If you live here in Southwest Florida, you are likely experiencing first hand one of the worst mosquito seasons in recent memory. Salt marsh mosquitos to be specific seem to be the number 1 invaders this year.

The good news is that this type of mosquito is not a carrier for the Zika virus. Other illnesses such as encephalitis, yellow fever, malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue are all still possibilities though. They breed in marshes and this area of Florida is their ideal breeding ground. They are taking full advantage.

While mosquitos will die during the day in our intense Florida heat, they are easily able to travel during the cool hours of the night. Combine that with the daily afternoon thunderstorms and they can be carried on wind gusts for up to 40 miles at a time. The fear is that this mosquito invasion will last well into August.

Mosquito bites are an itchy nuisance, and for those with mosquito bite sensitivity or allergies, it’s a real problem.  

The options:

1. Stay indoors as much as possible during the cooler evening hours until mosquito season has passed.

2. Be proactive and feed your body the nutrients it needs to be healthy and non-attractive to biting mosquitos. That’s right, you can actually balance your body and the mosquitos will not be interested. Ever wonder why some people get eaten alive while others remain bite free? – let’s look at what might be in their system – What keeps the mosquitos away: Niacin, Brewer’s yeast, garlic and B-Complex.

3. Wear protective clothing. In Florida, many of us mostly run around in shorts and t-shirts. If you want to protect from bites long sleeve shirts and long pants are advisable in the evening hours, especially near bodies of water such as lakes or canals.

4. Exercise indoors. Mosquitos are attracted to both movement and heat. Working out outdoors makes you their ideal target. For now, Keep it in the gym!

5. Chemical sprays like DEET and other insecticides do repel mosquitos, but they aren’t exactly healthy for you either. Spraying pesticides directly on the largest organ of your body (your skin) can lead to issues of toxicity as well. DEET, the main ingredient in OFF (the most widely used bug spray) is labeled as a category 3 “slightly toxic” ingredient. The EPA doesn’t believe that occasional use is harmful, however, “occasional” is a judgment call – and everyone has their own level of sensitivity to chemicals.
   
   The possible side effects of DEET, which is absorbed through the skin fairly quickly, are serious and include damage to the brain and other organs. It is absorbed even more quickly if you are using sunscreen containing oxybenzone. DEET can cause memory loss, headaches, tremors, seizures, skin irritation, nausea, bradycardia, shortness of breath, eye issues, and hypotension. Another toxin to watch out for in these sprays is Permethrin which has been linked to behavior problems in children.

*If you feel like you must use OFF or other chemical sprays, spray them on to your clothing instead of your skin and do not inhale while the mist is lingering in the air.

For more tips on staying healthy in SW Florida visit www.chiropractorbonitasprings.com or come on in for an appointment – 239-947-1177.

Chiropractor Bonita Springs | Nutritionist Bonita Springs