Mosquito repellents. Operating principle

Do repellents actually repel mosquitoes?

The use of anti-mosquito products that contain ingredients such as the insecticide DEET or permethrin leads to the following problems:

Some studies confirm that these components are hazardous to health and can negatively affect the nervous system.
Some people still suffer from mosquito bites despite using repellents.
Conventional repellents seem less and less effective every year. Insects develop immunity to them.

In this article we will tell you about simple, effective and natural remedies that will help you get rid of mosquito bites and will not harm your health.

Do not miss:

Individual means

When choosing personal protection, it is important to consider drug tolerance. After all, many of them have a rather pungent odor and can cause an allergic reaction.

Active ingredients can be: diethyltoluamide (DEET), carboxide, ethyl toluene ester, oxamate and others

It is also important to pay attention to their concentration.

More than 40% - such content can be hazardous to health.
20-30% – will provide effective protection for an adult for 2-3 hours.
10-15% – low level of protection, suitable for allergy sufferers, children under 3 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. A mosquito repellent bracelet is also suitable for these categories.

Advice

Before using any product, it is better to conduct a sensitivity test.

Aerosols and sprays

Such repellents apply evenly to the skin or clothing and provide protection for up to three hours. They are most effective in the first 40 minutes - they do not allow mosquitoes closer than 1.5 m. Most of these compositions have a pungent odor and can cause allergies. Their use in small spaces is not allowed. Not recommended for children and pregnant women.

Oily sprays are popular. They can stay on the body for up to 7 days without losing effectiveness. Their main disadvantage is their high price (2-2.5 times more expensive than others).

Liquid

Gels, milk, creams and other similar mosquito repellents have a pleasant smell. They are applied to the skin, absorbed quickly, and some have a moisturizing effect. Such repellents are also available for the youngest children (from 1 year). Their disadvantage is their shorter validity period (from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours).

Solid

One of the most popular mosquito repellents is repellent pencils. Hypoallergenic, effective, and inexpensive. The product is applied to exposed areas of the body, takes a long time to dry, but even after this, the composition sticks to clothing, reducing its shelf life. Another drawback is the unpleasant smell. Pencils are often used by tourists, mushroom pickers, fishermen, and summer residents.

Special bracelets with repellent to protect against mosquitoes

Bracelets

Such repellents are increasingly in demand. They are textile or plastic straps impregnated with a special composition (mostly natural, of plant origin). The bracelet is worn while walking or hiking. The rest of the time it is recommended to store it in packaging.

Its popularity is explained by its ease of use, harmlessness, and long validity period (up to 10 days). Such a bracelet can be worn by an allergy sufferer, a pregnant or lactating woman, or a baby. Disadvantage: more and more fakes are appearing on sale. Therefore, when purchasing, you should be extremely careful.

Advice

For very young children, it is better to wear a bracelet on their leg or attach it to a stroller.

Mosquito repellent coil

Aerosols and sprays

Aerosols against flying blood-sucking insects
The best mosquito repellents are presented in the form of sprays. They are easy to use and economical in consumption. A bottle of aerosol should be sprayed onto the skin or clothing at a distance of 10-15 cm. To prevent the drug from getting into the eyes, cover your face with your palm and apply the product in the absence of wind.

On a note!
Aerosols can be sprayed onto curtains on windows or doorways. This technique will create a barrier for mosquitoes when they try to enter a house or apartment.

The sprays contain highly active ingredients based on insecticides, so they should be used with caution by pregnant women and small children. There are special children's sprays on sale. People with hypersensitivity are at risk of an allergic reaction. Before use, it is recommended to carefully read the instructions.

