Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Mosquito season is officially here. Learn about how to prevent and treat bites.
Summer is by far my favorite season. The warm temperatures and consistent sunshine in North Carolina, where I live, mean I can spend more time outside doing things I love: hiking, walking my dog and spending time at the lake. But that time in nature is quickly spoiled when I find myself covered in red, itchy bumps after just a few minutes outdoors. Even though we’re just on the cusp of the summer season and the temperatures are still fairly temperate for most of the US, pesky mosquitoes are active starting in March. That means mosquito season is already in full swing.
If you’re like me, you get frustrated by the number of mosquito bites you acquire. It’s downright infuriating when I come inside sporting several new welts while my friends report that they don’t have a single one.
Why is that? It’s not that I’m particularly unlucky. There are actually scientific reasons why mosquitoes single out certain people. Here’s why mosquitoes bite and how you can make yourself less of a target this summer. For more, learn about how to safely remove a tick and how you can alter the colors of your hydrangeas.
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Contrary to what you might think, mosquitoes don’t bite people for food; they feed on plant nectar. Only female mosquitoes bite, and they do so to receive proteins from your blood needed to develop their eggs.
Why are some people more prone to bites?
There are several factors that impact why some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others:
Blood type
A common belief is that mosquitoes are attracted to certain blood types, considering mosquitoes bite humans for their blood. Blood type is determined by genetics, and each blood type is created based on the different sets of specific proteins, called antigens, on the surface of red blood cells. There are four main blood types: A, B, AB and O.
While there are no firm conclusions as to which blood type is more attractive to mosquitoes, several studies have suggested people with type O are most appetizing to mosquitoes. A 2019 study observed mosquito feeding behavior when presented with different blood type samples, and found mosquitoes fed from the type O feeder more than any other. A 2004 study also found that mosquitoes land on blood group O secretors (83.3%) significantly more than group A secretors (46.5%).
However, these studies are not definitive, and much is still up in the air about mosquito preferences when it comes to blood type.
Clothing color
Mosquitoes are highly visual hunters when it comes to finding a human to bite. This means movement and dark clothing colors like black, navy and red can stand out to a mosquito. Research has shown that mosquitoes are more attracted to the color black, but there has been little additional research into why this is the case.
Carbon dioxide
Mosquitoes use sight and smell to find hosts to bite. One of the quickest ways mosquitoes can sniff out a person is through the carbon dioxide emitted when we breathe. According to research published in the journal Chemical Senses, mosquitoes use an organ called a maxillary palp for carbon dioxide detection and can sense it from 164 feet away.
Because carbon dioxide is a huge attractor, people who emit more of it — larger individuals and people who are breathing heavily when working out — are more attractive to a mosquito.
Body odor and sweat
Mosquitoes are attracted to more substances and compounds than just carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes can find people to bite by smelling substances present on human skin and in sweat, including lactic acid, uric acid and ammonia.
A new study found that mosquitoes are attracted to compounds called carboxylic acids that every human produces through sebum, a waxy coating, on their skin. The sebum is eaten by the millions of beneficial microorganisms found on human skin, which produces more carboxylic acid — and will, in turn, produce an odor similar to cheese or smelly feet that appears to attract mosquitoes. Lead researchers on this study said mosquitoes are sensitive to human odor and that even perfumes or colognes can’t mask it.
Researchers are still learning why certain body odors are more attractive to mosquitoes, but they do know that genetics, bacteria on the skin and exercise all play a factor. Genetics impact the amount of uric acid emitted, while exercise increases lactic acid buildup.
Why do some people swell from mosquito bites more than others?
Mosquito bites can range in size from small little spots to large welts. Why is this the case?
Bites affect people differently. The size and severity of a bite relate to how your immune system responds to the saliva introduced by the mosquito when it bites. When mosquitoes bite, they inject some saliva when drawing blood. This saliva contains certain anticoagulants and proteins, triggering the immune system to respond to these foreign substances.
Our body responds by releasing histamine — a chemical released by white blood cells when your immune system is fighting allergens — which causes the itchiness and inflammation of the bite.
How to prevent mosquito bites
The best way to handle a mosquito bite is to not get them in the first place — but oftentimes, that’s easier said than done.
Some common ways to prevent mosquito bites include:
Use repellents and bug sprays (Repel, Off Deep Woods and other brands that contain DEET)
Use natural repellants (citronella essential oil, neem oil, thyme essential oil)
Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk
Avoid dark-colored clothing, specifically black
Avoid standing water and try to eliminate standing water near your home
Use mosquito netting when camping or sleeping outdoors
Mosquito bites, while annoying, are often not severe and will resolve in a few days. In the meantime, there are several treatments to alleviate the itchiness and inflammation:
Clean with rubbing alcohol if a fresh bite
Take an oatmeal bath
Use over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin
Apply mild corticosteroid creams
Use aloe vera to reduce inflammation
Try a cold compress or ice pack for 10 minutes
Though difficult, try as best you can to not itch the bite too roughly to prevent any sort of skin reaction or infection.
