How to Avoid Mosquito Bites While Bicycling

Mosquitoes are pests that can spread deadly diseases, such as encephalitis and West Nile virus. The insect inserts a syringe-like part of its mouth into the flesh of warm-blooded creatures, such as humans and animals, and feeds on their blood. The mosquito then releases an anticoagulant into the skin to prevent the blood from clotting. This anticoagulant causes itchy, raised bumps on the skin that can last for days. Avoiding mosquitoes is the best way to prevent bites.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid bicycling during the peak hours of mosquito activity. Mosquitoes are most active before dawn, after dusk and at night. Bicycle during the daytime hours to prevent bites.

    • 2

      Wear light-colored clothing without prints or patterns. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and patterns, such as flowers. Wear neutral colors, such as khaki, white, light green or light gray, to make yourself less noticeable to the mosquitoes.

    • 3

      Ride in open, sunny places. Mosquitoes hate direct sunlight and wind and tend to stick to forests or shady areas where they can escape the sun's rays. Avoid riding your bicycle through shady, wooded areas to prevent getting bitten.

    • 4

      Avoid wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Exposing your skin gives mosquitoes more places to bite you. Cover up your arms and legs with long pants and sleeves. This will also protect your skin from scrapes if you fall while bicycling.

    • 5

      Ride fast and don't stop. Mosquitoes can only bite you if they can land on you. As long as you keep moving and avoid stopping your bicycle for long periods of time, the mosquitoes won't have an opportunity to bite you.

    • 6

      Apply an insect repellant. Repellants that contain a chemical known as DEET are the most effective. Spray the repellant on your clothing too to prevent mosquitoes from biting through thin fabric.

    • 7

      Wear protective shoes. Don't wear sandals or shoes that expose the skin on your feet. Wear shoes that cover your whole foot as well as a pair of socks to protect your ankles and calves.

    • 8

      Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, such as earrings, bracelets or necklaces. The reflective surface will attract mosquitoes and make you more noticeable to the insects.

    • 9

      Skip the perfume and scented lotion. Mosquitoes are attracted to strong, flowery scents. Avoid wearing sunscreen, lotion, perfume or hair spray that will draw mosquitoes to you.