Preventing and repelling mosquitoes

How to prevent mosquito bites

There are three types of prevention against mosquitos:

• environmental prevention that reduces mosquito breeding,
• the removal of mosquitoes from domestic environments,
• preventing mosquitoes from reaching the skin.

Environmental prevention

The environmental prevention of mosquitoes can be divided in two:

• the prevention of mosquitoes in public places by authorities and,
• the prevention of mosquitoes in private homes by the individual

The individual
Within the home, individuals can take many steps to prevent mosquitoes. It’s especially important to prevent water stagnating in areas where mosquitoes breed and lay eggs, including:

• plant and flower pots
• old tires left out in the open
• manholes, basins, watering cans and water collectors
• ornamental tubs, ponds and fountains (where possible, it may be useful to introduce goldfish who will feed on the larvae)
• outdoor vases, such as those found in cemeteries

How to repel mosquitoes

In addition to using mosquito nets on windows or around beds, mosquitoes can be repelled with small spiral burners that contain pyrethrum derivatives, a substance that can paralyze the insect. The spirals are only effective within enclosed spaces and, despite being low in toxicity to humans, it is a good idea to ventilate the room after use. There are many repellents made with essential oils which promise to keep mosquitoes at bay, but these often end up doing the complete opposite and actually attract mosquitoes. Finally, there are also products that emit ultrasound to repel mosquitoes, as well as lamps that attract mosquitoes with light before killing them with an electric shock. Both are, however, ineffective at precisely targeting mosquitoes.

Mosquito repellents

Preventing mosquitoes from reaching the skin is done using so-called ‘repellents’.
These are substances that prevent mosquitoes’ sensors from intercepting blood vessels.
There are three approved types of repellent:

• DEET
• Icardin
• PMD (p-MetanDiol), a derivative of eucalyptus oil

DEET

DiEthylToluolamine is the most widely used chemical in insect repellents. At a concentration of between 10% and 30%, it provides ample protection for a summer evening outdoors. In areas where mosquito-borne diseases (e.g. malaria) are rife, higher concentrations may be used.

Icaridin

Icaridin is a more recent mosquito repellent and provides a level of protection similar to DEET. It is an ingredient within Bayer’s Autan line where it is listed as KBR 3023.

PMD

Among plant-derived insect repellents, p-Menthane-3,8-diol is the only one approved in the USA as an insect repellent, despite the fact that it is actually very weak.
The fact that PMD is the only one certified in the USA means that other popular extracts, such as citronella and geraniol, do not provide protection and, in many cases, only further attract mosquitoes.

The use of insect repellents

Mosquito repellents are applied directly to the skin and are partly absorbed into the bloodstream. In order for safe, effective use, specific rules must be followed, even when using natural repellents:

• Apply the product on uncovered parts of the body and not under clothes.
• Do not use it on irritated skin, or on skin with abrasions or cuts.
• Do not use spray directly on the face. Instead, spray the product onto the hands and then apply to the face.
• Wash the product off when returning inside at the end of exposure.
• Not suitable for children under three years of age.
• These rules also apply to natural repellents.

Conclusion

Preventing and repelling mosquitoes involves being aware of some simple techniques. Insect repellents should be used sparingly when absolutely necessary.