How to Read a Contact Lens Prescription

When you choose to wear contacts lenses to treat vision problems, it's important that your contacts are the exact brand, size, and strength your doctor prescribes.^[1] However, deciphering the words and numbers on your contact lens prescription can be hard at first. Typically, a contact prescription contains a brand name, lens base curve, lens diameter, and lens power so you can easily order the right corrective lenses. Research suggests that it's important to double check that the contacts you receive are the same ones your doctor prescribed before you wear them.^[2]

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Reading a Typical Lens Prescription

1. Locate your prescription. When your eye doctor gives you the paperwork from your visit, she will hand you your prescription. This comes in the form of a graph or table in your eye care paperwork. Although this is the standard form, the terms on the columns or axes of the graph varies according to your doctor's preference.
   
   • Make sure you are looking at the contact lens prescription, not your eyeglasses prescription. This is to ensure you understand exactly what kind of lenses you are going to get. The two tables may include similar acronyms, but the numbers may differ.^[3]
2. Recognize the general information. The FDA requires that all contact lens prescriptions provide some basic information about the optometrist prescribing the lenses and the patient receiving them. They require the patient's name, the examination date, the issue date of the prescription, the expiration of the prescription, and the name, address, phone number, and fax number of the optometrist.
   
   • The information about the lens strength must also be on the prescription as well as any special instructions or brand requirements.^[4]
3. Understand the main terms. Each contact lens prescription lists the necessary strength for each eye. On your prescription, you may see the term oculus dexter or the abbreviation OD. OD is a Latin term for the right eye. The term oculus sinister, or OS, means left eye. If both of your eyes require the same prescription, you will see the term oculus uterque, or OU, meaning that the prescription is for both eyes.^[5]
   
   • Most terms on contact lens prescriptions are measured in diopters, a unit of refractive power that is equal to the reciprocal of the focal length in meters of a lens. Diopter is often abbreviated as D.^[6]
4. Locate the term power (PWR) or sphere (SPH). These numbers are usually the first set of numbers listed next to the OD and OS rows or columns. They indicate the strength of correction needed for that particular eye or, if OU is listed, both eyes.
   
   • For example, if the field under OD reads -3.50 D, this indicates that you have 3.5 diopters of nearsightedness in your right eye. If the field under OD reads +2.00, this indicates that you have 2.00 diopters of farsightedness in the right eye.^[7]
   • It is common for the correction to differ between the right and left eyes. If you find the term PL, which stands for Plano, it means the number is 0 and no correction is needed for that particular eye.^[8]
5. Understand the base curve (BC). This term describes how the curvature on the inside of the lens should be. This is measured so the lens fits perfectly against your eye and fits the shape of your cornea. Unlike most of the other numbers, this number is measured in millimeters.
   
   • This number typically ranges from 8 to 10. The lower the number in this column or row, the steeper the curvature of the lens will be.^[9]
6. Find the diameter (DIA). The diameter is the measurement of a straight line through the center of the contact lens. It lets the maker of your contact lenses know how big around you need your contacts to be to fit your eye. Like the BC, the DIA is also measured in millimeters.
   
   • This is a very important measurement. If it is off, your lenses can cause irritation or abrasions on your eyes.^[10]
7. Get the right brand. In the United States, your optometrists will always indicate the brands of contacts that will best fit your needs. Once they list those brands, it is the law that the retailer who provides your contacts must supply you one of those brands and no other.
   
   • Substitutions can be made for natural brands as well as private label lenses, which are those only sold by eye care professionals.^[11]
8. Decipher a lens equation. Sometimes, your contact lens prescription can also be written in a simple equation form. The equation usually follows this order: +/- Sphere/Power +/- Cylinder x Axis, Base Curve' BC'= diameter DIA = number. For example: +2.25-1.50x110, BC=8.8 DIA=14.0.
   
   • If you are unsure exactly how to read your lens equation, ask your doctor to translate it for you.

