Here we are, just about to come into the warm summer months, in southern California, and along with those increased temperatures comes my least favorite thing of all about living here – mosquito bites!
I have lived in various places around SoCal, and where I’m currently located has probably been the worst for this issue. I’m not sure why it has been so bad in my area the last few years, but maybe it’s just that the area isn’t treated properly for these tiny blood suckers.
Over the last number of years of putting up with this problem, I have tried various solutions and products to combat the issue (and the pain!). Some of these solutions work well, some add a layer of protection that possibly hurts, but unfortunately nothing is 100% effective against these painful biters.
Battery Powered Fly Swatter
This is my newest tool in my armory against mosquitoes. The one pictured is one I picked up at a local hardware store for approx $10. It’s extremely effective provided you can see the bug you’re attempting to swat. Instant gratification with this thing too, which sounds kind of bad, but after the pain I’ve been through with a couple hundred bites or more in the last few years, I’m ok saying it.
This stuff is pretty effective. I spray it all over my lower legs before venturing outside, and it does seem to keep these pests away. I keep a stock of this stuff near my front door, in my car, in my hiking bag etc. If you’re out for multiple hours, you will definitely need to reapply.
A friend recommended this poison sucking device to me, and in desperation I gave it a go. It works if you are quick to get it on the area that was bitten, and if that area is fleshy e.g. your calf area, but not your knee. If I use this after a bite, I will also still apply some bite cream as a double layer of soothing power. One downside to this tool is that it may leave suction marks on your skin. I have had that happen and am cautious where I use it as a result.
Apparently lemongrass and other natural oils are a deterrent to the biters, and I have tried a number of them. I have never used this by itself, so I can’t say with 100% certainty how effective it is, but as an added layer it seems to provide some help.
If you take nothing else from this information, get yourself some of this After Bite cream. I have tubes of it all over the house, backpack and cars for the inevitable bites that are coming. It is very soothing and helps keep the discomfort at bay. Again with this though, you won’t get 100% relief from the bite, but it really does help soothe the area.
This was a late last year purchase, and I didn’t get a lot of time to really try it out. I will be putting it to the test again this year. Apparently you will sit in a 15 foot exclusion zone while it’s lit, which if you’re sitting outside enjoying a snack after a trail ride or hike, this should help you stay bite free.
Plug in or battery powered bug zapper
Probably the most effective thing for stopping the biters in the picture above is the large electric bug zapper. You can find battery powered versions of this too for campsite use. I have 3 of these plugged in almost continuously in my home throughout the bite season, and I love the sound of the pests being zapped! You will occasionally have to replace the blue bulbs that are inside to help attract the mosquitoes, but it’s definitely worth the price.
Other things i’ve tried
I’ve tried some other options to reduce the number of bites I get, but the list above would be my top choices. These nasty creatures seem to manage to bite through thicker socks, jeans and even shoes sometimes! I mostly get bitten from the knee down, so I’m less concerned with upper body areas. I have seen people resort to wearing head netting though, and I’d probably try one if I had to!
Good luck with avoiding these painful (and potentially dangerous) creatures!