Release forms

Mosquito repellents come in a variety of forms. Here are the most popular options:

Cream, milk, gel are a variety of paste-like substances that need to be applied directly to the skin. The concentration of repellent substances in them is usually reduced, since they are in direct contact with humans. In this case, mosquitoes can fly quite close, but at the same time the object of their dreams turns out to be “inedible”.
Spray is a liquid in a bottle with a sprayer. Apply to both skin and clothing, depending on the information on the label. Oil sprays are considered the most effective; their manufacturers promise protection for up to 7 days. This is nothing more than a publicity stunt, since no one will wash off the oily sticky substance for a whole week. In addition, the smell of sweat, mixed with the smell of any mosquito repellent, makes a person very attractive to bloodsuckers.
Electrofumigator plates in most cases contain insecticides that kill insects, so they are not repellents, but some of them still have a repellent effect.
Candles and spirals - we wrote about them above.
Aerosol repellent is the easiest to use, one of the most effective, but at the same time the most harmful. It should not be used by children, and adults should use it with caution so as not to inhale the contents when spraying.
A repellent hairdryer is a battery-powered device that disperses an active substance around a person with a stream of air. The main drawback is that it buzzes.
Repellent bracelet. A relatively new invention, designed primarily for children. It is put on the hand (for small children, on the leg) and repels mosquitoes with a special aromatic impregnation. The main drawback is that it is not submitted to Rospotrebnadzor for certification, so it is impossible to talk about its safety, especially, as stated, safety for children.

The best repellents for children

Children's repellents use the safest substances. However, after a walk, it is advisable to wash off the composition from the baby’s skin.

Baby milk against mosquitoes with chamomile extract "Moskill"

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

Moskill with chamomile extract is suitable for protecting adults and children from mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects. Apply the composition in a thin layer to exposed areas of the body.

Children over 1 year of age are allowed to use the product. The smell of the milk is pleasant, reminiscent of baby cream. The composition based on chamomile extract does not dry out the skin.

The product is available in convenient 100 ml bottles. They have two caps that prevent children from leaking and opening the bottle on their own. The spray format provides economical consumption and convenient application.

Pros:

suitable for babies;
lasts a long time;
pleasant aroma;
does not dry the skin;
childproof bottle.

Minuses:

short action;
price (from 300 rubles per 100 ml).

Moskill milk only lasts for a couple of hours of protection. This is due to its natural composition and the absence of toxic substances in the formula.

Mosquito spray Biozone “Natural repellent”

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

83%

buyers recommend this product

Biozone mosquito repellent spray can be used to scent a room or apply to the skin. The line includes products based on clove or vanilla oil. They protect against mosquitoes, midges, flies and moths, and also relieve itching and swelling after a bite.

The aroma of the spray is pleasant. The natural composition allows it to be used by adults and children without age restrictions.

The cap fits securely on the bottle and protects the oil from accidental opening or spilling. The product is quickly absorbed, softens and nourishes the skin. Remains can be blotted with a napkin.

Pros:

reduces the consequences of a bite;
Suitable for application to skin and room treatment;
natural composition with a pleasant aroma;
softens and nourishes the epidermis;
can be used from birth.

Minuses:

leaves greasy marks on clothes;
the price is above average (about 200 rubles for 45 ml).

Biozone products are practically not represented in the mass market. It must be ordered from online stores.

Citronella oil is an effective repellent

Citronella oil was first used as a repellent in 1948 in the United States to repel aedes aegypti, the mosquito that causes dengue fever.

Since then, the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has published the results of several studies, according to which citronella oil was found to be an effective repellent that does not pose a threat to the environment. In other words, the essential oil of this plant is non-toxic.

Thus, thanks to its antifungal properties, citronella oil can repel lice, flies, mosquitoes and fleas. It can protect both the human body and his home from insects.

In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to some important aspects:

Citronella oil is a natural remedy that repels insects without killing them.
When we use this oil, insects prefer to avoid our house. But if your pets already have fleas, citronella oil alone will not be enough.
In this case, to achieve a positive result, it is necessary to use citronella oil in combination with other means.
If there are corners of your home where dust or moisture tends to accumulate, citronella oil will help protect these vulnerable areas from insect incursion.