[Edit]Reading a More Involved Lens Prescription

1. Look for the term cylinder (CYL). There are certain numbers that do not always appear on your prescription. If you are suffering from astigmatism, which is common, you will see the added column or row for CYL. This number is the measure of the amount of astigmatism you have, measured in diopters. Most doctors use a positive number, but if a negative number is given, a lens store may need to convert to a positive number.
   
   • This usually caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, but can also be caused by an irregularly shaped lens on the eye.
   • A negative number here indicates your Myopia (nearsighted) astigmatism and a positive number means you have Hyperopia (farsighted) astigmatism.^[12]
   • Keep in mind that US and Asian lens prescriptions use minus cylinder notation, while European lens prescriptions use plus cylinder notation.
2. Find your axis (AXIS) number. The axis is the measurement calculated in degrees that is required to bend light to correct the irregular shape of the cornea. This is essentially the orientation needed for your CYL to work properly.^[13]
   
   • This number will be a higher number, such as 090 or 160, depending on how slanted your CYL needs to be.^[14]
3. Understand the term add power (ADD). Sometimes, it may be necessary for you to have contact lenses with bifocals in them. If this is the case, your prescription may have a column or row for ADD, which is the amount that the lens needs to be adjusted for the bifocal lenses.
   
   • This term is measured in diopters.^[15]
4. Ask your optometrist about color (COLOR). There may be a reason your prescription includes the term color. This is a field that indicates if you requested a certain kind of contact lens to enhance to color of your eyes. This can also indicate a special kind of contact, such as "cat eye" or some other eye changing quality.
   
   • The special features available will differ depending on the brand you need. Ask your optometrist about your options based on your current condition.^[16]

[Edit]Tips

• Always test out a new brand of contacts before buying boxes to ensure they are comfortable.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/contact-lenses/buying-contact-lenses
2. ↑ https://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
3. ↑ https://www.aclens.com/prescriptionhelp.asp
4. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/ContactLenses/ucm062345.htm
5. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
6. ↑ http://www.usaeyes.org/glossary/de.htm#Diopter
7. ↑ https://www.1800contacts.com/how-to-read-rx.html
8. ↑ http://www.usaeyes.org/glossary/pqr.htm#Plano
9. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
10. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
11. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
12. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
13. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
14. ↑ http://www.usaeyes.org/lasik/faq/read-eyeglasses-contacts-prescription.htm
15. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/
16. ↑ http://www.eyehealthweb.com/understanding-your-contact-lens-prescription/

How to Get Stains out of White Mugs

Are your white mugs discolored by coffee or tea stains? These stains can be particularly stubborn and difficult to remove, especially if they build up over time and really set in. However, there are a variety of commercial and homemade cleaners that you can use to get them out. It may take some elbow grease on your part, but your white mugs can be white again.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Commercial Cleaners

1. Soak the mug in bleach water. In a large bowl, pour in 1 gallon of warm water and 1 tablespoon bleach. Soak the mug for as long as it takes for the stains to disappear, anywhere between an hour to overnight.
   
   • Alternatively, you can use a scrubbing sponge to scrub the mug until clean.
   • This is the strength of bleach water used to sanitize dishes. If your stains don't come out, you can increase the strength of the bleach water but be sure that you wash the mug off very, very well afterwords.
2. Use a magic eraser sponge. To use, rub a slightly damp magic eraser on the dry cup. Use a circular motion and a moderate amount of pressure.
   
   • Rinse the mug thoroughly after cleaning. You do not want to ingest the magic eraser cleaner.
3. Use powdered cleaners. Products such as Bon Ami and Barkeeper's Friend can be very effective for cleaning ceramic dish ware. These products are usually combined with a small amount of water and rubbed across the surface with a cloth or sponge.
   
   • Be careful with these products, however, as they can be too abrasive and cause scratches. To avoid this, test the product on the underside of the mug before using it on the the rest of the item.
   • You can also use a high quality stain remover, such as Oxi-Clean. Add the cleaner to a mug of hot water and let it soak until the stains disappear. Once they are gone, rinse the mug thoroughly.
4. Use professional espresso machine cleaner. This may be more of an investment than most people want to make but if you are really determined to get a white mug clean, buy commercial cleaner. The espresso machine cleaner is specially formulated to get at coffee stains in particular.
   
