a handbook of the mosquitoes of north america - Systematic Catalog ...

MOSQUITO RJDUCTION 73
plants, by the chemical treatment of water areas, etc., the neces-
sary larval food can be destroyed, mosquito control operations
may be greatly simplified, and rendered less expensive.
PROTECTION FROM MOSQUITO BITES
Many preparations have been recommended as efficient in
preventing mosquito attack, In most cases, these various pallia-
tives are effective for a very short time and then only if the
mosquitoes are not abundant. I have tried a number of those
most urgently advised but found them entirely ineffective when
our northern spring species are out in force. Around gardens,
parks, etc., some of these preparations are useful and may be
employed. The most satisfactory is oil of citronella but its
odor is objectionable to some people. It can be applied to the
face, hands and ankles and is not harmful to the skin. It is
effective for only a few hours so that it must be applied fre-
quently. A towel treated with a small amount and hung over
the head of the bed is said to be effective for most of -the night
against the ordinary house mosquito. The oil of citronella is
sometimes mixed with liquid petrolatum ( 1 oz. to 4 oz.) or
cedar oil ( 1 oz. to s oz.) but either of these makes a greasy
preparation which is not very pleasant. The effectiveness is
not increased but the evaporation of the oil of citronella is re-
tarded.
When one goes into places, as in fishing, hunting, trapping,
etc., where mosquitoes are very abundant, the only safe way
is to use head nets and gloves. A very effective head net is
manufactured by A. I. Root Co. of Medina, Ohio. It allows
freedom of movement, does not interfere with seeing to any
great extent and the air circulates freely. In countries where
malaria is prevalent, a bed net is absolutely essential. This
should be made of the best possible material to allow freedom
of air circulation as well as prevent mosquito attack. Numer-
ous types are on the market. Great care and constant attention
to the mending of the fabric and its use should be exercised by
all those traveling or living in malarious regions.