As the saying goes, "In August, mosquito bites are like flowers." Many people think that mosquitoes are most active in summer. In fact, in early autumn, mosquitoes are not only abundant but also more dangerous. Mosquitoes and flies are notorious for spreading certain infectious diseases in autumn. Let's talk about why mosquitoes are more dangerous in autumn and what to do if you get bitten by mosquitoes in autumn.
Why are there more mosquitoes in autumn?
Early autumn and mid-autumn are the active periods for mosquitoes. When the weather is too hot, the vitality of mosquitoes actually decreases. The most suitable temperature for mosquitoes to survive is between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. Mosquitoes are more active in rainy weather. Moreover, autumn is also a season of abundant breeding. With the intensification of global warming, the average temperature in autumn has increased, delaying the hibernation time of mosquitoes. This is also the reason why there are more mosquitoes in autumn.
Why are mosquitoes more dangerous in autumn?
Autumn is the breeding season for mosquitoes. Due to the large temperature difference in autumn, mosquitoes will seek warmth indoors at night. Most of the mosquitoes that bite indoors are female mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes need to consume a large amount of blood to promote the development of their ovaries and reproduce offspring. This results in an increase in the number of pathogens carried by mosquitoes. Diseases such as filariasis and malaria are related to mosquito bites, which is why autumn mosquitoes are said to be more dangerous than summer mosquitoes.
How long will mosquitoes be active in autumn?
Mosquitoes generally start to become active in May each year and reach their peak activity in mid to late August. When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the remaining mosquitoes stop breeding and enter a period of hibernation. Although mosquitoes are active in early autumn and mid-autumn, they will gradually disappear within the next two weeks after mid-autumn.
What to do if you get bitten by mosquitoes in autumn?
1. Do not scratch or irritate the bitten area to avoid skin damage. Damaged skin is prone to infection, and severe cases may lead to inflammation and ulceration at the bite site. You can apply some anti-allergic ointments such as Piyinping (皮炎平) or camphor water. If the condition is severe, seek medical attention.
2. After being bitten by mosquitoes, you can apply concentrated soap, wet soap, mentholatum, aloe vera juice, or garlic cloves to the swollen area. These substances have the effect of sterilization, anti-inflammatory, itch relief, and swelling reduction.
How to prevent mosquitoes in autumn?
To completely eliminate mosquitoes in autumn, the following aspects should be considered:
1. Potted plants at home are the most favorable places for mosquitoes. Spraying insecticides in flower pots or taking vitamin B1 can prevent mosquitoes from surviving.
2. Some people think that summer is over, so they remove mosquito nets. To prevent autumn mosquitoes, do not remove mosquito nets. Mosquito nets can prevent mosquitoes from biting your skin at night.
3. Mosquitoes in autumn tend to bite children, so it is advisable to dress children in long-sleeved clothing and long pants and avoid going to places such as forests, grasslands, and smelly drains where mosquitoes are likely to breed.
4. Keep the indoor environment dry and clean. Clean the kitchen and bathroom thoroughly, and spray camphor water to repel mosquitoes.