   • Like all commercial cleaners, it is important to wash this cleaner off completely before using your mug again.

[Edit]Using Common Household Products

1. Scrub with baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and a little bit of warm water. Apply this to the stains and let the paste sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub with warm soapy water.^[1][2]
   
   • Rinse the paste off the mug and repeat if necessary. A new coat of paste should get deeper into the stains.
   • Baking soda creates the perfect amount of light abrasion to remove mild stains.
2. Use vinegar. This is a more eco-friendly method that doesn't require the use of bleach or dish chemicals.^[3] Heat 1 cup of vinegar over medium heat until hot. Soak the mug in the hot vinegar for 4 hours or overnight.
   
3. Scrub the mug with salt. Wet inside of mug with a little bit of water. Add about a tablespoon of salt and scrub the mug until it is clean. The salt simply acts as a mild abrasive, getting into the stains and removing them.
   
   • You can also use a lemon peel to scrub the salt into the mug. While the salt is an abrasive, the lemon is a bleaching agent, helping to eliminate the stains.^[4]
4. Use a denture tablet. Drop a denture tablet in the mug filled with hot water. The tablet should fizz and dissolve, all the while cleaning the stains out of the mug.
   
   • Rinse the mug clean once the fizzing stops.

[Edit]Tips

• These methods also work great for removing stains from coffee makers, counters, and other appliances.

[Edit]Warnings

• Make sure to rinse your mug out after cleaning, no matter what you use to clean it. This is particularly important, however, if you used a commercial cleaner, such as bleach. This will prevent accidental poisoning.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Remove Stains from Tea Cups Using Baking Soda
• Remove Deep Stains from Dishes
• Remove Beer Stains from Fabric
• Remove Tomato Sauce from Fabrics

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v162005_b01]. 29 October 2021.
2. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-remove-old-coffee-stains-from-mugs-carafes-tips-from-the-kitchn-200957
3. ↑ http://creeklinehouse.com/2015/04/how-to-remove-coffee-and-tea-stains-from-mugs-naturally.html
4. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/all-natural-cleaning-solutions/table-salt

How to Make Conversation on a Blind Date

Blind dates can be scary. You know very little about the person you are meeting and they know very little about you. Figuring out how to talk to someone you just met can be difficult, but if you behave politely, listen to your date, and ask interesting questions, you’ll be on your way to a second date!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Getting to Know Your Date

1. Introduce yourself. Make eye contact, smile and tell them your name clearly and confidently. If you get nervous meeting people for the first time, practicing introductions beforehand might be helpful.^[1]
   
   • You don’t need to think of anything witty or brilliant. All you need to say is “Hello! I’m Terry. It's great to meet you!"
2. Say something about your location. An observational remark about the weather, the menu, or the decor is a great way to break the ice. Keep your comments positive. Don’t tell them how much you hate the song that’s playing or how this isn’t your favorite kind of food. ^[2]
   
   • If you've never been to your location, try “I heard the appetizers here are great.”
   • "The rain here has been crazy, at least my plants like it!" or "It's been so warm, makes me miss my surfing days!" are good ways to comment on the weather without seeming like you're complaining about it.
3. Ask how their day was. Asking someone how they are is polite, and your date will feel like you care about their life.^[3]
   
   • Finding out how your date’s day was can also help you figure out if the date’s going well. If something unusual or bad happened to them recently, it might affect their behavior on the date.
   • If they tell you they had a great day, ask them what the best part of it was.
   • If they had a bad day, tell them you're sorry to hear that, and then listen sympathetically.
4. Ask where they’re from. If your date is from the area, you can ask them for restaurant or shopping recommendations. If they’re new to town, tell them about your favorite places.^[4]
   
   • If you’ve been to their hometown, try to find out if you know the same people or places! It will make you more memorable.
5. Talk about your jobs. Ask your date what they do for a living, and tell them about your job. Keep your job description to one sentence unless they ask multiple follow-up questions. Talking about your job can be very boring to people who aren’t your co-workers.^[5]
   
   • Don't tell them how much you make--bragging is a turn-off.
   • Resist the urge to complain about your job. Keep your comments positive when you've just met someone.

