For most of us, mosquitoes are simply an irritating part of summer. Their bites itch, they leave small red bumps and, if there are enough of them, they can make spending time outdoors decidedly unpleasant.
There are few things that can ruin a pleasant Lowveld evening quite as quickly as the familiar high-pitched whine of a mosquito. You hear it somewhere near your ear, switch on the light and begin searching. Nothing. You switch off the light again and, just as you settle down, there it is. The hunt begins all over again.
For most of us, mosquitoes are simply an irritating part of summer. Their bites itch, they leave small red bumps and, if there are enough of them, they can make spending time outdoors decidedly unpleasant. Yet these tiny insects are far more than a summer nuisance. Mosquitoes are among the world's most important carriers of disease, and their presence is something worth taking seriously, particularly as the warmer and wetter months arrive in the Lowveld.
Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the proteins in blood to develop their eggs, while males feed mainly on nectar and other plant-based sources. Humans make particularly attractive targets because we release several signals that mosquitoes can detect, including carbon dioxide when we breathe, body heat and chemicals produced by our skin. Sweat, movement and even the natural odours produced by our skin can influence how attractive we are to these persistent little pests.
Of course, not every mosquito carries disease, and being bitten does not automatically mean that you will become ill. A mosquito can only transmit a particular infection if it is carrying the relevant pathogen, and different mosquito species are associated with different diseases.
For people living in or travelling through the Lowveld, malaria is one of the mosquito-borne diseases that deserves particular attention. Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Risk varies according to location and season, so it is important for people travelling into known malaria-risk areas to obtain current advice before travelling.
One of the reasons mosquitoes can become such a problem during summer is their dependence on water for breeding. They do not need a large pond or swimming pool either. A surprising amount of water can accumulate in ordinary household objects and provide an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Buckets, pot plant saucers, blocked gutters, old tyres, wheelbarrows, children's toys, bird baths and containers left outside can all become breeding sites when they collect rainwater. After a few good summer storms, the number of potential breeding places around a property can increase considerably.
This means that mosquito control is not simply about killing the insects that are flying around your house. One of the most effective ways of reducing mosquito numbers is to remove the places where they can reproduce. Empty containers that collect rainwater, keep gutters clear and change water in bird baths regularly. Swimming pools should be properly maintained, and unnecessary standing water should not be allowed to remain around the property.
There are also several simple ways to reduce the chance of being bitten. In the home, insect screens on windows and doors can help keep mosquitoes outside, while mosquito nets provide an effective physical barrier when sleeping. This is particularly useful in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are a concern.
When spending time outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk when some mosquito species are particularly active, covering exposed skin with long trousers and shirts with sleeves can provide additional protection. An appropriate insect repellent can also help.
For those who enjoy the traditional Lowveld evening braai, there is no need to cancel the social calendar. A few sensible precautions can make outdoor time considerably more comfortable. Fans can be surprisingly useful because mosquitoes are weak fliers and moving air makes it more difficult for them to land. Screens, appropriate repellents and clothing that covers exposed skin can all help reduce the number of bites.
Mosquito coils and vapourisers can also be useful in appropriate circumstances, but they should always be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and with adequate ventilation. No single method provides complete protection, so combining several measures is generally the most sensible approach.
It is also important to pay attention to what happens after a mosquito bite. For most people, the result is little more than an itchy red bump, although some individuals can have stronger allergic reactions. Excessive scratching can break the skin and allow a secondary bacterial infection to develop.
The more serious concern is disease transmission. Malaria can cause symptoms including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and extreme tiredness, and these symptoms can initially resemble flu or other common illnesses. Anyone who develops a fever or becomes seriously unwell after spending time in a malaria-risk area should seek medical attention promptly and tell the healthcare professional about their travel history.
There is certainly no reason to spend the entire Lowveld summer hiding indoors. The warm evenings, summer thunderstorms and lush gardens are among the pleasures of living in this part of the country. The trick is simply to make mosquitoes less welcome.
When it comes to these tiny summer pests, a little prevention is considerably better than discovering that one insignificant-looking bite has brought a much bigger problem along with it.
Naomi Roebert
Mariana Balt
Liz Thorne
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