Nets, sprays, lamps What actually helps against mosquitoes

Soon, the evenings may be warm enough to sit outside in the garden or on the porch. Warmer temperatures also ensure that mosquitoes make life difficult for us. The little bloodsuckers are then not only outside, but also in the apartment annoying. An expert explains what really helps mosquitoes.

With the warm weather come the mosquitoes
Soon the evenings will be warm enough to sit together comfortably outside. The warm temperatures will also ensure that the mosquitoes come. The little bloodsuckers are annoying not only because of the humming and humming, but mainly because of the stitches, which often leave an itchy rash. In southern countries, they can also transmit dangerous infectious diseases. Escape to the house is in most cases not enough. In a message from the dpa news agency, an expert explains what can really help against the tormentors.

Effective remedy against mosquitoes. Picture: claffra

Wear bright, loose clothing
There are mosquitoes that love dark blue and black clothes, but not all. "You should wear lighter, skin-covering clothing," explains Prof. Thomas Löscher from the Professional Association of German Internists. Tight-fitting clothes should not be chosen better, as the mosquitoes then sting through the fabric into the void, but also because the bloodsuckers are attracted to further clothing not so much of the fragrances. According to other experts, bad odors such as sweat or stinky socks should also be avoided, as it will attract the pests.

Chemical insect repellents do not always work
Can also help Repellents. Such insect repellents are available, for example, in the form of sprays, lotions or creams, which are mainly applied to the uncovered skin. "Products with the active ingredients DEET or Icaridin are more effective than agents with essential oils such as citrus or eucalyptus," says Löscher. These repel mosquitoes by their scent. Agents containing about 30 percent DEET provide good protection and last four to five hours. Then you should renew it. According to Löscher, they can prevent 90 to 95 percent of mosquito bites. But some mosquito drugs often do not protect well, as revealed by a survey of the Stiftung Warentest last year. Some even have such a small effect that it is downright "annoying", as the project manager explained.

Mosquito nets and mosquito nets
Natural home remedies for mosquitoes include essential oils such as citronella, cinnamon, lavender or tea tree. However, these must not be evaporated at night during sleep in the room. Nets are always a very effective measure against mosquitoes. Available are mosquito nets for the bed or mosquito nets for windows. Nets impregnated with insecticides such as pyrethroids protect particularly well. These are mainly used in areas where infectious diseases such as malaria or dengue fever can be transmitted. When the insecticide is applied to clothing, it will last eight to ten weeks unless washed. It not only works against mosquitoes, but also against ticks.

Mosquitoes are an important link in the food chain
Löscher advises against using UV emitters and similar electrical insect killing equipment. On the one hand, their effectiveness is limited anyway. And on the other hand, one should not reduce the mosquito population in this country, since the annoying tormentors biologically yes indeed have their meaning. For example, their eggs and larvae are an important link in the food chain. But if all measures have done nothing and you were stung, you should cool, recommends the professional association of German dermatologists. Individuals who are often stung or have severe reactions may also take an antihistamine. Also read home remedies for mosquitoes. (Ad)