TREATING INSECT BITES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21698, 13 January 1934, Page 7 (Supplement)

TREATING INSECT BITES

ADVICE TO CAMPERS The bites of ants, mosquitoes, and more especially sandflies, can make the vacation unpleasant, and the effects may last for a considerable time. Most of us have acquired by painful processes a certain immunity against the venom of mosquitoes. But the common house mosquito of cities and large towns is different from the many varieties of bush mosquito and the immunity against the latter does not completely apply. These bush mosquitoes vary considerably in size, ferocity and habits. Sonic bite only at night, and others chiefly by day. They thus appear to work in shifts. The best protection is the use at night of well-fitting nets. Failing these the smoke of insecticide powder, joss sticks, or the homely cowdung offers protection. The insecticide should be heaped in a cone on a plate or tin and the apex ignited with a hot coal. It will smoulder for many hours. The choice of camp site is important in avoiding both mosquitoes and other insects. A knowledge of habitat will teach one to avoid pitching tent under trees or near bushes, or still fresh water. Mosquitoes do not breed in running water or casual temporary pools, and very few species inhabit brackish or salt water.

SIMPLE REMEDIES The liberal use of oil of citronella, eucalyptus or other cheap essential oils gives almost coiupleto protection indoors, but these are too volatile for outdoor use, as their effect wears off very rapidly in a breeze. The oil should be rubbed on face and hands and sprinkled on the pillow, tops of sheets and cuffs and necks of pyjamas or nightdress. Cod liver oil is by far the best protection outdoors, but the odour is unpleasant to most. Kerosene lasts better than citronella, etc., but is also unpleasant. Sandflies arc a smaller variety of mosquito, but their sting is as bad and lasts for many days or weeks. They are found near water, and the methods of prevention are similar. Cod liver oil is an effective protection against ants and many other insects.