[Edit]Having a Deeper Conversation

1. Keep your remarks positive. Avoid saying anything negative on a first date. Don’t talk about how much you hate your ex, your boss’s annoying habits, or how bad your meal tastes. Even if your complaints are justified, you run the risk of coming off as pessimistic and whiny.^[6]
   
2. Avoid bragging. Don’t talk about your accomplishments or possessions too much. It can make you look self-centered and status-obsessed. You don’t have to lie about your life, but you shouldn’t turn the conversation back towards yourself too often.^[7]
   
   • For example, it’s okay to mention that you’re a doctor, but don’t talk about how you were first in your class at Harvard.
3. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking questions with yes or no answers, ask questions that require a more involved answer. The questions you ask should require at least one complete sentence to answer.^[8]
   
   • For example, if you want to know if your date loves classic cars as much as you do, you could say “What was your dream car when you got your license?” instead of just asking if they like cars.
   • Ask questions that are personal, but not intrusive or upsetting. Asking "What was the worst day of your life?" would require a long response, but your date would probably find it rude, nosy, or even traumatic. Instead, ask something like "How did you get interested in wine tasting?"
   • Base your questions off your previous conversation. If you simply ask a long list of unrelated questions, your date will feel like they're being interrogated. If your date mentioned that the movie you saw is by their favorite director, ask "Who do you think should have won at the Oscars last year?"
   • Don’t worry about asking too many questions--that’s what blind dates are for!
4. Tell a funny anecdote. Making your date laugh is a great way to make sure you see them again! If you aren’t the type who can come up with a funny story on the fly, it’s okay to practice beforehand.^[9]
   
   • If you’ve ever had a funny or unusual experience, like meeting a celebrity or accidentally going to work with mismatched shoes, tell it to your date!
   • It doesn’t have to be an anecdote about you. Think of stories that your friends have told, or even ones you saw on television. If it’s not your story, it’s okay to say so--it’s better than having your date wonder why you’re telling a story from their favorite show as though it happened to you.
   • Keep your anecdote lighthearted. Lots of people have a dark sense of humor, but you don’t know yet if your date is one of them. Avoid telling stories about people being injured, humiliated, or frightened.
   • Don’t tell offensive stories. If your anecdote relies on racial, ethnic, or gendered humor, it’s best not to tell it at all.
5. Let your date talk. Don’t feel like you have to fill the entire date with conversation. If they are simply saying “yeah” or “uh-huh” over and over again while you speak, you may not be letting them talk! Be sure you’re giving your date plenty of chances to talk by asking their opinion on what you just said or complimenting their outfit.^[10]
   
6. Answer questions fully. If your date asks you a question, answer it fully, in complete sentences. Avoid replies like “yes,” “no,” or “I don’t know.” These answers give the impression that you aren’t interested in talking and don’t care about what your date is saying.^[11]
   
   • If you actually don’t know the answer to the question, smile and say you’ve actually never thought of it before, and then ask their opinion.
   • If your date asks a question you don’t want to answer, just laugh and say “I’ll tell you about that later!” and then change the subject. It’s possible that they didn’t know it was a sensitive topic.
7. Listen to them carefully. Listening is just as important as talking on a date. When your date is speaking, pay close attention to what they are saying. Maintain eye contact, don’t look at your phone, and say “excuse me” if you have to get up or if another person speaks to you.^[12]
   
   • Show your date you were listening by asking follow-up questions. For example, if your date just told you about how much they love animals, ask them if they volunteer at the local shelter.
   • Let your body language show that you're listening. Nod, lean towards your date, maintain eye contact, and periodically tilt your head or cup your chin in your hand.

