We All Know That ONE Crippling Fear Malaysians Have When They’re Outdoors
"Eh, don't want to go out lah. Got so many mosquitoes. After they bite people how?"
Published for OFF!, 14 Jan 2016, 05:52 PM
They say that in life there are two things that's constant. Death and taxes. But they left out one important thing: MOSQUITOES.
No matter what we try to do, mosquitoes will ALWAYS find a way to come back and annoy humans. It's their life mission.
In a tropical country like Malaysia, we dread it when it's too hot or when it's raining. Because we all know, that's when those pests come out to hunt.
After all, they ARE the world's deadliest animal
On another note, does anyone notice how snails kill more people compared to sharks?
Image via DailymailFor as long as we could remember, Malaysians (or anyone living in this part of the world) plan their lives, activities and destinations around 'bloody' questions like, "Will I get bitten by mosquitoes there?"
That's why we get a little paranoid about...
1. The outdoors, basically. Nothing beats being out and about in the sun, until a horde of uninvited guests decide to tag along...
The hot and humid weather makes us sweat and perspire easily which sets the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to appear. According to a study by the Smithsonian, "mosquitoes find victims at closer range by smelling the lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia and other substances expelled via their sweat, and are also attracted to people with higher body temperatures."
Living in Malaysia with its amazing islands and beaches means there's a high chance we're off on countless outdoor adventures. Also, who can resist picturesque outdoor weddings and the romantic photos they result in? But unfortunately, there's a small price to pay and that's the dreaded mosquito.
2. Marathons, hash runs. You can outrun other people, but once you stop, be prepared to become a mosquito buffet.
Just like outdoor weddings, exercising outdoors makes you more susceptible to mosquito bites. Because strenuous exercise increases the buildup of lactic acid and heat in your body, it makes you highly attractive to the mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, genetic factors influence the amount of uric acid and other substances naturally emitted by each person, making some people more easily found by mosquitoes than others.
3. Climbing bukits and jungle trekking. The hills are alive with the sounds of mosquitoessssss.
Ever wondered why forests and jungles are full of mosquitoes? Besides their conducive environment such as stagnant waters and nesting spots, mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide which is often exhaled by wild animals.
Mosquitoes are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide via receptors in an organ known as the maxillary pulp and can detect their prey from up to 50 metres away. Consequently, those that exhale more gas i.e. often larger people with increased body habitus, are more likely to get bitten.
dailymail.co.uk4. Carnivals, sports events, or a colourful tea themed party. If you wear colours such as red, black, or blue, the mosquito will come for you.
The two most important reasons a mosquito is attracted to you have to do with sight and smell, says Jonathan Day, a professor of medical entomology at the University of Florida in Vero Beach. Lab studies suggest that 20 percent of people are high attractor types, he says.
Mosquitoes are highly visual, especially later in the afternoon, and their first mode of search for humans is through vision, explains Day. People dressed in dark colors -- black, navy blue, red -- stand out and movement is another cue.
5. Bars, clubs, wineries. Even your gang's favourite hawker stall for a cold beer or two is not safe. Mosquitoes are actually attracted to alcohol!
Just a single 12-ounce bottle of beer can make you more attractive to the insects, one study found. But even though researchers had suspected this was because drinking increases the amount of ethanol excreted in sweat, or because it increases body temperature, neither of these factors were found to correlate with mosquito landings, making their affinity for drinkers something of a mystery.
smithsonianmag.com
"What should I do?"
There are a lot of products out in the market, but make sure that the personal mosquito repellents you buy are safe on the skin and approved by a regulatory board such as the Pesticide Board of Malaysia
Always follow these precautions when applying personal mosquito repellent:
- Do not apply bug sprays over cuts, wounds, excessively sunburnt skin, or allergic skin.
- Use just enough personal mosquito repellent to cover exposed skin and clothing.
- Do not use under clothing.
- Avoid putting on too much bug spray.
- Use sparingly for small children and apply under close adult supervision.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
webmd.com
It's true that mosquitoes have a grip on our lives, and it 'sucks' to get paranoid about dengue so often.
Get your mosquito-combating plan ready; it's time to live life.
Whether you're looking to relax at a beach, or blow some steam by running, it's time to be liberated from being annoyed by mosquitoes.
