Mozzies

Photo by iStockphoto from the ABC

With summer comes the mozzie (aka mosquito). With all the rain (which has produced record floods), it is the perfect weather for mozzies to incubate. And, it just so happens, that I am a prime target. They love me and attack in multiples (so far my top number of mozzie bites at once is 12).

The award winning architects that designed our building forgot to include screens on our windows (and an air conditioner, while I am at it) so we have been exploring a host of options to protect ourselves from these blood-suckers. We need ventilation, especially in this heat, and because our bedroom is lined with louver windows (aesthetically perfect but functionally painful) we have no choice but to offer ourselves as bait. There has been discussion of constructing some sort of three dimensional screen system that magnetizes to the louver (too complicated) or putting a mosquito net over the bed (which I think is a little strange). After hearing the mozzies buzzing in my ear for the first time (which is absolutely disturbing) I started doing more in depth research.

Suggestions range from a daily supplement of vitamin B (which is not scientifically proven), spraying oneself with Aerogaurd insect repellent (which does seem to be helping), and a mozzie plug-in, called the Mortein Odourless Mozzie Zapper, that keeps them away with a certain scent (people swear by it).

Last night, after using the plug-in for about a week, I came to a realization. I should preface this realization by saying that all electrical outlets in Oz have an on/off switch (which is a smart thing). In addition and as mentioned in a previous post, the on/off switch is opposite from what I am used to. You flip the switch down to turn the light or outlet on. To make the long story short, I am still having troubles with this simple difference. I had been turning the mozzie plug-in off every night (when the mozzies were in full force) and on during the day (when it served no purpose). Not so smart and now I am suffering the consequences, but it's a helpful reminder of the little things that make a difference. One day I will learn…

A friend (Dave) told me about an architecture speculation, a house designed by Francois Roche, wrapped in layers of protective skin that traps a mosquito. It definitely has me thinking....