The mosquito season in Australia is in the summer. This implies that many people will have to deal with bothersome, itchy bites. As you read this blog, we will share some recommendations for successfully managing mosquito bites.
What Makes Mosquitoes Bite?
Did you know that only female mosquitoes bite? This is so that they can create eggs, which need blood. The female mosquito can create and lay her eggs after she has consumed a blood meal.
According to Australian Museum, female mosquitoes lay about 200 eggs all at once! She’ll need another blood feast in order to lay another clutch of eggs. Mosquito males do not consume blood. They consume plant fluids and nectar instead.
What Places Do Mosquitoes Like to Bite?
Mosquitoes will bite any skin they have access to in order to get a blood meal. However, they may prefer certain body parts.
According to Springer Link, their preference for the head and foot regions respectively correlated with particular combinations of skin temperature and eccrine sweat gland density. The subsequent modification of the host’s odour profile by removing exhaled breath and washing feet results in significant changes in these preferences.
How To Keep The Mosquitoes Away?
According to BetterHealth Channel, here are the tips to make your home safe from mosquitoes:
Maintain Fly Screens To Keep Mosquitoes Out Of Your Home
- Maintain fly screens on windows, doors, vents and chimneys. (Screens should be no coarser than 12 x 12 meshes per 25mm, or 1.2mm. Use an even coarser mesh if you wish to keep out other smaller biting insects, like sandflies.)
Use Insect Sprays And Repellents Around The Home
Insect sprays and repellents can be used both inside and outside the house to kill mosquitoes. It is important to use these products according to the directions on the bottle.
- Use ‘knockdown’ fly spray against visible mosquitoes in your home.
- Use plug-in mosquito “zappers” or vaporisers in enclosed verandahs. These should be switched off as soon as the area is no longer in use. Consider using insect repellent at the same time.
- Use mosquito coils in outdoor areas. These should be supervised at all times. Consider using insect repellent at the same time.
- Target areas like spraying the shaded shrubbery near your home. Avoid spraying these products near fish ponds. Remember to read instructions about the safe use of any insect sprays.
- If mosquitoes are particularly bad, consider using a long-acting surface spray in areas where mosquitoes like to rest.
Limit Mosquitoes From Breeding In Your Yard And Garden
You are first in line to be bitten by mosquitoes that breed in your own yard and garden. Mosquitoes can breed even in the tiniest amounts of water. Remove stagnant water so mosquitoes can’t breed.
- Clean up your yard and remove anything where water can collect, such as unused pots and tyres.
- Cover or overturn trailers, wheelbarrows, boats, tools and children’s playground toys to avoid water collection.
- Regularly clean gutters and drains so water runs freely.
- Mend leaking taps.
- Change pet drinking bowls, bird baths and vase waters at least once a week, and more regularly in very warm weather.
- Put sand around the base of the pot plants.
- Keep swimming pools well maintained or empty or securely covered if not in use.
- Keep fish ponds tidy with minimal vegetation around the edges.
- Keep lawns and gardens trimmed back to reduce the areas where mosquitoes rest.
- Check and maintain rainwater tanks and water storage vessels
- Water tanks must be completely sealed. Check lids, covers and inlet pipes for any gaps.
- Fit removable screen meshes to the outlet end of overflow pipes and to all inlets.
- Make sure any water collection containers have secure lids or screens.
How Do You Treat Mosquito Bites?
According to HealthDirect, mosquitoes cause itchy bites but severe allergic reactions are rare.
Some types of mosquitoes can spread serious diseases. Immediately see your doctor if you develop a rash, or flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, joint and muscle pains (swelling or stiffness), fatigue, depression and generally feel unwell. Here is the treatment for mosquito bites:
- Most mosquito bites can be managed by washing the area with soap and water and applying an antiseptic.
- Cold packs may help with local pain and swelling. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what treatments are best for you if the bite is very itchy.
- To lessen your chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, cover up as much skin as possible and stay inside in the early morning or at dusk. Use an insect repellent when you are out and about and there are mosquitoes around.
- Information on avoiding mosquito bites can be found on the Queensland Health website.
CPR First Aid Australia’s Available Courses
Learning the treatment of mosquito bites will help you manage the itch and further complications. Also, you might want to consider upskilling on first aid skills. CPR First Aid Australia is offering a variety of first aid courses according to your needs. You can choose your preferred courses below:
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HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation - HLTAID010 Provide an emergency first aid response
- HLTAID011 Provide first aid – formerly known as Level 2 or Senior First Aid.
- HLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting
- HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid
- 22578VIC Course in First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis
- 22556VIC Course in the Management of Asthma Risks and Emergencies in the Workplace
Do You Need General First Aid Qualification?
We recommend that the 
HLTAID011 Provide first aid.
- This also includes CPR qualification. The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends that this qualification is updated every 3 years.
Do You Need To Update CPR Qualification?
We recommend HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends that this qualification is updated annually.
Do You Need First Aid Qualification To Work In The Childcare and Education Industry, that Includes Anaphylaxis and Asthma Training?
We recommendHLTAID012 Provide first aid in an education and care setting.
Are You Working With Children?
You will also be required to obtain first aid training qualifications in Asthma and Anaphylaxis. You need to check with the employer before enrolling, so that client gets the correct training for his or her circumstance.
ABOUT CPR FIRST AID
RTO No. 21903: CPR First Aid was founded in 2007. We specialise in providing first aid training in CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis for a range of workplaces including childcare, schools and other industries in NSW, VIC, SA, WA and QLD. We are a Registered Training Organisation with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (No 21903). Our courses and Units are VET-accredited for workplaces in Australia.
Conclusion
Proper treatment of mosquito bites should be administered. This will prevent you from complications such as infections. Call your doctor immediately if you develop a rash, or flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, joint and muscle pains (swelling or stiffness), fatigue, depression more importantly if difficulty breathing occurs.
You may consider enrolling on our first aid courses to learn more about life-saving skills.
