Known to be very evasive, mosquitoes have managed to thrive on human blood. We have devised several methods to evade mosquito bites, but in doing so some myths have been developed along with these eradication strategies. Some persons believe that mosquitoes came from planes, while some people are convinced that mosquitoes love them — that there’s something about their blood that makes them more delicious than others. In fact, some persons still don’t believe that mosquitoes are carriers of any disease.

Many have tricks to ward off the pesky insects — whether it’s stinky spray, a particular diet, or a strategic outdoor experience — and many are happy to share their expert advice for dealing with mosquitoes, often collected anecdotally over years. There are many mosquito myths floating around that need to be debunked.

It’s true that mosquitoes hide in the bushes and cool, damp spots on hot summer days, but don’t be fooled into believing that you can’t get bit before sunset. What it really comes down to is temperature and sunlight. The ideal temperature for a mosquito is 12 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius, so mosquitoes can be out in full force during the daytime if the conditions are right.

The myth that mosquitoes are bred during fogging is not true. Fogging irritates mosquitoes and you may see a swarm as they try to get away from the fumes. Mosquitoes do not die after biting someone and are able to bite a series of people.

If you think your blood is a mosquito magnet, it doesn’t mean you are tastier than the rest of the population. Mosquitoes are actually attracted to heat and carbon dioxide. Persons who are bigger in size emanate more heat, thus attracting more mosquitoes. However, based on the mosquito’s behavioral patterns, everyone can be bitten at some point.

Research suggests that you may not receive as much protection from the use of a candle. Since mosquitoes are attracted to heat, and they may flock to the candle, but if a nearby human is generating more heat, that person will be a greater target. A better option may be to rub citronella oil, or another repellant, directly on your skin.

Some people believe that a certain diet will ward off mosquitoes. Increasing your intake of garlic and bananas will not keep the mosquitoes at bay. The myth of not using perfume for fear of being swarmed by mosquitoes is also not true. Mosquitoes are not really attracted to sweetness. In fact, perfumes made with oils can sometimes be just as effective as some repellants. Repellants attach to a mosquito’s antennae, deterring a bite, and perfumes can do the very same.

Research has shown that dark colours tend to attract mosquitoes more than light colours, though there’s no clear reason to explain it. Covering your skin with light, tight-knit clothing will protect you best. It’s true that swarms of mosquitoes are often found by lakes, streams, ponds, and puddles. Stagnant water that accumulates in buckets, tires, and birdbaths and other containers will also attract mosquitoes — even if there’s only a small amount — but not all bodies of water do. Clean chlorinated pools and hot tubs do not attract mosquitoes.

Remember that one of the main ways of minimising your risk of becoming infected with any mosquito-borne disease, such as Zika, Dengue or Chikungunya viruses, is to get rid of any potential mosquito breeding sites around your homes, workplaces, churches, and schools. Everyone should actively search for and destroy potential mosquito-breeding sites once a week for at least 10 minutes.

For more information on the Zika virus, mosquito-breeding sites and other related material, visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.moh.gov.jm.