They Can't Bite Through Clothes And Are Attracted To The Smell Of Blood - Mosquito Myths Debunked | HuffPost Life

Everything You Know About Mosquitoes Is Wrong

Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK

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This summer, the mosquito population in Britain has thrived more than usual. The reason? A warmer climate in the UK, resulting in an influx of the insects.

Currently the little biters will be looking to settle down for Autumn, however before they do, they'll be looking for their last feed...

Currently, around 1 in 4 people are regularly bitten by mosquitoes in this country, but nearly a third said they never wear any insect repellent when in the UK - could it be time to start?

A new study by Incognito has found there are a variety of common misconceptions amongst the general public when it comes to the insects.

So, to clear this up (and make sure you avoid being bitten this season) we've debunked some of the most common mozzy myths...

Myth #1: Mosquitoes can only bite exposed skin.

Nearly 1 in 5 Brits believe that mosquitoes can only bite exposed skin. The truth is, however, that mosquitoes can actually bite through clothing - albeit clothing made from thin material.

If you're wearing your thickest jumper then you're probably safe, as they might have a problem getting stuck in.

SEE ALSO:
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Myth #2: Mosquitoes aren't common in the UK.

Over a quarter (26%) of Londoners think that mosquitoes are not very common in the UK. The reality is that there are 34 different species of mosquito in the UK at present, 18 of which can potentially transmit malaria.

Scientists have also discovered that warmer ambient temperatures and more water containers in gardens are bringing mosquitoes into closer contact with people.

Myth #3: Mosquitoes are attracted to skin because of the smell of blood.

Nearly a fifth (18%) of people in the capital think that mosquitoes are attracted to skin because of the smell of blood. Actually, mosquitoes aren't attracted to the red stuff. But they are attracted to the following:

:: Carbon dioxide output. Basically whenever you breathe out, the insects come flying

:: Heat. Dr. Jonathan Day from the University of Florida says that before mosquitoes can take a bite they have to find an area of the body where the blood is close to the surface. Common areas include the forehead, wrists, elbows and neck.

:: Dark clothing. Jonathan suggests to avoid any dark denim or all-black outfits.

And there you have it, mosquito myths - debunked! Here's hoping you'll have zero bites to contend with over the coming months.

Natural Mosquito Bite Treatment

Ice(01 of14)

A shock of cold therapy will provide relief for itching and keep you from swelling more, says Schultz. "Ice actually numbs the nerves that conduct itching and pain so you don't feel either," he says.

You may have heard that going the other direction in temperature can also help. Hot water would in fact have the same effect on the nerves, says Schultz, but after you remove your warm compress or step out of that hot shower, you'll face a "rebound release of histamine that makes the itching worse," he says. (credit:Alamy)

Essential Oils(02 of14)

"Tea tree oil is one of my favorite essential oils in all of dermatology," says Schultz. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it can combat itching, swelling and pain, and it seems to also have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can help prevent infection at the site of the bite, he explains.

Lavender oil can also help. "Lavender is the most versatile of all the essential oiils, with more benefits than you can shake a stick at," says Schultz. A dab on the skin can help reduce inflammation and pain and prevent infections, he says.

Flickr photo by .angels. (credit:Flickr: .angels.)

Vinegar(03 of14)

This "way-underutilized" home remedy can help stop itching due to its acidity, says Schultz. He recommends diluting two or three cups in a bathtub of warm water to treat all-over bites, or putting a few drops on cotton and wiping an individual bite. Apple cider vinegar may be an even better bet, he adds, since it's slightly less acidic, and it's likely that the pH of itchy, red skin is off balance to begin with, he says.

Flickr photo by AndyRobertsPhotos (credit:Flickr: AndyRobertsPhotos)

Honey(04 of14)

Since this natural sweetener is known for a wide range of health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it's not surprising that honey can also ease itchy bites. It's included in a number of natural lotions and balms for this exact reason, Everyday Health explains.