Mosquito-borne diseases and illnesses
While the majority of mosquito bites result in welts that heal in a few days, mosquitoes are known carriers of many deadly diseases and illnesses, including but not limited to:
Mosquitoes are often considered one of the deadliest animals on earth. Mosquito-borne diseases kill more than 725,000 people a year the World Health Organization estimates, with malaria accounting for the vast majority of deaths (600,000).
While malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases hit Sub-Saharan Africa the hardest, mosquitoes pose a risk to every continent and nation. Most types of mosquitoes in the US are nuisance mosquitoes — mosquitoes that do not spread germs that make people sick — but there have been outbreaks of West Nile, dengue, chikungunya and Zika in a few states and territories.
There are several steps you can take to control mosquito populations and minimize risk. Make sure to properly cover and store water containers around your home and drain any standing water to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. For treatments, you can use an outdoor adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes or larvicides to treat bodies of standing water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be drained.
Infected bites will often look extremely red, swollen and warm or have a red streak that spreads outward from the bite. See a health care provider if you have signs of infection or if symptoms worsen.
(SIDE NOTE FROM Lady Carla Beltane: SO I have signed up for the 7-day forecasts to be sent to my email. I will wait to see how right or wrong they are and let you know towards the end of the month. I am lucky to hardly ever get bitten but I worry for our fur kids with living across the street from a small swampy area.)
Witches use broomsticks to travel. Rumor has it that they chose broomsticks as their mode of transport because vacuum cleaners were too heavy. Brooms tend to be the most prominent subject of witch jokes and witch puns. We’ve compiled a list of funny witch broom jokes to make being a witch pun for you.
How do witches play loud music? On their broom boxes.
What did the mother broom say to the baby broom? It’s time to go sweep.
What do you call a fast broomstick? A vroom-stick.
What does the little witch use to bake her birthday cake? The easy bake coven.
How did the witch invite the wizard to take an evening ride on her broomstick? Voodoo like to ride with me.
Why was the broom late? It over swept.
What did one broomstick say to the other? Did you hear the new dirt?
Why do witches only ride their broomsticks at night? That’s the time to sweep.
What do you call a witch’s spotless garage? A broom closet.
Why is the air so clean and healthy on Halloween? The witches sweep the sky.
How do you find out if a witch is carrying a bomb? You hear her brooms tick.
What do you call a witch who keeps crashing her brooms? A wreckless hag.
Why did the witch’s team lose the cricket game? Their bats flew away.
Why did the witch put her broomstick inside the washing machine? She wanted a clean sweep.
Releasing, Healing, Intelligence, Increasing power or energy, Wisdom, Protection, Self-esteem, Luck, Attracting Love and Money. Beauty, Art, Negotiations
You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious, you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else was born.
The Moon’s current phase for today and tonight is a Waning Gibbous. During this phase the Moon can be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with an illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9pm and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning.
The Waning Gibbous on June 7 has an illumination of 85%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On June 7 the Moon is 18.51 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.
Phase Details
Phase: Waning Gibbous
Illumination: 85%
Moon Age: 18.51 days
Moon Angle: 0.55
Moon Distance: 363,974.52 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 151,836,079.26 km
The 8 Lunar Phases
There are 8 lunar phases the Moon goes through in its 29.53 days lunar cycle. The 4 major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are 4 minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. For more info on the Moon Cycle and on each phase check out Wikipedia Lunar Phase page.
Useful Moon Resources
Check the weather before a night of Moon gazing at weather.com
(Question would you prefer this post without a picture at the top or leave the pictures in? Also leave the line dividers between each time zone or take them out. Here is how the post would look with no embellishments.)
If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today until 9:15 PM PDT. The Moon is in Capricorn.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Whatever you do today will be noticed by others. In fact, for some reason, people seem to know personal details about your private life, as well. This will surprise you. (Fortunately, you have the gift of the gab and you’ll dazzle others with your words.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today you might have innovative ideas about publishing, the media, or something related to the law or medicine. You might also travel unexpectedly. (Admittedly, travel plans might change or be delayed because it’s a tricky day.) Be prepared for change.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Double check banking details, plus insurance issues, shared property, inheritances and the wealth of someone else (especially your partner) because something surprising can affect these areas. It could have to do with a power struggle that is building up. Keep your eyes open.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
A friend or acquaintance in a group (probably younger) might catch you off guard or surprise you today. You might be introduced to them by a partner or close friend. Be open to unexpected suggestions because new ideas might be worthwhile or helpful to you.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Stay tuned because unexpected events related to your job (or even your health) might take you in a new direction today. Or it might soak up too much time, which means be smart and give yourself extra wiggle room to deal with what you’re doing. This way you can cope with the unexpected.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Social occasions will be unpredictable today. You might receive an invitation. Or perhaps a planned event will be cancelled or delayed. Likewise, parents should be vigilant about their kids today because this is a mildly accident-prone day for your kids. Nevertheless, be open to creative, original ideas because you’re in the zone!
