A warm winter and damp spring weather – ideal conditions for mosquitoes. Here’s how to protect yourself from these biting insects.
A mild winter and weeks of rainy weather in spring are likely to result in a true insect summer in 2024. Mosquitoes, in particular, could become a real nuisance. High temperatures combined with lots of rain ensure that several mosquito generations hatch one after another within a few weeks, buzzing through the air in their billions.
Their buzzing and biting are especially bothersome at night, and mosquitoes can ruin a lovely summer evening just by their presence, not to mention their itchy bites. So, how can you best protect yourself from these biting insects?
Heat, Light, Smell: What Attracts Mosquitoes?
Puddles in gardens or fields, as well as other water containers like bird baths or watering cans, are especially attractive to mosquitoes. Keeping everything dry can help control the nuisance in your garden.
The belief that mosquitoes are attracted to light is widespread but incorrect. Mosquitoes can be classified as diurnal (active during the day), nocturnal (active at night), and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). When many houses turn on their lights at dusk, mosquitoes appear to be attracted to them because most mosquitoes are crepuscular.
When one gets into your bedroom, it often seems like the insect is right next to your ear. This is because mosquitoes are “nasal animals” and are guided by human body odor and exhaled carbon dioxide. The concentration of carbon dioxide is especially high around the head. Even if you turn off the light but open the window, mosquitoes won’t leave you alone. They can also intensely perceive the smell of body sweat, and body heat particularly attracts these biting insects.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes
There are several things you can do if a mosquito gets into your bedroom and keeps you awake, or if swarms buzz around you during a sundowner. Taking a shower can remove the smell of sweat and lower body temperature. However, this usually helps only for a short time in summer. When grooming, avoid heavily perfumed shower gels or creams, as these also attract mosquitoes.
A fan indoors can help disperse the air, making it difficult for the mosquito to locate smells. Essential oils like eucalyptus, citrus, cedarwood, lavender, mint, and tomato plants repel mosquitoes. Special anti-mosquito scented candles or sprays can also help, though they are often quite chemical. It’s also advisable to wear long, light-colored clothing, as this attracts mosquitoes less than dark clothing.
Mosquito Bite? The Best Home Remedies
If a mosquito has bitten you, act quickly to avoid being plagued by itching for days. Cool the area with running cold water or a cold compress and apply an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to the bite. If you don’t have these, your own saliva can help combat inflammation.
To relieve itching, a heated spoon can be applied to the area. Additionally, a halved onion can help neutralize the mosquito venom and alleviate the itching.
