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Re: (ATMoB:Discuss) how much is getting rid of mosquitoes worth to you?



On 19 Jun 2001,  Lew Gramer wrote:

> As a fellow "Son of the Swamps" (raised in South Florida), I have to agree with
> Aaron Price: I've never seen or heard of a truly effective mosquito prophylaxis.
> The best I've ever found is to burn simple mosquito coils, nearby and upwind.

What are mosquito coils?

Aren't there some sort of candles that are supposed to repel mosquitos?  
Do they work?  Would they through little enough light to be tolerable at 
an observing site?
 
> A fan will work if it's blowing directly on you. And long sleeves will work, if
> the temperature and humidity do not make you uncomfortable: if you start to get
> hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, though, then long sleeves are the WORST idea. On
> very warm, humid nights, stripping to the skin and fanning your face with a
> piece of cardboard actually offers the best camouflage from mosquitoes.

In my experience, mosquitos bite right through clothes.  I've worn long 
pants and still had lots of bites on my butt and thighs.  I've also had 
bites on my ankles, right through my socks.
 
> Of course, the mosquito problem is light enough in Westford (and elsewhere in
> this region) that even something that's only partially effective may be enough
> to make observers more comfortable... But like Aaron, I'd suggest doing some
> testing and/or more research before spending large sums on any new gizmos.
 
Agreed.  There are a lot of people out there who are quite willing to sell 
snake oil to the gullible.   I wonder whether Consumer Reports has ever 
done a report on mosquito control devices.


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 A. Joseph Ross, J.D.                        617.367.0468
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