What Works and What Doesn’t to Keep Mosquitoes Away

Today (August 20) is World Mosquito Day, it's a day to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and malaria prevention. In 1897, the link between mosquitoes and malaria transmission was discovered by Sir Ronald Ross.

My family seems to get eaten alive by mosquitoes, my daughter Riley could walk outside and she gets five mosquito bites, but not me. I wonder why? Some biologists think that is has to do with the way we smell. You smell good....to the skeeters.

What you can do to help keep the mosquitoes away? Here's some possibilities:

Here's what they say works:

• Wash with antibacterial soap to remove mosquito-attracting bacteria from the skin
• Don't go outside at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are plentiful and active
• Use an outdoor fan, but that could be tough when you're trying to run around
• Spray your clothing with an insect repellent that contains DEET

What doesn't work:

• Taking Vitamin B supplements
• Eating garlic
• Taking certain medications. If you have high cholesterol, they say that can also attract mosquitoes

Now before you think that I'm saying that my family smells, I'M NOT. It's just a "possible" reason why they get bit and not me.

Happy Mosquito Day to you. How are you going to celebrate?

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