How to make a natural repellent

Ingredients

5 tablespoons water (50 ml.)
8 tablespoons 70% alcohol (80 ml.)
5 drops citronella essential oil
5 drops essential

Preparation

To prepare the repellent, you need to mix all the above ingredients well. The latter can be purchased at a pharmacy or natural products store.
How to use it? Very simple. Take a spray bottle and spray the product onto your skin. You can do this several times to ensure good results.

TOP 5 mosquito repellents

The most popular insecticides for a summer house or country house include Tsifoks, Medilis Cyper, Bioneutral I50. The products have proven themselves to be the best, helping to repel mosquitoes at the dacha - in the house and on the property.

Medilis Cyper

The yellowish liquid is sold in containers of 50 ml, 500 ml, 5 l. Used to treat areas against mosquitoes. Spray with special devices or a spray bottle in apartments, houses, tents, etc. When mixed, the composition acquires a milky tint. Depending on the density of vegetation, dilute 2-5 ml per 1 liter of water. Consumption: 1 liter of composition per 1 hundred square meters.

Cifox

Used for treatment against mosquitoes and all blood-sucking insects (bugs, cockroaches). The composition includes cypermethrin (25%), emulsifiers and fragrances. Tsifoks has a pungent odor, the liquid is toxic, and has a yellow tint. When diluted, it acquires a milky tint. Bottles of 0.5 - 1 liter are available for sale. Dilute according to the instructions - up to 4 ml of product per 1 liter of water. Consumption: 1 liter of mixture per 1 hundred square meters.

Sipaz Super

Wide-spectrum insecticide. Treatment of the area against mosquitoes is organized only in the evening in order to prevent the mass death of pollinators - bees, bumblebees. The composition does not affect plants, so after spraying the flowers do not retain poisons, there is no danger to bees.

A mosquito killer is used when the first blood-sucking insects appear. The insecticide is produced in the form of a 1 liter concentrate. For use, dilute 3-8 ml of product per 1 liter of water. Consumption: 1 liter of solution per 1 hundred square meters. They cultivate open areas in calm weather, abundantly irrigating the plants and soil.

Sinuzan

The main active ingredient is chlorpyrifos 48%. Used for spraying in open areas. The treatment is carried out on any windless day. Add 2-5 ml of solution to 1 liter of water. Consumption: 1 liter of mixture per 1 hundred square meters.

Argan

A powerful insecticide suitable for spraying on areas near water bodies. Used for treating buildings, household objects, drainage pits, ditches. The mosquito killer contains two active ingredients – chlorpyrifoos 50%, cypermethrin 5%. Reservoirs are treated with a composition of 2.75 g per 1 liter of water, consumption 100 ml/1 m2; for soil, take the same solution in a volume of 50-100 ml/1 m2.

Methods proven over centuries

Wheatgrass weed

In the old days, the most popular method of protection against mosquito bites was a decoction of the roots of the wheatgrass weed.

A glass of crushed rhizomes of the plant is thrown into a liter of water and boiled three times. Then the resulting solution is wiped over the exposed areas of the skin.

This product is completely suitable for children. The wheatgrass plant itself is often used in folk medicine.

Pyrethrum (Caucasian, Dalmatian, Persian chamomile) is also an ancient mosquito repellent. The components contained in the plant (pyrethrin and cinnerin) penetrate the skin of insects, paralyzing them.

Pyrethrum is absolutely harmless to humans. Pyrethrum infusion can be sprayed on animals to prevent the appearance of fleas. If you spread it indoors, you will get rid of mosquitoes for at least a week. And this smell will be pleasant for you.

Mosquito tar

Another universal remedy is tar. The famous “fly in the ointment” can solve a lot of problems if used wisely.

It was she who was part of Vishnevsky’s ointment, which saved thousands of lives of wounded soldiers.

