Itching To Know More About Mosquitos?
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“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”
His Holiness Dalai Lama XIV
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Are you a mosquito magnet? Some people are more prone to bites due to a combination of several factors. A study of transmission of mosquito-borne disease found that 20 percent of hosts accounted for 80 percent of disease transmission in a population. This could mean mosquitoes are choosing to bite only a fraction of people within a population.
By the way, did you know only female mosquitoes bite? She needs a blood meal to produce and deposit her eggs! Each batch she lays requires a new blood meal. Males eat nectar and juices from plants… so I’m cool with them. I just wish I could tell the difference between the two!
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So, what makes some people more attractive than others to these buzzing blighters?
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People who emit a greater volume of carbon dioxide due to increased metabolism may attract more mosquitos. Lactic acid and ammonia also attract mosquitos, and these chemicals are present at different levels on different people’s skin and in their sweat. Researchers have also found that people with a high diversity of microbes on their skin were less attractive to mosquitoes. So a healthy and diverse microbiome is not only good for the gut but could also increase your summer comfort if it helps to make you less attractive to mosquitos.
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Heat and water vapor close to the skin surface can vary between humans and between human and other animal hosts. Mosquitos may move toward a particular combination of these factors when deciding whom to bite. There’s not much we can do about this factor, though!
Pregnant women may be bitten more frequently due to an increased body temperature and metabolism, meaning they exhale more carbon dioxide.
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The color of your clothing may also attract mosquitos. For reasons not yet understood, mosquitos have been observed to be more attracted to black or other dark colors.
Astoundingly, it appears that mosquitoes may be able to learn to prefer a certain type of host! They may associate certain sensory cues, such as scents, with hosts that have given them a good-quality blood meal. Wow, such an amazing ability in such a tiny creature!
Alcohol may also come into play. A small 2002 study concluded that people who had consumed beer were more attractive to mosquitoes than people who had not.
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Why do mosquito bites itch so much?
We are all familiar with the proboscis of these flying itch-monsters. When a mosquito inserts the tip of that tiny mouthpart into your skin, it ingeniously injects a small amount of its saliva into your bloodstream to keep your blood flowing for it to feed on.
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Your ever ready and diligent immune system reacts to these invading substances and kicks into gear with a reaction that results in redness, swelling, and itching. This happens with chiggers too, by the way! They bite and drop off, but the reaction to the foreign substances in their saliva lasts long afterward.
Some people, like children, those with over-active or weakened immune systems, may experience a more serious reactions like a low-grade fever, larger areas of redness or swelling, and even hives.
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Natural First Aid For Mosquito Bites:
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Try to avoid scratching. Scratching can increase swelling, and it breaks your skin, putting you at risk of an infection.
Apply cold to the site. Using a cool compress like a wet towel or cold pack can help with swelling and itch.
Try rubbing apple cider vinegar at the site of the bite. Putting a slice of raw onion or freshly cut garlic on the bite can also provide relief and guard against infection.
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Use lotions or creams containing soothing botanical ingredients. There are a variety of itch-relieving products available for purchase at The Harvest Moon.
Most mosquito bites should go away in a few days. See your doctor if a bite looks infected or if you have other symptoms associated with the bite, such as fever, aches and pains, or headache.
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If you’re going to be in an area where mosquitoes are present, take steps to prevent being bitten. While mosquito bites are mostly just annoying, they can sometimes spread disease.
Wear long sleeves and pants, if possible. This can limit the area available for mosquitoes to bite.
Choose light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to black and darker colors.
Avoid peak mosquito times. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If possible, avoid going outside at these times.
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Eliminate mosquito habitats. Get rid of any standing water in things such as gutters or buckets. Change water in wading pools or birdbaths frequently.
Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Don’t leave doors and windows open without screens in place. Make sure window and door screens are in good shape.
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DEET products have the potential to cause health and environmental problems. You might choose to avoid using these products unless you’re visiting places that have a high risk for mosquito-borne diseases like Zika or Malaria.
