What helps against mosquitoes?
As pleasant as one finds mild summer evenings and would like to sit outside in airy clothing, it can be spoiled just as much if one is plagued by mosquitoes. Luckily there is something you can do about it.
What is true and what is not?
First you need to know what attracts mosquitoes and what might keep them away. There are some myths that persist but are not true.
- Mosquitoes are most active when it is getting dark, when the sun is shining and when it is completely dark, there are not as many mosquitoes flying
- Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes are not attracted to light, nor do they respond to ultrasound
- Mosquitoes find their victims through their sense of smell. They are particularly attracted to the exhaled carbon dioxide, the higher the concentration, the more tempting
- the smell of fatty and lactic acids also attracts mosquitoes, here the individual body odor is decisive
Summer is slowly approaching outside and there are lots of insects around again. Among other things, the mosquito. …
You can do this actively against mosquitoes
- You could say that a good shower is half spared, because mosquitoes take the smell of sweat and it contained butyric and lactic acids, as well as ammonia very well and orient themselves on their foray to it
- A shampoo with a citrus scent and essential oils is beneficial for personal hygiene, as this prevents mosquitoes from finding their way around
- strongly perfumed deodorants or fragrances can attract mosquitoes, it is better to use an unscented deodorant here
- It makes sense to wear light-colored clothing for a long time, because on the one hand the mosquitoes can find fewer free spots to bite, on the other hand they are more attracted by dark clothing
- If you want to sit outside, you can set up candles and fragrance lamps with citrus scents or essential oils. The smell of tomato plants also disturbs the orientation of mosquitoes, as do lavender, lemon balm and mint.
What can you do to prevent mosquitoes?
Mosquito larvae develop in standing warm water such as puddles, garden ponds, bird baths, watering cans, uncovered rain barrels and water in flower coasters. This is where the female mosquitoes lay their eggs.
You can ensure mosquito-free rooms in the apartment by attaching fly screens to the windows. There are also corresponding fly screen doors for doors that are narrow enough that you can also lower the roller shutters if necessary.
You can also above that Bed attach a mosquito net that you can Sleep not bothered by the pests. However, that doesn't help much against the annoying mosquito noise.
Essential oils help against mosquitoes, but you should not apply them undiluted and not all over the place skin apply because they can irritate the skin and you can smell the intense smell Headache get when using this indoors.
Incense cones and incense sticks can have a repellent effect on mosquitoes due to the light smoke, but here it is Long-term use indoors is not recommended, because the smells are often strong and you can also get a headache from them receive.
These funds can be applied to the skin
So-called mosquito repellents are recommended for application to the skin. If necessary, it can be applied to areas not covered by clothing. But here you have to be careful, not everyone tolerates these creams and lotions without restrictions. Caution is required, especially on the face, the agents must not get on the mucous membranes or the eyes. When sweating, sweat can get over the eyebrows.
Unfortunately, the most effective means are also the most critical. If they contain DEET (diethyltoluamide), they are highly effective, but also entail health risks and a number of possible side effects. It should only be used when traveling to countries where there is a risk of contracting malaria, Zika virus, or yellow fever. Here the benefits outweigh the risks. However, this is not recommended for us.
In any case, it is better to move outdoors in long, airy clothing than to apply repellents to large areas.
