By: Terry Graedon September 2, 2024 24 Comments
    Avoiding Mosquito Bites Naturally

    Summer fun is easily ruined by insects. Ask any dermatologist how to avoid mosquito bites and you'll be told that DEET is the answer (New England Journal of Medicine, July 4, 2002). Pediatricians who …

    By: Joe Graedon July 8, 2024 76 Comments
    Beware Skeeter Syndrome: Mosquito Bites That Won…

    We’ll bet you’ve never heard of skeeter syndrome. That’s because most people react to mosquito bites with a red spot and itching that only lasts for a few minutes. At worst, a really nasty mosqu…

    By: Terry Graedon June 19, 2023 31 Comments
    Will Vitamin B1 Scare Mosquitoes Away?

    Mosquitoes can put a real damper on enjoying the outdoors. When we were on our honeymoon, many years ago, we were camping in Grand Teton National Park. Even before we opened the car doors to set up ou…

    By: Terry Graedon May 4, 2023 10 Comments
    Show 1340: Were the Old Wives Right?

    This week’s episode begins with an interview. We talk with Dr. Craig Hopp of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health about why doctors so often dismiss home remedies as old wive…

    By: Joe Graedon September 6, 2021 14 Comments
    Will Vitamin B1 Keep Mosquitoes from Biting You?

    Mosquitoes are persistent insects. They are everywhere, from Maine to Alaska. In fact, Alaska Tour & Travel states: "Half-jokingly known as the Alaska state bird, mosquitos are a fact of summertim…

    By: Terry Graedon August 19, 2019 10 Comments
    Will Aloe Vera Help Itchy Mosquito Bites?

    A lot of people would like to be able to stop the itch of mosquito bites. Sometimes they may venture outside without insect repellent on, figuring that they will be out for only a little while. Other …

    By: Joe Graedon June 25, 2018 53 Comments
    Rediscovering How Hot Water for Itches Works for…

    We love it when people discover a home remedy on their own. It’s doubly sweet when renowned experts support the treatment. It’s triply sweet when we have an explanation for why hot water for itche…

    By: Terry Graedon June 4, 2018 29 Comments
    How Can You Keep Mosquitoes Away?

    Summertime, and the livin' is easy, or so the song goes. (Here's the magnificent Ella Fitzgerald singing it.) But summertime also brings its share of biting insects, and keeping them away is not alway…

    By: Terry Graedon August 4, 2016 3 Comments
    Can the Spread of Zika Virus in the US Be Halted…

    Zika virus created consternation early this year as it became clear that infection during pregnancy could lead to birth defects, including microcephaly. Health authorities advised pregnant women not t…

    By: Terry Graedon May 15, 2016 41 Comments
    How to Keep Mosquitoes from Biting You

    There was a time when Americans really worried about mosquito bites. That's because during the 18th and 19th centuries malaria was endemic in large parts of the country. It was a leading cause of deat…

    By: Joe Graedon July 22, 2002 0 Comments
    The Fine Science Of Fighting Mosquitoes

    Before there were air conditioners or even window screens, people spent a lot of time slapping at mosquitoes. There was no safe haven in the summer. You either sweltered in a closed house or scratched…