Fight the mozzie bite
Sprays, coils, high pitched frequencies and bananas have all been suggested as ways to avoid mosquito bites. But do any of them work?
With Australian mosquitoes transmitting diseases like Dengue, Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus, it's worth making an effort to protect yourself.
Medical entomologist Dr Cameron Webb recommends physical barriers in conjunction with chemical deterrents.
"Some of these commercial repellent formulations particularly those that contain products called diethyltoluamide (which is commonly called DEET) or another product called picaridin really are the ones that have been shown to provide the best protection against mosquitoes."
While it may be uncomfortable to cover up during summer, a physical barrier of a long sleeve shirt and long pants is recommended by Dr Webb when outdoors, especially first thing in the morning or at dusk when mosquitoes are active.
When indoors Dr Webb recommends the plug-in units that release insecticide or mosquito coils that have an insecticide.
"The reason why they work pretty effectively is that they are actually killing the mosquitoes that are in your immediate area, they are not just repelling them..."
High-pitched frequency emitting electronic units and smart phone apps have not been proven to repel or kill mosquitoes adds Dr Webb.
"There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that they work so I wouldn't be investing in anything like that."
Hugh from Bowen says when he was working on salt ponds outside of Rockhampton several years ago, the only insect repellent that seemed to work for him was a mixture of Dettol, baby oil and citronella in equal parts.
"Just a tiny little smear on, it would do about three or four hours before they started biting again."
Read Dr Cameron Webb's guide to personal protection strategies against Australian mosquitoes.