[Edit]Leading to a Second Date

1. Assess your date’s reactions. Before you try to arrange a second date, look for signs of disinterest. If they gave one-word replies, looked at their phone repeatedly, or avoided contact with you, you might want to reconsider asking them out again.^[13]
   
2. Tell them you had a great time. Look them in the eyes and tell them how much you enjoyed the date. You don’t need to get romantic or flowery--a simple “I had a great time” is fine!^[14]
   
3. Ask for a second date. You can be direct and straightforward about this. If you hint or say something vague, your date might think you don’t actually want to see them again.^[15]
   
   • A simple "I'd love to do this again, would you like to meet up again on Friday?" is a great choice.
   • If you aren't sure when you can meet again, tell them "I don't know my work schedule for next week yet, but I definitely want to see you again. Can I call you on Thursday night with something more definite?"
   • If they say yes, you can make plans right there, or tell them you’ll be in touch the next day--it’s up to you.
   • If they say no or reply vaguely, be gracious and polite. Smile and thank them for their time before leaving.
4. Give a friendly goodbye. You don’t need to make a big farewell speech--just tell them you’re looking forward to seeing them again and wish them a good night. If you feel like the time is right for a hug or kiss, go for it, but it’s completely optional.^[16]
   

[Edit]Warnings

• If your date is making you feel uneasy, don’t feel obligated to stay. Leave as soon as you can.
• Don’t drink heavily. It’s okay to drink on a blind date, but stay well within your limits when you’re out with a stranger you want to impress.
• Keep your nonverbal communication in mind. For example, leaning away from the table can convey disinterest in what is being said. Leaning forward or towards your date can display interest or engagement.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Have a Successful Blind Date

[Edit]References

1. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date
2. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/10-ways-to-have-an-awesome-bli
3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201305/21-first-date-questions
4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201305/21-first-date-questions
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201305/21-first-date-questions
6. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/10-ways-to-have-an-awesome-bli
7. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/10-ways-to-have-an-awesome-bli
8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201305/21-first-date-questions
9. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date
10. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date
11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201305/21-first-date-questions
12. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date
13. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date
14. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date
15. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-ask-someone-on-a-date-2017-1
16. ↑ http://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/dating/eleven-surefire-ways-to-get-a-second-date

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites

By many measures, mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals in the world. Conservative estimates hold mosquitoes responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year. However, mosquitoes also transmit a host of other diseases, including West Nile virus, yellow fever, and dengue fever. There's ample reason to take every possible measure to avoid mosquito bites even without taking into account their terrible, stinging itchiness. For the best chance at thwarting these tiny killers, know where mosquitoes live, how to repel them, and how to kill them.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Preventing Mosquitoes from Biting You

1. Wear mosquito repellent. A variety of specially-formulated insect repellents are available for sale at camping or sporting goods stores. Apply insect repellent to uncovered skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day. When using sunscreen, apply it before insect repellent. Here are a few common chemical solutions effective at repelling mosquitoes:
   
   • Repellents containing 30% to 50% DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are recommended for adults and children over 2 months of age and effective for several hours. Repellents with lower amounts of DEET offer shorter-term protection and must be applied more often.
     • DEET can irritate skin when applied directly in high concentration or for long periods of time. It can even cause severe skin reactions in certain individuals.
     • Despite rumors to the contrary, DEET has never been scientifically proven to cause cancer.^[1]
   • Repellents containing up to 15% picaridin, which must be applied often, are available in the US. Repellents with higher concentrations of picaridin may be available in some regions outside the US.
2. Consider an all-natural solution. Experiment with non chemical solutions such as Citronella (natural plant oil). Tea tree oil and vitamin B have reportedly helped some people repel mosquitoes. As with any product, their effectiveness depends on the situation, your own skin chemistry, and the exact type of mosquito you are dealing with. Note, however, that so-called "alternative" solutions sometimes aren't held to the testing standards that mainstream commercial repellents are - research alternative solutions and read testimonials before spending any money.
   
3. Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes from biting you is to simply cover your skin. Wear your sleeves and pant legs as long as possible to cover as much skin as possible. Also keep your clothing as loose as possible. This serves two purposes: first, it's much more comfortable in the hot, humid weather where mosquitoes thrive. Second, mosquitoes can sometimes bite through clothing that's held tight against the skin, especially if the fabric is thin.
   
