7 misconceptions about mosquito prevention: It turns out that citronella cultivation can be counterproductive

Some species, such as Asian midges, burn during the day.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is: Avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. However, there are many misconceptions in this regard that may cost you. For example, people who believe in eating garlic or taking vitamin B will not be bitten by mosquitoes.

In fact, burning candles from essential oils will not work very well. And a nap doesn't mean you don't need to have a curtain.

To help you prevent mosquito-borne illness, Stan Cope, the entomologist of the American Mosquito Control Association, will point out 7 false beliefs that make people more subjective:

1. Eating some foods can help you avoid mosquito bites

People often say that eating garlic or taking a vitamin B supplement can help reduce the risk of mosquito bites. But Cope said there is no scientific evidence to support it.

In fact, the amount of sweat and CO2 you breathe out is the attraction of mosquitoes that come around you. Eating a food is not a safe factor for you.

2. Candles with citronella oil help to repel mosquitoes

According to Cope, there is no scientific evidence that candles with citronella oil actually repel mosquitoes.

If the mosquitoes really stay away from a burning essential oil candle, that's because of their smoke. Once your room has a fan or you open a window, it doesn't work to light a candle.

3. Planting trees, such as discharge, work

If you just planted a clump in the room or on the balcony yard, thinking that it will chase mosquitoes, the bad news is not. Even plants can attract mosquitoes, because they like cool, wet and dark places.

Some plants, such as citronella, contain essential oils that insects don't like, but you need to smash them so that the smell is strong enough to work.

4. Light trap works effectively

While insects that catch insects can kill a certain amount of mosquitoes, most of what they catch is not a mosquito that transmits the disease. Many beneficial insects such as moths and beetles are also trapped by lights.

In two controlled studies conducted by Notre Dame University investigators, mosquitoes accounted for only 4.1% and 6.4% of the insects that light traps killed.

In both studies, there were no significant differences in the number of mosquitoes remaining in the two grounds and did not place light traps.

5. Fragrant paper will help fight mosquitoes

Sometimes people want to put fragrant paper in bags, hats, or right on their skin to repel mosquitoes. According to Dr. Cope, while some studies show that fragrant paper works with some non-human mosquitoes, their scent does not work with many mosquito bites.

6. Every mosquito repellent works

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are only four components in anti-mosquito medications: DEET (works best when used outdoors), Picaridin (also called KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin), IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) or p-menthane diol (PMD).

7. Mosquitoes only burn at night

Some species of mosquitoes, such as midges in Asia, burn during the day. Usually they sneakily burn your knees or ankles. So if you have a nap somewhere, especially in the dark, damp areas, you should still have a curtain.