Tar has long been used to repel blood-sucking insects. You can use it directly by adding it to the cream and applying it to the skin, or you can use tar water.

Just a few drops of tar on hot coals made the air sterile and repelled insects. Although the aroma will not be to your taste.

This effect can be achieved by using tinctures with garlic or onions, or valerian. Mosquitoes will not touch you, but the people around you will not be pleased with this aroma.

It is better to choose those scents that are more pleasant to you. These can be essential oils - tea tree oil, citrus oil, cedar oil and so on. They can be applied to the body, thereby improving the condition of the skin. Elderberry leaves as an effective mosquito repellent

You can also wet the cotton wool and leave it near the window or put it next to you. You can use an aroma lamp or add a little oil to the fire to enhance the aroma.

Elderberry, bird cherry, rowan leaves, the smell of cedar, cloves, eucalyptus, anise - they all repel bloodsuckers well.

You can also use tomato leaves. If you plant tomato seedlings near your house, mosquitoes will be reluctant to fly there.

It is enough to throw juniper, pine, or any coniferous cones into the fire and this smell will drive away mosquitoes and prevent them from biting you. It's pleasant and the smell of pine is good for health.

If in the summer after a sleepless night the morning begins with counting mosquito bites, this article should help you get rid of this problem. Find a method that suits you.

Treatment of mosquitoes in a garden, country or household plot

The easiest and most accessible way to get rid of them is to use personal insecticides . This protection option includes treating your skin and all other people who will be on the site. For this purpose, special products with enzymes and components that repel insects are used. One inconvenience in this method is the specific and pungent odor from the insecticide .

An even simpler method for cleaning an area is the use of smoke spirals . They are different. There are some that should only be placed near tents, because they are designed for a small radius of influence. And there are special kits for dachas and country houses. These spirals are capable of repelling swarms of mosquitoes within a radius of 15 m . However, it should be remembered that immediately after the coil burns out, the female mosquitoes immediately begin their attack again.

Grow citronella at home and protect yourself from insects

Did you know that you can protect your home from insects by growing citronella at home.

If mosquitoes often appear in your apartment, you can place pots of citronella on the windowsills. These plants are pleasing to the eye, fill the house with a pleasant aroma, and also repel insects. Isn't it a good combination?

The only thing you shouldn’t forget: with good care, plants can reach 2 meters in height.

If you have pets at home, make sure they do not eat citronella leaves. It may be dangerous.

What will you need?

citronella shoots
enriched soil
drainage
big pot

What should I do?

Citronella shoots should be planted in the spring, as soon as the last frost has passed.
The first step is to pour drainage into the pot. Then - enriched soil that will nourish the plant well.
Finally, make a hole in the ground and plant the citronella. That's all.
This plant needs sunlight. It is sensitive to cold wind and humidity and should be protected from them.
It is recommended to water citronella 2 times a week. As soon as you notice yellow leaves, they should be removed immediately (this may slow down the plant's growth).

After a few months, citronella will fill the house with a pleasant aroma, which in turn will repel flies and mosquitoes.

Methods of protection

The most effective way to avoid their bites is to visit as little as possible those places where mosquitoes especially like to be: areas of lakes, no direct sunlight, swampy forests, the banks of any bodies of water, although mosquitoes feel great in cities and in all corners land.

Therefore, this method is unrealistic. You cannot save yourself from bites even if you sit at home. But it is possible to reduce their number.

Using mosquito repellents

These products are supposed to repel mosquitoes. But in fact, repellents disguise a person, interrupting his smell, making him invisible to a mosquito.

At the same time, all these preparations in the form of ointments, lotions, and aerosols are created using chemical components, which is not very popular in our time, when everyone strives for a healthy lifestyle. And we already have enough chemistry in everyday life.

Their validity period is quite limited, approximately two to three hours. Then the mosquitoes begin their attack again, a blood feast.

