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By Joel Vernier
Significant events in my life often end up as one of my Columns. In the past, it has included: Colonoscopy, dental procedures, taxes, ice or snowstorms, and other modern-day catastrophes! Today it is the beloved annual MOSQUITO Column!
Yes, the beloved MOSQUITO! This loving little bug is attracted to humans. They spend a significant portion of their lives seeking us out because they love to spend time with us. They enjoy lighting on our skin for a short time to remind us of how important we are to them, literally giving life to more friendly MOSQUITOS! This time of year, people set out glorious displays for the little buddies! Sometimes it is a bouquet of Citronella, lavender, marigolds, and lemon, known to be one of the best ways to let MOSQUITOES know that you are thinking of them! Glowing candles are another way humans show their respect for MOSQUITOS! There is nothing like the ambiance of a lit MOSQUITO coil, citronella candle, Tiki Torch, or a wood fire to say I love you to them!
Humans may wear personal rechargeable devices that emit a welcoming scent by heating up a chemical with butane or battery-generated heat. Many people use various electric devices, such as Bug zappers, ultrasonic devices, or even fly paper, to encourage them to stick around!
Many people who date also use perfumes or aftershaves to attract the opposite sex, and they often use topical repellents such as DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Dressing for success is also a tactic to show your respect and affection for MOSQUITOS! Loose, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and lighter-colored options may be helpful and allow sweating when worn on a 90-degree day! Winter coats and gloves also offer benefits! We need to feel sorry for people with Type A blood, as MOSQUITOS are not attracted to them, but people who have body odor, who exhale a lot of C02, and have excessive skin bacteria are lucky as they attract the little vampires!
You can try to live most of your life inside your home, cocooning yourself away for the entire summer, but most homes have dedicated entranceways. MOSQUITOS! Something as simple as a small gap in the screen on a door or window, about 1/16 of an inch or 1/2 millimeter, will give them quick access. There are at least a dozen ways to welcome them into your home: open doors or windows, gaps around AC units, cracks around doors, pipes or vents, Chimneys without screens, Attic vents or soffits, Garage doors left open, pets bring them in on their fur, attaching to your clothes or bags when you enter your house. And of course, as mentioned, a hole in your screens.
I guess the way to think about MOSQUITOS is when they draw blood, we are donating it, similar to a blood donation center, to help them give life! I hope this “Ode to MOSQUITOS” will be helpful the next time you donate to our little friends!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others!”
