F'n Mosquitoes!!!

[KevanGuy]

I believe they are also attracted to yellow. And citrus or citronella are natural repellents.

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

I ain't a physician so don't quote me on this, but I believe that Malaria and west nile share many of the same symptoms but the malaria virus can stay active for several years. West nile is more comparable to the flu, which can range in severity, while Malaria seems to be a constant cycle of headaches/nausea/fever every few days.

I think your pretty correct in this. I don't know much about West Nile, so I won't really speak about it. I guess I just assumed Malaria was worse based on how many people it takes out every year. Read: Lots.

The reason malaria stays active for so long is because it is actually a parasite in your (kidneys, I believe?) that will continue to lay eggs and rehatch inside of you. I also know that there are several types, in and around five of them. And some of them are worse then others, and some of them linger, while some of them go away, come back, go away... rinse repeat- and your stuck with that for your entire life. In an endless cycle of feeling good, then sick.

The type of malaria my dad had, for example, was the type that gets worse and worse and worse over time. He thought he had a cold. Then he thought he had the flu. Then he was so weak he couldn't stand up. Then when he finally made it to the hospital, he was literally hours away from death.

Edit: I also just wanted to add, because personally I found this relatively interesting, that white people are at greater risk then black people to contact malaria. I found this to be bizarre, but it is because of the shape of the blood cell that the parasite attaches itself to. White people have a slightly more elongated type cell, whereas black people's are more round. This isn't to say black people can't get it- moreso that white people have a greater chance TO get it.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

If there was one species the world could definitely do without, it's the mosquito.

At least in Canada they don't transmit potentially lethal diseases such as Malaria. My dad works in Africa. He contacted malaria. Not fun.

Your dad contacted malaria? I've been trying to contact malaria since I was a boy. I wanted to tell malaria that he was a mean and vicious disease that should just 'bug off' and leave humanity alone. Alas, contact was never made.



oh, sry 'bout your dad...

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Your dad contacted malaria? I've been trying to contact malaria since I was a boy. I wanted to tell malaria that he was a mean and vicious disease that should just 'bug off' and leave humanity alone. Alas, contact was never made.



oh, sry 'bout your dad...

that bolded part made me laugh out loud.

But yes he told malaria to stop picking on everybody. It refused to listen. And then turned on him.

It's a *******.

[red '00]

They're terrible out there right now. Canada day I must have been bit at least 100 times alone.

[greerb]

Keep them there. I live in Saskatchewan and they arn't bad this year. I rarly see any. Now Horse Flies and Grasshoppers on the other hand.........

[4X4]

Oh man... Right after I posted that I wondered how it would be received. Glad that you've got a sense of humour.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by greerb

Now Horse Flies and Grasshoppers on the other hand.........

No kidding. I don't miss getting a chunk of flesh ripped out of me the size of a nickel one bit.

[Scorponok]

I heard they have man eating horseflies up in Ft. McMurray.

[4X4]

Only one? With all the horseflies up there, alot of men could be eating them.

[NSFL]

Originally Posted by greerb

Keep them there. I live in Saskatchewan and they arn't bad this year. I rarly see any. Now Horse Flies and Grasshoppers on the other hand.........

Every year I go to Regina for a week to visit relatives and it's insane the amount of those buggers you have. You can litterally sweep them into nice little piles there are so many of them. *Shudder*

[keratosis]

Do they still sell "Musk Oil"? That stuff
worked great.

[SebC]

Bactine is your friend... won't stop you from getting bites, but it will reduce the itchiness once you have them.

[PYroMaNiaC]

Deet is a cancer causing agent. That's why you can't get it in higher percentages in your local drug store. It's also why you should only apply as per the directions - like once every 6 hours for the blue can which has 28.5% deet. The green can has 25% and the orange can has 15%. The kids stuff has 7% if I remember correctly. There are a ton of natural options out there, most of which contain citronella. Those are not as effective but can be applied as often as you like.

But I've also heard that the new Off Lamps are amazing! My mom has one on her deck and swears by it.

My two cents anyway.

[Calgary Flames]

Originally Posted by SebC

Bactine is your friend... won't stop you from getting bites, but it will reduce the itchiness once you have them.

What the point then? Scratching the itchy bites is the only enjoyment out of getting bit!

[FireFly]

I have to say that I went to watch the fireworks from Scotsman's Hill tonight and it was worth the 8 billion mosquito bites I got. That said, I'm not sure I'll feel that way tomorrow when my feet finish swelling from all the bites and I can't get my shoes on... Next time I go I'm bringing the Off.