The main advantage of these repellents is their ease of use. They can also be purchased inexpensively, usually at any supermarket or pharmacy.

Fumigators

These are devices specially designed to combat mosquitoes. They really scare them away.

They give real results, but have significant disadvantages:

First, they should be plugged in, as they require a lot of heat to atomize the fumigant.
Secondly, you need to be extremely careful when using them. Not all of them are safe for humans. May cause an allergic reaction. Children and pregnant women should not use.
Thirdly, although models have now appeared that are capable of working without sockets, the choice of the composition itself must be approached carefully so as not to harm yourself.

Ultrasound machines

These are the latest developments that are recognized as the most effective and safe. They work based on the emission of an ultraviolet signal. It is tuned to a frequency that helps kill mosquitoes.

Their properties:

They are completely safe and invisible to people and do not harm animals.
There are no harmful or chemical substances present.
No consumables.
The result is immediately visible and, most importantly, tangible.

Disadvantage: small area of action. Individual devices in the form of key fobs have been developed.

Insect killers

This is not just protection from them, but complete disposal of them.

They come in two types: ultraviolet or gas:

Ultraviolet - mainly in the form of lamps. They are used in both indoor and outdoor areas. Their area of action can be up to five hundred square meters.
Gas ones work on a different principle. Using carbon dioxide, it imitates the breathing and temperature of the human body, luring insects; when mosquitoes and other insects fly up, they are sucked inside, where they die under the influence of a strong discharge of current. Ideal for use in dachas, cottages, and recreation areas.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DDxWMR-P_N4%3Ffeature%3Doembed

How to choose and use a product

When choosing a finished mosquito repellent product, pay special attention to the following information on the label:

composition (natural ingredients or synthetic);
concentration of substances;
Hazard Class;
recommendations for application (on clothing and skin or spray);
expiration date (cannot be used after expiration);
contraindications and side effects.

Most synthetic drugs based on DEET are not recommended for use:

children under 3 years old;
pregnant and breastfeeding women;
with increased skin sensitivity;
in case of individual intolerance to the components of the product.

Sprayed products can cause an allergic reaction in the form of weakness, difficulty breathing, inflammation of the mucous membranes. Creams, lotions and emulsions cause rashes and itching on the body as side effects.

If any of these painful manifestations appear, the repellent is immediately washed off the skin, or the person is taken to another room. If symptoms persist for more than 3-4 hours, consult a doctor immediately.

Tired of mosquitoes Use essential oils

Essential oils help prevent health problems without causing any harm to our body.

Here are three of the best essential oils that repel mosquitoes:

Citronella
Geranium
Blue eucalyptus

How to use them?

Mix essential oils with vegetable oil (almond, coconut, jojoba oil) or regular moisturizer and apply the mixture to your skin.
Diffuse essential oils from a diffuser bottle if you want to repel insects from a specific area in your home.
Apply a few drops of essential oil to a handkerchief or scarf that you carry with you.
Mix half and half with water and spray the mixture as often as you like. Shake the bottle before use.

Repeat this procedure until the smell disappears.

Don't forget to use pure, certified oils. We do not advise you to use synthetic oils without consulting your physician.

Essential oils

The scents of many essential oils are used to repel mosquitoes, midges and other blood-sucking insects. The most effective essential oils in the fight against midges are the following:

geranium;
lavender;
mint;
eucalyptus;
citronella;
carnation;
rosemary;
thyme;
basil and others.

Natural repellents are widely used to protect babies under one year of age from insects. Apply drops of oil to the child's skin and rub lightly. Oils also have a calming effect on insect bites. To get rid of mosquitoes indoors, you can light an aroma lamp with essential oil.

Fishing and mosquitoes

Fishing lovers are especially looking forward to the summer. Winter fishing, of course, also exists, but in summer it is certainly more enjoyable.

The only negative feeling can come from mosquitoes. There are always quite a lot of them flying around the water, distracting you from your serious and favorite business.

