There are as many myths about how to avoid mosquito bites as there are breeds of mosquito, according to allergy expert Kimmo Saarinen, who was interviewed in Kaleva last week. Many of the local folklore views about mosquitos are complete nonsense but some, says the expert, are actually entirely true and have a sound scientific basis. 65DN summarises what he had to say.
1 - You will react worse to mosquitos from another town
This is partly true. You get used to the saliva of the mosquitos where you live. Mosquitos from another town are likely to be a slightly different species and so you're more likely to have a stronger reaction to them. So expats are likely to have a far stronger reaction to mosquitos than Finns.
2. Some people don't get a bump from mosquito bites.
This is true. About ten percent of Finns have a genetic adaptation meaning that they don't react to mosquito bites. This is found more amongst northern Finns. If you do react to mosquito bites, your initial reaction may be very unpleasant and your reactions will eventually calm down but you will never entirely get used to the bites.
3. Northerners have a better tolerance
This is true. It's in their genes. There are far more mosquitos in the north and over the centuries, they have built up a greater genetic tolerance.
4. If you allow yourself to get bitten, you won't get so many bumps in the long run.
True. Your tolerance gets better the more you get bitten. The first bite of the summer really will be the worst. However, when people are really allergic the immune system actually reacts more strongly with each new bite.
5. Off! is the best repellant.
Could be so. But this is because it has a very strong smell . . . which may also repel humans!
6. The colour of your clothes influences how likely you are to be bitten.
This is a myth. Mosquitos can't see very far. They will have smelt you out and decided to bite you before they see your clothes.
7. Perfume can make you more likely to be bitten.
True. It attracts mosquitos just as it does humans.
8. Once a mosquito's biting it's best to let it finish and fly away.
Myth. The reaction is to the saliva, not just the bite. The more the saliva gets into your blood-stream, the stronger the reaction will be.
9. Some people just don't get bitten.
True. We don't know why but some people get bitten a lot more than others. People smell and taste different after all.
10. Staying inside all summer will mean you can avoid mosquitos.
False. They can get in through the windows, through tiny holes . . . even through the toilet.
