Unhealthy vs. Healthy Ways to Fight Mosquitoes
Pleasant, warm weather calls for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities go hand in glove with buzzing mosquitoes. Many South Africans prefer to travel to game lodges and warmer spots during the winter months.
Destinations such as these are often less expensive. This makes them a budget-friendly, attractive option. Mosquito populations are still present during winter. Taking the right preventative measures is important. Why are healthy mosquito repellents preferable to chemically based repellents?
Why Use Mosquito Repellent in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Many mosquitoes can carry malaria parasites or spread infectious diseases such as yellow fever. Disease-carrying mosquitoes are responsible for many thousands of deaths each year, which is why it’s important to get protection from wild populations of mozzies.
If you’re not in a malaria hotspot, you don’t need to worry as much about malaria transmission. But it also doesn’t guarantee your safety. Female mosquitoes leave residue in your bloodstream after biting you. It’s easy for them to spread anything they may have to you.
Prevention is Better Than Cure with Mozzie Swarms
Luckily, you can avoid mosquito bites with the right products. Remember, not every mosquito is an infected mosquito. You can avoid the risk of infection with healthy, chemical-free products.
And wherever possible, you can also prevent mosquito breeding sites with a couple of precautionary methods:
- Prevent swarms of mosquitoes by removing water in bird baths.
- Pick up pet water bowls wherever possible and use mosquito nets when travelling.
- Preventing the biting of mosquitoes on the Continent of Africa is advisable. This is regardless of whether it is a malaria hotspot, or which season you are travelling.
- Not all species of mosquitoes carry diseases.
- Use mosquito nets wherever possible, including when travelling to various destinations on the African continent.
Which Repellents Are the Most Effective Against Mosquitoes?
Many chemically based insect repellent claim they are safe to use. They often do more than harm mozzies. Most mosquito sprays and repellents are toxic to pollinators. These include harming bees and butterflies. They also affect fish and aquatic animals and organisms.
Imagine how toxic they are to human beings and pets?
Ask These Important Questions Before Spraying that Mozzie:
1. How Do I Know if My Insect Spray is Safe for the Environment?
Most household pesticides containing pyrethrins. These are chemicals extracted from chrysanthemum blooms. These pyrethrins are harmful to insects, and artificial pyrethrins are even more harmful.
Both natural pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethrins are toxic to a wide range of insects and not only mosquitoes. (The pyrethrins are a class of organic compounds normally derived from Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium that have potent insecticidal activity by targeting the nervous systems of insects).
We use Pyrethrins to kill moths, flies, mosquitoes, and fleas. We also use them to kill ants. On contact, pyrethrins kill insects instantly.
Marketing companies have gone the extra mile to downplay any negative effects of pyrethrins. Marketing campaigns and companies state they regulate pesticides containing pyrethrins. Yet, this does not mean they don’t affect the environment.
Chemicals such as bifenthrin, deltamethrin and permethrin are harmful to bees. Contact with pesticides containing these compounds spells instantaneous death. Pest control companies using these chemicals kill more than mosquitoes. They harm butterflies, ladybugs, dragonflies, and backyard birds.
2. Is My Mosquito Repellent Safe for People and Pets?
Indirect contact can do more harm than we realise. Chemical mosquito repellent sprays do a lot more harm than kill insects.
The runoff of chemicals can poison aquatic animals. These include fish and other aquatic organisms. Fish are especially sensitive to pyrethroids.
Pets also experience adverse effects from pyrethroids. Some of the side effects of repellent products are diarrhoea, vomiting, and lethargy. Another is loss of appetite.
When used correctly, pyrethroids are effective mosquito repellents. But vast amounts of insecticide products can make people sick. If you suspect you have a chemical reaction, contact your health care provider. You might need immediate medical attention.
Can I Use Alternative Methods for Effective Mosquito Control?
Yes, it is possible to keep bugs and mosquitoes at bay using alternative methods. We can do this without sprays containing chemical constituents. Many companies offer organic options that are less dangerous to the environment.
There are sprays made from plant-based materials or essential oils. Unfortunately, many natural products are ineffective or also pose some health risks. It’s best not to use repellents when pollinators like bees or butterflies are about.
So, what’s the best way to avoid getting mosquito bites, protect the environment, and protect those you love? It’s easy. Our Vitamin B1 patches!
Choose Natural Vitamin B Patches: The Safest Solution
Shop your Mozzie Patches today for a natural, effective way to avoid mosquito bites. You can find out everything you need to know about repelling mosquitoes safely on our blog.
Our patches are safe, and the entire family can use them. They prevent the buzz for 36 hours! Get outdoor protection with Mozzie Patches 12 months of the year. If you are keen on protecting pollinators the natural way, we show you how to fight the buzz. Naturally!