What can save you when fishing:

Firstly, an ultrasonic repeller. It's universal. The fact that the range is small is not a hindrance when fishing. You will only protect yourself, and when you are in a boat there is no need for a large radius, and you can turn it off when it is not needed. After all, in direct sunlight, mosquitoes do not like to fly, and if the wind has risen, mosquitoes are not afraid of you.
Secondly, tobacco lovers, there is finally a benefit to your bad habit. You can get rid of mosquitoes thanks to tobacco smoke, but your health, unfortunately, will not get better.
Thirdly, there are folk methods, of which there are quite a lot and you can choose to your liking.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=q7WokG_Vy0w%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Mosquito repellers

Perhaps mosquitoes, bedbugs, midges are one of the most malicious enemies of humans. Despite their humanity, the owners of country houses and city apartments try to destroy any blood-sucking pests as quickly as possible. A mosquito repeller or mosquito killer will help you get rid of insects forever. The principle of operation of the device is simple - the study of ultrasonic waves at a certain frequency. A person does not hear sounds, but if he heard them, they are comparable to the roar of an airplane turbine - this is how ultrasound affects mosquitoes, so the effectiveness of the device reaches 100%.

The mosquito killer completely rids buildings and areas of bloodsuckers, eliminating the problem forever.

Advantages of the EcoSniper device:

Can be installed indoors or outdoors. The models do not take up much space, are easy to use and will help you relax in the open air without annoying buzzing.
No addiction. The EcoSniper mosquito killer emits waves at different frequencies, therefore completely eliminating the possibility of insects adapting.
Variety of options. The manufacturer offers mobile devices of different sizes. Compact wrist modules will scare away mosquitoes at the dacha while cultivating the soil, planting plants, and will not interfere with jogging or fishing.
Safety. The absence of chemicals, insecticides, and other compounds allows the repeller to be used in rooms where there are children, pets, people with respiratory diseases, etc.
Versatility. Ultrasound affects the entire flock of blood-sucking insects, regardless of weather conditions and the degree of their development. Unlike any other device, the mosquito killer has a truly unique ability - it eliminates the threat forever.

To repel mosquitoes at the dacha, EcoSniper is turned on for a certain period of time, then launched in preventive mode. The device is used wherever you need to get rid of mosquitoes - in an apartment, house, tent, in an open picnic area, next to a river or lake. The mosquito killer performs its functions properly, providing peace and convenience. The main thing is that this device is safe for humans, pets and plants, which will cost much less than professional treatment with insecticides, and will last a very long time. To choose a desktop or mobile device, call us. An experienced manager will help you choose a mosquito repeller based on the user’s individual requirements and preferences.

Conclusion

Mosquito repellents are used for individual and collective protection. The first are represented by aerosols, sprays, creams, pencils. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of repellent for individual use depends on personal preferences and financial capabilities. A mosquito repellent bracelet is often used to protect young children.

The best means for collective protection outdoors are coils or candles. You can also use ultrasonic devices or special trap lamps. There are models approved for indoor use. Another way to control mosquitoes in rooms is with electric fumigators.

Which repellent is best to buy?

The action of insect repellents is based on chemicals of synthetic or natural origin.

The duration of action of the drug depends on its type and composition:

The most effective and long-lasting repellents are those based on the powerful pesticide DEET. Products containing it are not recommended for children.
Benzoylpiperidine, carboxide and oxamate are less toxic, but also retain their properties for 6-8 hours.

For children and people prone to allergies, it is better to pay attention to natural-based products. They usually include essential oils of lavender, thyme, clove, citrus, elderberry and geranium.

They have a repellent effect on insects, but are safe for human health. The effect of natural repellents lasts no more than 2-3 hours.

The effect of contact repellents occurs when the insect interacts with the composition. Olfactory formulas affect the sense of smell of insects and repel them from a distance.

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