What is most effective against mosquitoes? Which mosquito spray to choose, and when will the home remedies work? See what you use to bite
To protect yourself from mosquito bites, it is worth using insect repellents and properly protecting your skin. Bites can cause not only itching and inflammation, but also an allergic reaction. We explain what mosquito spray and other chemicals contain, and how to protect yourself with natural and home remedies. We include essential oils and botanicals that are effective for repelling mosquitoes, as well as soothing products recommended for mosquito bites.
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mosquitoes on it Blood-sucking parasitic insects. They pierce the skin with prongs with hooks, and in the puncture they leave saliva, which contains a substance that prevents blood from clotting, allowing it to be sucked out. It causes tissue irritation, as a result of which it appears at the site of the mosquito bite spherical swelling;It is accompanied by redness and itching of the skin, rarely pain or burning. This is due to the fact that under the influence of mosquito secretions it is released histamine;Which causes sudden aneurysm.
In some cases, a more severe local inflammation or allergic reaction to the skin may occur. Bite symptoms Mosquito bites can last from several minutes to several days, and it takes longer for wounds from scratching to heal.
Only females feed, which need the protein in the blood to survive. Insects live in moist places such as forests and parks, especially around water bodies, because the presence of water is necessary for their reproduction. Although the mosquito species that occur in Poland are considered harmless, their bites are annoying, and for some, they have serious consequences.
Mosquito bites are usually harmless, but they can cause more serious effects in people who are allergic to the substances in this insect’s saliva. However, even with severe itching of the skin, it is worth avoiding even touching it, and even more so scratching the pimple, which can lead to a small wound or bacterial infection.
If the blisters do not go away after the mosquito bite, then this is necessary Visit the doctorBecause long-term dermatitis may be the result of an allergy to mosquito “venom” or infection.
in People with allergies To the substance in mosquito saliva, in addition to severe redness and severe itching, there may be significant swelling of the tissues, urticaria, general weakness, or low-grade fever. These symptoms last for a long time. A generalized allergic reaction may also occur. Then it is necessary to use antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids.
Therefore, it is worth protecting yourself from the bites of these insects. There are many ways to repel these insects, but not only the chemical preparations that have been known for years and are available in stores and pharmacies. It is also worth using natural methods to prevent mosquito bites and mitigate the diseases caused by them.
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Mosquito deterrence will be provided by dedicated chemicals, the so-called Chase. Most powerful mosquito control products contain a compound called DEET, that is, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, which effectively protects against insect bites, but is not entirely harmful and can irritate the skin. Therefore, preparations of this type should not be used frequently or near young children. This compound is also found in tropical mosquito repellents, where it is found in higher concentrations.
Mosquito repellents are generally available at pharmacies and convenience stores. The preparations currently in use usually do not irritate the skin and are considered safe. They come in the form of liquids that are sprayed onto the skin (aerosols), as well as creams, gels, and emulsions.
However, natural alternatives to DEET with similar potency are also available for sale, containing eg CitrodiolA patented formula of lemon and eucalyptus oil. These agents, which also contain other essential oils, are available not only in the form of sprays or skin lubricants, but also as patches, wristbands, or pendants.
Mosquitoes must be deterred not only by substances applied to the skin, but also by measures to prevent their presence in close proximity to humans. Special offers are available in stores contact plugs Equipped with a tank with repellent liquid or cartridges soaked in it spiral combustion And scented candles. It is also worth knowing that ordinary mosquitoes also work Incense sticks And essential oils, and even plants that secrete them.
Being outside, especially at night, is not only good Protect your skin with thick, appropriate clothing (long sleeves and socks, top shoes, pants, button-up hoodie, hat), but also choose Bright colored clothesWhich do not attract the attention of mosquitoes as dark colors do.
The presence of mosquitoes in the house is also a nuisance, so it is worth protecting the interior of it as well. Mosquito nets installed in doors and windows, as well as insecticidal lamps, will help in this.
Indoors, you can try ultrasonic devices that not only repel mosquitoes but also parasites and other household pests. These tools are also available in a portable version, and manufacturers praise them for being also effective against ticks.
Mosquitoes are deterred by the specific smell of aromatic compounds found in plants Essential oils. A good way to distract their senses is to keep some plants in the house or in the garden, which include:
- lavenderAnd
- catnip;
- basilAnd
- Mint,
- ace
- fennel,
- coleus plectrantus (also known as mosquitoes or gnats),
- smelly geranium (angina pectoris),
- Sweet grass (Żubrówka).