   • If you have the money, camping and sporting goods stores often sell specially-designed pants and shirts made out of strong yet lightweight material. These clothes offer maximal protection from mosquito bites along with a relatively high level of comfort.
   • Clothing may also be sprayed with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for greater protection. (Remember: don't use permethrin on skin.)
4. Don't waste money on an electric hanging bug "zapper." These have been shown to kill many bugs very effectively but generally the bugs killed are the non-harmful ones. ^[2] Plus, the noise they generate tends to be obnoxious. Mosquitoes can be more effectively killed by one of the dedicated machines that use heat and carbon dioxide to attract the mosquitoes and then entrap or kill them using nets, containers or chemicals.
   
5. Sleep with a mosquito net over your bed. The mosquito netting has fine holes big enough to allow breezes to easily pass through but small enough to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects out. Hang the netting over your bed, securing the top of the net to one or more surfaces. Support the net so that it's tented without hanging down onto you. Make sure to sleep without touching the sides - mosquitoes can actually bite you through the netting if it's tight against your skin. Check for holes regularly - patch them with duct tape for a quick fix..
   
   • Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.

[Edit]Avoiding Mosquito Habitats

1. Avoid parts of the world where mosquitoes are common. Unfortunately, mosquitoes live on every continent except Antarctica. However, they're generally more common in warmer, wetter areas, which tend to be close to the equator. If you really want to avoid mosquito bites, stay out of tropical climates entirely.
   
   • Mosquitoes are especially common in jungles and swamps in Central and South America, South and Southeast Asia, Sub Saharan Africa, and Oceania.
   • If you're unsure about whether it's safe to travel to a certain part of the world, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Malaria Travel Information website.^[3] This site gives a country-by-country breakdown of malaria prevalence, as well as any noted malarial drug resistances.
2. Avoid standing water. Mosquitoes are often attracted to water, especially standing water, so lakes, stagnant creeks, bogs, marshes, and swamps are mosquito havens, especially during hot months. Most species of mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water and some have even adapted to lay their eggs in salt water.^[4] Stay away from any bodies of stagnant water, whether they're small puddles or vast swamps, to reduce your risk of encountering mosquitoes.^[5]
   
   • Many species of mosquito stay fairly close to where they hatch and breed. If you can give these wet, standing areas a wide berth, you'll avoid these species entirely.
3. Don't let water stand near your home or campsite. It's easy to unintentionally create habitats for mosquitoes to live and breed in. For instance, a kiddy pool left out in the summer sun for several days can soon become a hotbed for mosquitoes. Get rid of any standing water around your home or campsite.^[6] If you have a pool, cover it when it's not in use and treat the water with chemical additives like chlorine according to the manufacturer's instructions. Change the water in birdbaths often. Here are just a few places water can accumulate:
   
   • Discarded tires or industrial containers
   • Construction ditches or trenches
   • Pools
   • Natural low points on a piece of property
   • Clogged storm drains
4. Avoid certain "mosquito" seasons. In the tropics, differences between seasons are minimal, so mosquitoes are able to thrive in warm weather year-round. In temperate areas, however, mosquitoes are only active during warmer months. In colder periods, mosquitoes hibernate and new adults do not mature past the larval stage. ^[7] For example, parts of the American Midwest have cold, snowy winters which eliminate mosquitoes entirely, but also have hot, humid summers, which cause mosquito populations to swell. "Mosquito season" varies depending on the locale - generally, it's the hottest and/or most-humid part of the year.
   
   • Another seasonal factor which can influence mosquito populations is flooding. Some parts of the world, like Egypt's Nile River, experience periodic flooding. Standing water from the flooding can cause a dramatic boom in mosquito populations.
5. Avoid getting too hot. This advice is especially important if you're in a hot, humid climate. Mosquitoes are thought to be attracted to warm bodies,^[8] so staying cool is one way to avoid bites. Dark-colored fabrics absorb more heat from the sun than light-colored alternatives, so avoid them. Also avoid excessive exercise when possible. Not only will exercise cause you to radiate heat, it will also cause you to breathe heavily. Carbon dioxide, one of the gasses you exhale, can be smelled by mosquitoes even at relatively long distances.^[9]
   
   
   

[Edit]Eliminating Individual Mosquitoes

1. Grab the mosquito out of the air. Unless you practice this a great deal, you will find it hard to accomplish and the air of your moving hand gives the mosquito plenty of warning, and can even blow it out of your grasp.
   
