The sun is shining, it's warm... and, as every summer, mosquito season has officially begun. But the good news is that there are several solutions to keep them away. From healthy habits to natural remedies and repellents, here's how to repel mosquitoes so you can spend the summer in peace (and without bites).
Attracted by heat, humidity, carbon dioxide, and certain body odors, these insects can bite day and night. A real nightmare! To get rid of them, it is essential to understand their life cycle, take appropriate precautions, and choose the right products, as well as an effective repellent, as not all are.
Among mosquitoes, only the female bites. The bite occurs after mating, once fertilized. In fact, she needs proteins (blood) to develop her eggs before laying them. On average, the female lives about two months and returns to collect blood every 4 or 5 days.
Why do some people suffer more bites than others? In short, mosquitoes are attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat, or certain skin odors. Physiological factors, such as blood type, sex, sweat, or even the bacteria present on the skin, can also explain why we are not all equal in terms of bites.
Mosquitoes are usually active at dawn and dusk, but some species, such as the tiger mosquito, can bite during the day.
In your home, install mosquito nets on windows or around beds, and be sure to eliminate any source of standing water, such as bowls, vases, or plants. Likewise, mosquitoes find it difficult to fly in drafts, so using fans can help keep them away.
At the same time, avoid fragrances that are too strong and opt for certain essential oils such as citronella, lavender, or geranium, which are natural repellents. There are also carbon dioxide traps and UV lamps that can capture or neutralize mosquitoes. However, be careful about their impact on other beneficial insects.
You can also get inspiration from grandma's tips, such as vinegar spray, cloves, coffee grounds, or even dried and then burned citrus peels.
Aerosol mosquito repellents are very effective and remain one of the best ways to protect yourself, as long as they are chosen carefully. Among the multitude of products available on the market, not all are the same. Repellents containing the active ingredients DEET, permethrin, or icaridin are recognized for their high effectiveness.