summer plague
Drive away mosquitoes: How to protect yourself from biting insects
The fly swatter is a tried and tested means against mosquitoes (if you are fast enough)
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Summer is the high season for mosquitoes. Nevertheless, the annoying insects can still be found in many households in autumn. In the following you will find out why this is the case and how you can keep the pests away from your skin and home.
The warm, humid climate in Germany had a major impact on the mosquito population this year: between August and September, the insects were in full swing. Although the bites of insects are decreasing again with the falling temperatures, many of them can still be found in numerous households – although they are then looking for winter quarters rather than fresh blood. Which of course doesn’t stop them from stabbing when a good opportunity presents itself. But it doesn’t matter whether it’s summer or autumn, nobody wants to be stung. For this reason, we will tell you how to get rid of mosquitoes, both indoors and outdoors.
These products help against mosquitoes
Especially in the warm summer months, those affected use chemical mosquito repellent sprays or creams to apply to the skin. They are effective for several hours, but treatment must be repeated regularly to maintain protection. The following products are considered particularly effective against mosquitoes:
A notice: Please note the warning and dosage information on the packaging of the respective manufacturer.
Drive away mosquitoes: indoors and outdoors
More protection for interiors
To prevent insects from gaining access to the interior, fly screen a worthwhile purchase. They are attached to the window frame with the help of adhesive tape and can be removed again at any time thanks to the integrated Velcro fasteners. There are white models as well as black (even for skylights), which only have different colors for the sake of optics. Ideally, you should also attach suitable fly screens to the balcony or patio door, which can be closed tightly and thus no longer let mosquitoes through when you want to ventilate.
If one or the other mosquito has managed to get inside, you can take further steps to protect your skin from possible bites:
- Shower your body to remove any sweat residue that attracts mosquitoes.
- Use unscented hygiene items (especially shower gel and deodorant) and avoid perfume.
- Light up incense sticks Alternatively, dried sage leaves or loose coffee powder are also suitable.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Dark textiles supposedly attract mosquitoes even faster.
- Put in mosquito net for your bed, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor (camping) use.
Tips for the balcony, garden and terrace
To prevent mosquitoes from multiplying so rapidly, garden owners should ensure that standing water (e.g. in watering cans or bird baths) is regularly replaced – as they are ideal breeding grounds for insects to lay their eggs. rain barrels can, however, be covered in order to keep the effort as low as possible. Of course, you cannot change the water from a garden pond regularly, but goldfish or frogs can help to contain the mosquito population here: Because they eat the annoying insects and their larvae.
In addition to the insect sprays mentioned above, there is another way of repelling mosquitoes for the balcony, garden and terrace: smoke. This does not mean the nicotine mist of a cigarette, but so-called incense coils and incense cone. Both products are only ignited and then burn (depending on the manufacturer) for several hours. Mosquitoes are said to flee through the smoke that is produced. However, only use the incense mixtures outdoors and not in closed rooms.
Repel mosquitoes with these home remedies
There are numerous home remedies designed to repel mosquitoes, although not as intensely as an insect repellent. However, you do not have to have any health concerns if you rely on the power of nature – such as fresh herbs: the scent of mint and lemon balm, basil and lavender, thyme and rosemary is said to have a deterrent effect on the stinging insects. It is best to place the plants on the windowsills to prevent the animals from flying into the interior.
Alternatively, you can also use coconut oil. The active ingredients contained in it should not only help against ticks, but also against mosquitoes: It is rubbed gently into the skin or into the ends of the hair. The same applies to essential oils (e.g. with eucalyptus, cinnamon or clove aroma), which, however, have to be diluted beforehand. Rub it sparingly on your arms and legs to protect your body from mosquito attacks.
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