To effectively prevent the presence of mosquitoes in the house, it is worth combining individual plants, for example, by placing several pots with basil, mint or thyme on the kitchen windowsill.
Mosquito oil is a natural, safe and above all effective way to scare away annoying insects. It can be used to prepare a spray in rooms, apply In a fireplace or aroma diffuser, we add it to a burning candle, and sprinkle it on the bed or around the place where we stay, especially outdoors. Although it should be avoided using it directly on the skin, after appropriate dilution with body lotion or oil, it can also be used to lubricate exposed areas of the body (except for the face).
Mosquito repellent essential oils It includes:
- citronella oil, any of lemongrass,
- Clove oil,
- Peppermint oil,
- Patchouli oil
- Rosemary oilAnd
- Lavender oil,
- eucalyptus oil.
Many of these oils such as Lavender oilOr eucalyptus or lemon other insects, among others flies, fleas or mites. It also has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Cinnamon, pine, anise and vanilla oils can also be used as mosquito repellents. It will also come in handy valerian and camphor.
There are many ways to repel mosquitoes, and the simplest of them is to use them onion. It is enough to put vegetable slices on the windowsill for the night. May also be used vinegarA mixture of apple cider vinegar is preferred Walnut leaves. You can soak a sponge with such an extract and place it, for example, on the windowsill of an open window.
It is considered a natural alternative to using means on the skin Take vitamin B1 (Thiamine) in the form of a food supplement – It is worth trying this method, especially since any excess of this vitamin does not pose a threat to health, because it is soluble in water and expelled from the body naturally.
Care is also important personal cleanliness. Mosquitoes sense human presence. Based on the smell of lactic acid and ammonia that sweat contains. So it’s a good idea to use antiperspirants and shower regularly.
However, it is not worth using it to repel mosquitoes turpentinea solvent obtained from plant resins – when inhaled, it has a harmful effect on the body.
A mosquito bite causes great discomfort. After a mosquito bite, it is worth applying a cold compress to the irritated skin, for example wrapped in a piece of cloth. ice CubeTo relieve the first ailments – swelling and itching.
It is also worth trying others homemade methods:
- hot spoon – A spoon heated under warm water should be placed on the bite site,
- lemon or lime – the bite site should be rubbed several times with a thick piece of fruit or a cotton swab dipped in juice (however, this should not be done when the skin is exposed to sunlight, as it may trigger a photoreaction,
- potato – You can put a slice of raw potato in the place of the bite,
- parsley – parsley leaves should be rubbed and the resulting mass should be applied to the bite site,
- white cabbage A piece of fresh white cabbage leaf should be placed on the skin.
- salt – in a saline solution, prepared from 1 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of water, soak gauze and apply to the bite site and repeat this procedure several times,
- garlic or onions – Put a chopped garlic clove or a piece of onion or the resulting pulp after grating them on the skin,
- Milk with water – Skimmed milk should be mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 1, then soak a cotton swab or gauze with the liquid and wipe the irritated area several times,
- honey Crystallized honey is placed on the sting site and left for a few minutes.
- banana Irritated skin should be rubbed with the inside of a banana peel.
- Green or black tea – Put warm tea bags of fresh tea on the irritated place and leave it for a few minutes,
- Cactuses Real aloe vera sticks to the place.
- baking soda – Mix it with a small amount of water, and apply the resulting paste to the bite site for 10 minutes,
- vinegar or salicylic alcohol To reduce the effects of the bite, the mosquito bite site should be washed with a few drops of a liquid.
- Essential oils – camphor, mint, lavender, citronol, tea tree – rub the bite site with a piece of cotton or gauze soaked in a few drops of oil,
- Pharmacy charcoal – Dissolve a few tablets of activated carbon in water, then wash the irritated skin with it and place a damp cotton pad or gauze on the bite site for a few minutes.
Sting marks can also weaken powder compresses sage leaves whether Natural cheese or yogurt.
For mosquito bites, you can also use lotions that are available in pharmacies and pharmacies, such as Mosquito bite gels He is Hydrocortisone creamsIt inhibits the release of topical histamine and soothes skin irritation. It is worth doing this especially when natural methods do not bring the expected results. People with sensitive skin can also access it Prescription corticosteroid ointment.
Effective means after a mosquito bite are also special sprays and splatter. The latter is often used in children, as it relieves not only annoying, but also itch They protect the bite site from scratching and contamination.
Container agents are also for sale mentholAnd Chamomile extractAnd panthenol whether AllantoinIt takes care of irritated skin from the bite while reducing itching.