Schultz recommends opting for raw honey and only dabbing a little bit right on the bite.

Flickr photo by dphiffer (credit:Flickr: dphiffer)

Tea Bag(05 of14)

Just like (cooled!) tea bags can reduce under-eye puffiness, they can ease swelling on bites, too, says Schultz. The tannins in tea act as an astringent, he says, drawing extra fluid out of the bite. (credit:Alamy)

Baking Soda(06 of14)

"Sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkaline compound that can help neutralize the pH balance of your skin," Dr. Linda K. Franks told Prevention. "This 'buffering effect' may help quell the inflammation that occurs at the skin's surface, easing your soreness."

Try dissolving some into a warm bath and soaking for 30 minutes, or mixing some with a little water to create a paste to apply directly to the bitten skin.

Flickr photo by [F]oxymoron (credit:Flickr: [F]oxymoron)

Witch Hazel(07 of14)

Baking soda can also work in conjunction with other remedies, says Schultz, like this plant-based astringent that, when applied in a paste with baking soda, will draw fluid out and reduce swelling at the bite. "There's a synergy, they work even better together," he says.

Flickr photo by zimpenfish (credit:Flickr: zimpenfish)

Basil(08 of14)

The aromatic leaf naturally contains camphor and thymol, two compounds that can relieve itching, says Schultz. It's easy to crush some up and apply it to bites, or buy the essential oil and dab onto the skin.

Flickr photo by saragoldsmith (credit:Flickr: saragoldsmith)

Lemon And Lime(09 of14)

Both citrus fruits are anti-itch, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, according to Schultz. The juice or the peel can "kill all sorts of bacteria" he says.

There is one downside, though. Just the way you used to squeeze lemon juice into your hair for beachy highlights, the oils will also react with the sun on your skin. "You'll get a blistering reaction," Schultz says. Stay safe by only using citrus-based remedies indoors.

Flickr photo by psd (credit:Flickr: psd)

Peppermint(10 of14)

You may have heard that a dab of toothpaste can ease the itch, but it might be that minty-fresh flavoring that's at work.

"It causes a cooling sensation, [which] gets to the brain faster than the itching," Schultz says. Because the brain can only process one sensation at a time, cooling agents are often added to skin products to act as "counter-irritants" he says, which prevent and block other sensations, like itching. If you don't want to slather the chemicals in your toothpaste on your bites, try a drop of the essential oil or a paste made from crushed leaves. (credit:Alamy)

Banana Peel(11 of14)

While some people swear by this home remedy, there (perhaps unsurprisingly) isn't a whole lot of credible research to back it up. Schultz hypothesizes that the sugars in the chemical makeup of the skin of a banana could be soothing and draw fluid out from a bite.

Flickr photo by CarbonNYC (credit:Flickr: CarbonNYC)

Milk And Water(12 of14)

For a soothing compress, Schultz recommends soaking equal parts milk and water into a handkerchief and applying it to the skin. "It's very soothing and helpful at relieving itching, swelling and inflammation," he says, "plus it's also a great technique for relieving sunburn." Skim works the best, he adds, as it's the protein and not the fat in milk that soothes the skin.

Flickr photo by tauress (credit:Flickr: tauress)

Slapping Or Pinching(13 of14)

It sounds silly, but it works! "Slapping is a greater form of pain than itching," explains Schultz. "It's more startling, but it's not annoying the way itching is." The brain can only register one feeling at a time, he says, so you may get some relief from the itchiness when the pain of a slap takes over, even if you might feel strange inflicting that pain on yourself.

Squeezing the bite gently but firmly is another option (which may feel less 'out there'). These methods can ease all itchy bumps, adds Schultz, not just mosquito bites. (credit:Alamy)

Aloe(14 of14)

While it's primarily thought of as sunburn relief, aloe shouldn't be ignored in treating bites, says Schultz. "It's very good for itching and swelling and really is very soothing."

Flickr photo by veggiefrog (credit:Flickr: veggiefrog)

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