What for mosquitoes? - effective products and methods
Mosquitoes are insects that, especially in the summer, can be a major nuisance. Their presence can disturb peaceful evenings spent outdoors, and their bites cause itching and skin irritation. This is why it is worth knowing effective measures and ways to deal with mosquitoes to help get rid of them or at least minimise the risk of being bitten.
In this article, we will point out what attracts mosquitoes and what repels them. We will also explain why you should protect yourself from these insects and what measures you can take to protect yourself from them.
Why protect yourself from mosquitoes?
Mosquito bites can cause itching and swelling. Effective protection against their bites can significantly improve the comfort of daily life, especially in areas where mosquitoes spread serious diseases. In Poland, where the climate is temperate, these insects are not as dangerous as in tropical countries, and are more of a nuisance than a real health risk. However, when travelling abroad, it is important to remember that these insects can transmit dangerous diseases. What diseases do mosquitoes transmit? Malaria, dengue fever and the Zika virus, for example.
It should also be stressed that most people react to a mosquito bite with a small bump, the itching of which is more or less bothersome but completely harmless and subsides within a few days. For some, however, the reaction on the skin is much more extensive and painful. Unfortunately, it is possible to be allergic to mosquitoes. The symptoms of a mosquito bite allergy resemble those of other allergic reactions to insect venom.
What attracts mosquitoes?
There are two main factors that determine how often mosquitoes, or more specifically mosquitoes, bite us: the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled and body temperature. The other factors are mostly related to or a consequence of these two. What attracts mosquitoes in the first place?
- Carbon dioxide: mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, which we exhale. The more physical activity, the more carbon dioxide we produce.
- Lactic acid: these insects are sensitive to lactic acid, present in our sweat. High-intensity physical effort can lead to increased production of lactic acid, which may attract mosquitoes.
- Humidity: mosquitoes prefer a humid environment, so our moist skin, including sweat, can attract these insects. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the skin dry and avoid excessive sweating.
- Blood type: it may affect attractiveness to mosquitoes; for example, tiger mosquitoes are more likely to choose individuals with blood type O. Differences in the scent of the skin related to blood type influence mosquito preferences.
- Pregnant women: women expecting a child are more susceptible to mosquito bites. This is because they exhale more carbon dioxide and have a higher body temperature.
What don't mosquitoes like?
Nature abounds with substances with insect-repelling properties. Among these, essential oils are particularly recommended. A practical solution is to use ready-made concentrated oils. Those with proven properties to repel mosquitoes, as well as other insects, include in particular:
- lemongrass oil,
- clove oil,
- patchouli oil,
- eucalyptus oil,
- lemon eucalyptus oil.
It is also worth noting that there are scents that repel mosquitoes. What scents do mosquitoes dislike? These include smells such as:
- vinegar,
- onion,
- tomato leaves,
- wormwood,
- bear's garlic.
Using the above oils and plants to repel mosquitoes does not always have the desired effect. By far the best way is to use preparations designed for this purpose.
What are effective mosquito protection measures?
There are many remedies to prevent mosquito bites and allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors. Mosquito repellent products are available in the form of liquids, sprays, electro-fumigators, spirals, and cloth bags filled with natural oils. Mechanical forms of protection are also available.
Below, we describe the most popular methods of protection against mosquitoes: chemical, natural and mechanical.
Synthetic mosquito repellents
Among the most effective products against mosquitoes are various types of repellents, or repellents. The vast majority of repellents available on the market contain a substance called DEET. It works by blocking the insects' receptors so that they cannot sense us. It is currently the most effective and widely available mosquito repellent. What products contain DEET?
Various types of DEET-containing products are now widely available in the form of liquids, sprays and impregnated materials (e.g. wipes). Very popular products are Mugga brands. These are repellents produced in cooperation with, among others, travel doctors, travellers and experts on tropical countries.
An alternative to DEET are products containing icaridin, a substance extracted from the seed extract of the jaguar plant. Icariidin, like DEET, works by blocking the receptors on mosquito feelers responsible for detecting carbon dioxide. Products with icaridine are also available from MUGGA.
In addition, mosquito repellents with IR3535 can be purchased on the market, which are recommended for young children. Some products with IR3535 can be used from the age of one.
Natural remedies for mosquitoes
Special candles, which are mostly made of natural ingredients, can also be an effective mosquito repellent. Their composition includes blends of essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass or lavender.
An alternative is mosquito repellent devices that secrete d-alethrin, an ingredient found in chrysanthemums. Such devices often reach full effectiveness within 10-15 minutes of switching on and form a protective barrier of 20 m². They operate without noise, harmful substances or open flames.
Mechanical protection measures against mosquitoes
An effective way to protect your home or flat from mosquitoes is to mosquito nets. They provide a physical barrier that prevents mosquitoes from getting inside. Currently, mosquito nets are also often incorporated into hats and caps to protect the wearer when outdoors.
Prevention - how to avoid mosquitoes?
Sometimes the best way beyond the use of repellents or natural remedies is prevention. Of course, the following tips will not always be able to be applied in practice, but they are worth bearing in mind.
Appropriate attire
It is advisable to dress in light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. In addition, long trousers and long-sleeved blouses can be worn, especially when taking evening walks or staying in areas where mosquitoes are particularly active.
Avoiding areas of high humidity
Mosquitoes prefer a humid environment, so it is a good idea to avoid areas with high humidity, such as swamps, standing water or areas with lots of vegetation.
Caring for the environment
To make it more difficult for mosquitoes to enter the house, it is advisable to install mosquito nets on windows and doors.
Use of fans and air conditioning
Mosquitoes do not like strong airflow. Using fans or air conditioning can help keep them out of our environment.
Mosquito repellents at Militaria.pl
Different types of mosquito repellent are available at Militaria.pl Among our products are DEET-based preparations such as Mugga, available in a 50% version and a milder version (9.5% DEET) for younger users. We also offer mosquito repellents with icaridin and IR3535. There are also a variety of repellent candles to choose from, as well as devices that emit mosquito repellent scents.
We also offer mechanical protection of various types, including mosquito nets. These come in the form of headgear that can be attached to a hat or cap, and also as separate mosquito nets. They are made of fine mesh, which allows for effective protection against small flying insects.