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Your home routine will be interrupted somehow today. (Get dressed.) Someone unexpected might appear at your door. Small appliances might break down. Family news might surprise you. It might also relate to inheritances or shared property. Be ready.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Pay attention to everything you say and do today because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. Nevertheless, because you can think outside of the box today, you’re full of inventive, original ideas! This is why you can impress a boss or someone in authority.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Keep an eye on your possessions and your money today because something unexpected could impact them. For example, you might find money; you might lose money. Or possibly, something that you own will be lost, damaged or even stolen. Be vigilant. On the upside, you might have a clever moneymaking idea! (Something you often think about.)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with Uranus and Mercury, which makes you feel alive, even electrified with enthusiasm about something. You might have an unusual idea that you want to communicate to others. It could relate to a social event, sports or children. It’s fresh!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Even though you’re happy to work alone or behind the scenes today, something to do with home or a family event or a relative will provoke a response from you. Home repairs might go sideways. Happily, you have clever ideas about how to entertain at home.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Discussions with friends and members of groups will be dynamic and alive today because you’re full of imaginative ideas! You might put a new spin on something. You might see new uses for something that you already own. Unexpected travel, short trips and encounters with will be exciting.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Writer Patrick Rothfuss (1973) shares your birthday today. You like excitement and adventure; and you know how to make things happen. You enjoy pleasure and have a love of beauty. This is the first year of a new nine-year cycle for you, which means it’s a time of new beginnings, adventures and major changes. Prepare for leadership.
This Wednesday it seems that you are going to have some reasons to swoon with joy. Just don’t let your enthusiasm get to your head and make you forget your manners.
There might not be anything of great importance happening but it will definitely be something that will change your day and make you feel a lot more optimistic about yourself.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Starting this day you are entering a period in which you will be able to seize all kinds of opportunities. Maybe there are things you want to obtain, use this occasion to seek ways in which to take your plans to completion.
Other than that, it seems that you are also in a good shape and your health won’t give you any headaches in the following days.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Today you should be careful with the way you react and interact with an authority figure in your life. Make sure you don’t take credit for more than you’ve really done because your exaggerations will be easily revealed.
Show yourself as you truly are and make sure you impress with your actual skills. You might also have to fight to keep your autonomy.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This Wednesday will bring some beneficial changes at your work place that will help you clear your schedule for the following weeks and even give you the chance to take some time off.
Maybe someone is taking some of the tasks you’ve been having or maybe you are receiving help from your superior. In any case, make sure you stick to your priorities accordingly.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today you should be very careful with everything you are signing and every transfer you are supervising because errors might occur.
It might also be a hard time for communications so make sure you double check your email if you’re expecting important news. You should also make sure you’ve paid your bills and any other debt you might have.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
It seems that you body won’t be in a great harmony with the outdoors today. Maybe you are suffering from the heat of the summer or maybe you’re on holiday and just changed the environment.
Make sure you stay hydrated and take all the necessary measures for your body to adapt to the unexpected change. Other than that, a peaceful day ahead for you.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This Wednesday you will get the chance to establish an important contact with someone who is able to support a project of yours or help you by taking some of your tasks.
You might have to reach an agreement in which you will have to compromise in order for the both parts to be content. Make sure you keep the slightest advantage in any type of agreement.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
You are running at a faster speed than those around you and it seems that the discrepancies are starting to show.
Make sure you let everyone know at what you are currently working in order not to get into any unnecessary misunderstandings. Maybe it’s even time for you to slow down for a second and think more of your personal life too.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This Wednesday you are right on track for a fast win. It might be something unexpected or the reward for something you’ve been working at for some time now.
In any case you will have enough reasons to swoon with joy and be sure you will let everyone know of your accomplishment. However, make sure you keep all excesses under control.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You are going to meet some troubles this Wednesday from someone you would have never expected. Maybe a friend of yours is discontent with your actions or maybe someone is trying to backstab you.
Make sure you have your arguments ready to support any heated discussion. Other than that, you should keep quiet and mind your priorities.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
This Wednesday is going to be a good day for you to take bold decisions involving later plans. Maybe it’s time to man up and ask that person you like on a date or maybe it’s time to arrange a meeting with the board to present your proposition.
In any case, make sure you make the first step today and then get back to preparing the next move.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This Wednesday you will notice that everyone around is sympathetic to you and to your desires. This is because you will be all charming and as quick to help others as they are for you.
Make sure you seize those nice interactions with people today because they will give you a great sense of accomplishment to follow you out through the day.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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