2. Use a mosquito swatter. The swatter, usually made of a thicker metal or plastic, is mounted on the end of a springy wire, dramatically increasing your chances of hitting a stationary mosquito by increasing the momentum of the swat. You can also use your hand in a similar flipping motion.
   
3. Use a double-handed clap. Using two hands is more effective than one, as the air coming from each hand will blow the mosquito into the opposing palm.
   
4. Don't try to trap the mosquito while it bites you. There's an urban legend that says you flex your muscle or stretch your skin tight as a mosquito bites you, its proboscis will get stuck in your skin and it will drink your blood until it explodes. There isn't any scientific research to support this claim. Even if you can get this method to work, you'll still be left with an especially big bite and you'll still be putting yourself at risk for malaria, West Nile virus, etc. If you're trying to avoid mosquito bites, why kill the mosquito by letting it bite you?
   
5. Trap the mosquito in a cup. If the above steps aren't working or the thought of killing a mosquito makes you feel guilty, you can try catching a mosquito alive, then releasing it outside of your home or camp. Slowly place a cup (preferably made of a hard material) over the mosquito and then slide some paper underneath this cup. This gives you control over the mosquito and can provide you with a more pacifistic approach, instead of just killing the mosquito. Carefully hold the paper over the cup's bottom as you relocate the mosquito to a more appropriate habitat.
   

[Edit]Tips

• Mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid on sweaty skin, so showering regularly can help you avoid bites.
• Mosquitoes tend to be attracted to the colour blue, as well as other dark colours.
• Try to get netting on your windows so they can't come in.
• Keep the toilet lid shut; this removes another source of moisture. This is especially important for outdoor toilets.
• Rub mentholated petroleum jelly on your ankles, wrists and shoulders.
• Mosquitoes love laying their eggs in still water so dump any pots or tires that contain water.
• If you are where citronella plants grow, look for one and break one off a twig. The smell may discourage the mosquitoes.
• Mosquito swatters can come in many shapes and sizes. Any item that will make your arm longer, and therefore your swing faster, will suffice, including rolled up magazines.
• Keep doors closed.
• Try not to stay outside for long periods of time.
• Try using electric bats, they're cheap and very helpful.
• Mosquitoes hate lavender, basil, and mint. Try putting them in pots or make them into repellent spray.
• Consider using citronella candles or torches at the perimeter of your patio or deck to create an environment with fewer mosquitoes.
• Before you go to bed, put your fan on full blast. The air blowing from it will make a mosquito's path awry and keep them away from you.
• Apply coconut oil on the skin to prevent from mosquitoes.

[Edit]Warnings

• Mosquitoes tend to be most active at dawn and dusk - take extra care during these periods.
• If you are going to jungle areas, research malaria prevention.
• Always remember DEET is a toxic substance. Use sparingly.
• Ultrasonic mosquito devices repel mosquitoes by emitting a high-pitched noise that is supposed to simulate the sound of the dragonfly, the mosquito's natural predator. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Get-Rid-of-a-Mosquito-Bite
• Stop-Mosquito-Bites-from-Itching

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.html
2. ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1997/07/970730060806.htm 1
3. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country_table/a.html
4. ↑ http://jeb.biologists.org/content/10/1/27
5. ↑ [v161770_b01]. 1 April 2021.
6. ↑ [v161770_b01]. 1 April 2021.
7. ↑ http://www.allmosquitos.com/mosquitos/mosquito-season.html
8. ↑ http://omihealth.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/study-says-mosquitoes-attracked-to-body-heat-carbon-dioxide/
9. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/are-you-mosquito-magnet