Skin & home
Driving away mosquitoes: How to protect yourself from the biting insects
The fly swatter is a proven remedy against mosquitoes (if you are fast enough)
© Koldunova_Anna / Getty Images
Mosquitoes are in high season in summer. 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 nuisances away from your skin and home.
The warm and humid climate in Germany had a major impact on the mosquito population this year: between August and September, the insects were running at full speed. With the falling temperatures, the insect bites decrease again, but many of them can still be found in numerous households – however, they are now looking for winter quarters rather than fresh blood. Which of course doesn’t stop them from stabbing when the opportunity presents itself. But no matter whether in summer or autumn, nobody wants to be stung. For this reason, we will tell you how to drive away the 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 to be particularly effective against mosquitoes:
Note: Please note the warning and dosage information on the packaging of the respective manufacturer.
Repel mosquitoes: indoors and outdoors
More protection for interiors
To prevent insects from gaining access to the interior, are Fly screens a sensible purchase. They are attached to the window frame using adhesive tape and can be removed at any time thanks to the integrated Velcro fasteners. There are white models as well as black (even for roof windows), which however have different colors for the sake of appearance. Ideally, you should also attach suitable fly screens to the balcony or patio door, which can be locked 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 that may attract mosquitoes.
- Use unscented hygiene products (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 are said to attract mosquitoes even faster.
- Put in Mosquito net for your bed, it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use (when camping).
Tips for the balcony, garden and terrace
Garden owners should ensure that standing water (for example in watering cans or bird baths) is regularly replaced so that mosquitoes do not multiply so strongly – since they are ideal breeding grounds for the 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 here goldfish or frogs can help to contain the mosquito population: because they eat the annoying insects and their larvae.
In addition to the above-mentioned insect sprays, there is another way to drive away mosquitoes for balconies, gardens and patios: smoke. This does not mean the nicotine mist of a cigarette, but so-called Incense coils and Incense cones. Both products are only lit and then burn down for several hours (depending on the manufacturer). Mosquitoes should seek the distance through the smoke that is generated. However, use the incense mixtures only outdoors and not in closed rooms.
You can drive away mosquitoes with these home remedies
There are numerous home remedies that are designed to drive away mosquitoes, albeit not in the same intensity 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 should have a deterrent effect on the stinging insects. It is best to place the plants on the window sills to prevent the animals from flying indoors.
Alternatively, you can also rely on coconut oil. The active ingredients contained in it should not only help against ticks, but also against mosquitoes: It is gently rubbed into the skin or even into the ends of the hair. The same applies to essential oils (including eucalyptus, cinnamon or clove aromas), which, however, have to be diluted in advance. Rub it into your arms and legs sparingly to protect your body from mosquito attacks.
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