MOSQUITOES, or mozzies as the Africans call them, are on the ‘most wanted list’.

Insecticides such as malathion and permethrin are sprayed in the atmosphere to damage the central nervous system of the mosquito and destroy it. Some of the chemicals may also be absorbed into the skin and gut of humans and may cause respiratory, neurological and immunological damage.

Children are often affected by them and may experience myriad symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, frequent need to urinate, irregular heartbeat, general weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, seizure, and other related illnesses.

The Brazilian Government invested in creating transgenic, genetically modified, mosquitoes — male mosquitoes modified so that their offspring will die before reaching adulthood, hence no more mosquitoes.

It is apparent that war will not be against the Zika virus, but against the mosquitoes, and maybe the humans that carry the virus, until we learn each others roles in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Nonetheless, the manhunt for the mosquitoes is driving fear into the hearts of many Jamaicans, especially expectant mothers. We just do not know enough.

While many women are passionately seeking ways to protect their family, here are a few simple ways:

1. Eat well. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to protect your immune system from any viral attack.

2. Eat less meat and starchy foods because mosquitoes are able to detect them in your body odour.

3. Bathe often. Older, staler perspiration carries a stronger smell to attract mosquitoes.

4. Cover up. Dark-coloured clothes attract mosquitoes and the ears, wrists and ankles are favourite biting spots – so cover them well.

5. Choose well. Perfumes and other cosmetics made from human hormones will smell like stale sweat to mosquitoes.

6. Fire fight. When it is convenient, an outdoor fire of fresh green grass makes good family gatherings for storytelling, but it will also drive the mosquitoes away.

7. Make your own mosquito repellent. Mosquito repellents are easy to make.

Choose your plant — the bay rum leaf, lemon, thyme, rosemary, neem, peppermint, marigold, basil and fever grass, garlic, rose, cinnamon, black jointer, and cedar wood.

Choose your base alcohol or oil (oils are more lasting).

Simply soak the plant of choice in your base for as long as three weeks.

You can start using your alcohol base mosquito repellent within three days. The oil base repellent can be heated and used right away.

We are sure no mosquitoes or virus were made to inherit the Earth, no matter how destructive they have been over the year. We will fight if it is part of healthy living.

Maureen Minto is the chief naturopathic consultant at the Healthy Living Herbal Clinic and president of the Caribbean Natural Remedies Association. Contact her at 940-1197 or emailhealthylivingjamaica@gmail.com