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For regular outdoors activities here in Floyd, like hiking, river floating, fishing, backyard chilling and grilling, or camping, natural repellents might be your preferred option. This can be especially true for children, who are more sensitive to strong chemicals.
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Mother Nature gives us a great arsenal for deterring mosquitos. Laid out below is a brief description of 8 well-known, tried and true natural ways to make yourself less attractive to being bitten. Before you use any new topical repellent, spot-test on a small section of your skin and wait an hour or two to make sure that you do not react with a burning sensation or more serious allergic response.
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1 ~ Lemon eucalyptus oil
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved this certain kind of eucalyptus oil as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent, and it has been used since the 1940s. You can create your own mixture with 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil to 10 parts sunflower oil or witch hazel. Researchers from the University of Florida caution against using the mixture on children under 3 years of age.
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2 ~ Lavender
With a fragrance most people enjoy, and safe for young children, lavender has the added benefit of being analgesic, antifungal, and antiseptic. So, in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin. Homegrown lavender flowers can be crushed, and the oils applied to bite-sensitive areas (ankles, arms, neck). You can also readily find lavender essential oil in many stores, including The Harvest Moon.
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3 ~ Cinnamon oil
Another scent that many people like, the oil of cinnamon can also repel mosquitos. Cinnamon oil may cause skin irritation if it’s too concentrated, so it’s important to dilute it before application to your body. You can make a diluted 1 percent solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon (or 24 drops) of oil into 4 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray it onto skin and clothing and onto plants and outdoor furniture to keep mosquitos feeling unwelcome. You can spray the fluid onto your skin or clothing, around your home, and onto upholstery or plants.
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4 ~ Thyme oil
Thyme oil is particularly good at repelling the mosquitos that spread malaria, but the species we have here in Floyd may also be deterred by the smell. Four drops of thyme oil can be mixed through a teaspoon of carrier oil (such as olive or jojoba, or even calendula for the added soothing benefits). A spray can be made with 5 drops of thyme oil per 2 ounces of water.
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Try throwing thyme leaves into your campfire. Research shows that burning thyme leaves offers 85 percent protection for 60 to 90 minutes.
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5 ~ Greek Catnip oil
Nepeta parnassica, a member of the mint family related to catnip, can ward off mosquitoes. The extract and oil from the bruised leaves contain nepetalactone, the essential oil that provides the characteristic odor. Researchers have reported that this oil is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET is! Try planting it around areas of your garden where you like to hand out, or around the base of porches and decks.
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6 ~ Soybean oil
According to the University of Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, soybean-based products could provide long-lasting protection from mosquitoes. You could use soybean oil as a base for adding any of the oils listed above or below!
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7 ~ Citronella
Citronella is one of the most well-known natural and effective essential oils that works against mosquitoes. The oil is obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of lemongrass. When outdoors, well-formulated citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection. If poorly produced, or the formula isn’t right, citronella can evaporate quickly and leave you unprotected, so it’s important to find a good reputable source.
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8 ~ Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is a popular essential oil from Australia. This oil is well known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, it has also gained popularity as an effective insect repellent. Tea tree oil has also been observed as an effective repellent against flues and biting midges (our friends, the no-see-ums!)
Good luck keeping the bugs at bay as you continue to enjoy your summer!
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Plenty! in the Days of Covid19
Growing Community One Neighbor at a Time
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Helping our neighbors in need is always an important objective for the staff and customers of the Harvest Moon Food Store. Since the Covid19 pandemic has caused large numbers of Floydians to cut back their work hours or stop working altogether, times have gotten tougher for a great many friends and neighbors.
It is currently unclear how long people’s lives will be at risk due to the Corona virus, how long people will be asked to wear masks, how long before people can hug one another with abandon, and how long it will take to re-employ all the people who have lost their jobs. These are all big and scary issues we face, but hopefully together as community, we can successfully navigate the best path forward each step of the way.
