pests. Know this: you can’t just kill off your skin bacteria. (1) You need them for health (2) they will come right back.

Now what? I believe I’ve noticed a drop off in my attractiveness to mosquitos when I bathe with Dr. Ohhira’s award-winning Kampuku Beauty Bar. Of course, I have not run a controlled scientific experiment to verify this effect, but what the heck? It is a lovely “soap” and produces healthier skin even for folks with chronic skin issues.