Mosquitoes. What probably comes to mind when you mention this word are those annoying little flying creatures that flit around you while you are outdoors or camping, leaving frustratingly itchy bites. Most people regard mosquitoes as pests—nothing more than annoying little insects that pose no real danger to their health. In this respect, they cannot be more wrong.

Mosquitoes are, in fact, extremely dangerous creatures. This is not because the mosquitoes themselves can injure people, but because of the diseases that they carry. Mosquitoes are particularly well suited for the role of disease carriers because they travel from one person to the next, drawing in blood from each person they land on. Contained within that blood can be any number of diseases a person might be suffering from.

Diseases Commonly Spread by Mosquitoes

Perhaps the best-known disease spread by mosquitoes is malaria, which is a disease caused by a parasite. Malaria can be carried from an infected person to an uninfected person by mosquitoes that have bitten the infected person. In this way, the disease is quickly transmitted throughout populations of people living close together. Symptoms of malarial fever include headaches, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Death follows soon after.

Another well-known disease transmitted by mosquitoes is dengue fever. Dengue fever is a particularly virulent disease, and infected patients often experience hemorrhagic fever. Left untreated, dengue fever is likely fatal.

Using Garlic to Repel Mosquitoes

With so many deadly diseases that can be transmitted by the bite of a single mosquito, it is important that people find ways to protect themselves from being bitten. A good way to protect yourself when you venture into areas that you know have mosquitoes is to use a good mosquito repellent. The problem with this, however, is that most commercial mosquito repellents make use of an active ingredient known as DEET. While generally deemed safe when applied to the skin, DEET is easily absorbed by the skin and has been known to cause side effects such as swelling, skin rash and itching.

Instead of using commercial mosquito repellents, should consider using natural mosquito repellents. There are several natural substances that are extremely effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Garlic is among the most effective of these substances, and one of the easiest to obtain. You simply need to make a trip to the local supermarket and buy several cloves of garlic and a small spray bottle.