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During April – June of 2020, Harvest Moon customers donated $170.35 to the Plenty! change jar at the register. The store matched this amount, and together we donated the following items to Plenty!:
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1 Case of Canned Salad Beans, Organic
1 Case of Canned Red Beans, Organic
1 Case of Canned Black Beans, Organic
1 Case of Green Beans, Organic
25# Green Lentils, Organic
1 Case of Spaghetti Noodles, Organic
1 Case of Elbow Noodles, Organic
25# Brown Basmati Rice, Organic
1 Case of Smooth Peanut Butter, Organic
25# of French Vanilla Almond Granola, Organic
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Your generosity is tremendously appreciated at Plenty! and by all of the families who are helped by this organization each year. Plenty! is a homegrown non-profit organization whose mission is to help feed its neighbors in Floyd County.
Plenty! has more need than ever for your help and support. Food and money donations are the things most needed at this time. There may be some limited need for additional volunteers, but Plenty! like all of us is trying to find ways to conduct its day-to-day business while social distancing as much as possible.
Please visit the plenty website to make a donation:
connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/7abdd964-2788-4c1b-afdf-bf682f6b59e0.
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If you’d like to see how else you might be able to help, please contact Kerry or Rachel at Plenty! They’d love to talk with you!
Together, we do make a difference.
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Fresh veggies grown at Plenty! Farm
Plenty@swva.net
540-745-3898
192 Elephant Curve Rd., Floyd, VA 24091
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Cherry Tomato and Herb Puff Tarts
Summer has arrived! This recipe is easy and very tasty.
PREP TIME 15 MINS
OVEN TIME 40MINS
Nestled in the heart of these flakey puff pastry tarts is a delicious combination of salty parmesan, aromatic herbs and succulent, sun-kissed tomatoes.
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Ingredients
8 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
Extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle
16 oz. ready-rolled all butter puff pastry
4 tbsp. cream cheese
2 free-range egg yolks
1 oz. parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), finely grated
2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives
Handful fresh basil leaves
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Directions
Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Put the cherry tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzle with a little oil and season. Roast for 20 minutes until softened and turning sticky.
Meanwhile, unroll the pastry and cut into 4 rectangles and transfer to a baking sheet. Lightly score a border half an inch from the edge of each rectangle and prick the middles with a fork.
Bake for 8 minutes until puffed up and just starting to turn golden. Press the centers of the rectangles down with your fingers, leaving the border raised higher.
Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl mix the cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, parmesan and chives, season and divide among the tarts. Top with the tomatoes, then lightly beat the other yolk and brush over the pastry borders. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden. Serve drizzled with oil and scattered with fresh basil leaves.
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Individual Whole Peach Pies
Beautiful whole peaches baked inside a pastry crust for a fun take on peach pie!
PREP TIME 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME 15 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES
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Ingredients
1 store bought or homemade pie crust
4 small to medium very ripe peaches, halved and pit removed must fit in muffin tin)
4 heaping teaspoons honeycomb
1 egg
4 teaspoons turbinado sugar
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Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly coat 4 wells of a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Divide the pie crust dough into quarters. Roll into disks.
Place 1 heaping teaspoon of honeycomb into one side of each peach where the pit was. Place the other half on top so the peach is whole again. Place each peach on the center of each of the dough disks and wrap dough around the peaches. The dough does not have to completely enclose the peach if it does not reach the top. If peach is completely enclosed, use a paring knife to cut several slits for air to escape around the top. If peach is not completely enclosed, be sure the sides are supported by the muffin tin or oven proof bowls, as the halves will want to separate during baking. Place each pastry wrapped peach so that it just sits in the prepared muffin tin well.
In a small bowl whisk together the egg and 2 tablespoons water. Brush egg wash on pastry and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of turbinado sugar.
Bake for 13-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes and then carefully remove from pan.
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New, Back In Stock, and Seasonal Items in July
We want to be YOUR store. Please let us know if there is something we don’t have that you want, and we will do our best to get it in!
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