Mozzie madness: Experts say there are more mosquitos than ever thanks to La Niña
Plus we share how to best fight the bite.
By Niki Waldegrave
Experts say the east coast has seen plagues of mosquitos, due to all the crazy humid, hot, wet and windy weather conditions caused by La Niña.
David Bock, who is an insect specialist at the Australian Museum, says this year’s weather conditions have made it the perfect breeding ground for the insects with populations on the rise.
“Mosquitos are one of those insects that can breed really quickly and they love this moist warm wet weather,” he says. “The humid conditions are perfect for breeding and when stagnant water stays around long enough, they mate and lay their eggs on it,” says David.
“They might be in puddles, backyards and buckets and it only takes a few weeks for that whole life cycle to happen. The nymphs – or wrigglers – spend about a week in the water before being able to fly off.”
While there are many different species of mosquitoes, David says there are only a couple where the females suck blood, which helps provide the protein needed for egg development.
Insect specialist, David Bock says this year’s weather conditions have made it the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos.
Melody Livingstone, CEO of MooGoo, says its business has been “inundated” over the past few weeks with people snapping up the repellent and its moisturisers.
“The mozzies are out in force this year,” says Melody. “We’ve been inundated with people asking what can help soothe their mosquito bites.
“Parents, in particular, are buying it for their children as it’s all natural, and can be sprayed as liberally as needed, including over the face. It is also great for small children that are sleeping in an area where they may be bitten.
“We’ve been inundated with people asking what can help soothe their mosquito bites.”
“The recent heat and humidity we have been seeing is also causing people’s skin to sweat and that dries skin out further, causing it to get quite itchy and irritated,” says Melody.
“Most dermatologists say that humidity levels between 30 to 50 per cent are most ideal for eczema-prone people, but it’s been extremely high this summer, and we’ve had so many people contacting us asking what they can do to soothe their skin, reduce redness and alleviate the itch.”
Over the last three months Eczema Creams sales up 23 percent year on year (YoY), and Tail Swat sales are up 14 percent YoY.
Fight the bite with these Bounty Parents recommended products …
MOOV Insect Repellent Roll-On, RRP $7.20
MOOV Insect Repellent Roll-On is an insect repellent that provides three hours of protection against flies, sandflies and mosquitoes. It uses natural active ingredient, melaleuca oil, to provide protection from irritating biting insects. It features moisturising properties and a pleasant fragrance and is free of synthetic pesticides. The roll-on is suitable to use on children.
MOOV Insect Repellent Spray, RRP $7.90
MOOV Insect Repellent Spray is an insect repellent spray that provides three hours of protection against flies, sandflies and mosquitoes. It uses natural active ingredient, melaleuca oil, to provide protection from irritating biting insects. It features moisturising properties and a pleasant fragrance and is free of synthetic pesticides. The spray is suitable to use on children.
Bugaboo Breezy Canopy, RRP $134.95 – $164.95
The multi-functional Bugaboo Breezy Sun Canopy provides sun protection, head-to-toe mosquito protection and extra ventilation on hot sunny days. Highly durable fabric is water and oil repellent and provides UPF 50+ (excl. integrated mesh panels), while fine mesh lets cool breezes through. A zip-up window allows extra ventilation and easy access to your child. Position the canopy to ensure your child is protected throughout the day. Need extra shade? Our integrated pop-out sunshade has you covered. Available for all Bugaboo prams (excluding the Bugaboo Ant).
Little Allergies®, RRP $12.19
Little Allergies® is a fast acting liquid antihistamine that provides up to 12-hour relief from symptoms associated with hayfever and other allergy symptoms including:
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin
- Itchy, runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
Sudocrem Healing Cream, RRP $6.99 – $25.99
Sudocrem Healing Cream has been mum’s simple, go-to ally for over 21 years and is great for soothing sore skin and nappy rash, a soothing emollient cream which helps in the management of nappy rash.
Hypercal Healing Cream, RRP $31.95
Weleda Hypercal Healing Cream is a cream that soothes and heals cuts, wounds and abrasions. The cream is a 100 per cent natural anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatment, and it supports the formation of healthy skin tissue. It is formulated with calendula for wound healing, lavender essential oil for fragrance, and hypericum for its natural pain relief, antiseptic and anti-viral qualities. It is free from synthetic ingredients.
