I love Summer down south. I really really do. We get to wear our cutest clothes, tailgate for hours at Turner Field, ride around with the windows down, and go out on the lake. It’s the best time of the year because it’s the only season that truly exists. Our autumn is still hot but we can’t wear white, we don’t really get snow, and pollen takes over our lives in the spring. So summer is where it’s at in Georgia.
We do have one major downfall to summer…actually I lied we have two. Humidity (seriously don’t even bother doing your hair down here, it will explode the minute you walk outside) and MOSQUITOS!
I have a bigger problem with mosquitos than most. I don’t know what it is but they LOVE me. I think it’s because I’m made up of 99% Diet Coke.
It’s a problem because I look like I have some kind of major disease. It’s gross and I hate them. Spray tanning helps a little, but my legs look really bad.
So here are some of my tips to cope with those pesky mosquitos during the hot summer months…
-Use bug spray. Duh, right? You have to use the industrial kind though. OFF doesn’t quite cut the mustard, but definitely helps in a pinch. It also can’t be the pump kind, it has to be the aerosol because you won’t cover all your parts with just the pump. Don’t worry, they just did a study that disproved aerosol cans ruin the ozone layer, so you don’t have to feel guilty.
-Have a fan. If you are just hanging out in your yard, post up with a fan. Fans will blow the insects away.
-Wear long clothes. Not going to happen in that hot summer Georgia heat, but it’s definitely an option. I’ve also heard wearing light colored clothes helps too, but this has never worked for me.
-Try not to scratch the bites. Once you break the skin and get rid of the mosquito saliva that makes them itch, they definitely feel better, but then you have an ugly scab. They are kind of like chicken pox.
-Soak in hot water. I like mine piping hot, but warm works too. It will help relieve some of the itch.
-Rub a dab of toothpaste over the bite. It will relieve some of the itch. I have no idea who told me that, but it was a few years ago and it actually helps.
Do you have any mosquito tips? I’ll try anything once.
I hate mosquitos! I think they probably like me because I'm like 75% diet coke. Shrug.
my uncle used to tell me to lather on the sunscreen because they can't breathe in it. not sure if it's true.
seriously though mozzies (what we call them!) used to love me.. i don't drink soda at all now and i legit can't remember the last time i got bitten….
Ugh, YES! They eat you alive in Florida too. And they're so stealthy about it!
Yes! They are the worst this time of year! I always relieve my bites in a hot bath too
True story: mosquitos do have people preferences. No-one has totally nailed down what attracts the little buggers to one person more than another, but it's a legitimate thing. So I guess that means finding a friend that mosquitos like better than they like you.
Great tips! Everyone is complaining about the mosquitos here in Oklahoma this summer, but I haven't seen any (yet).
Mosquitos are the worst! You can never have enough bug spray. Citronella candles work pretty well, but nothing beats a nice screened in porch :-]