With the heat, mosquitoes come to our homes. The persistent buzzing of these and the annoying itching caused by their bites, make sleeping soundly a dangerous subject. Avoiding these annoyances and fighting them is in our hands; we should only use the suitable anti-mosquito solutions.
What are those solutions? From time to time, new ways appear to win the battle against mosquitoes. Biological and biochemical repellants have been the most popular for years. However, today there are more modern formats such as electric mosquitoes, that do not require chemicals.
Mosquito bites
The humidity, the heat and high temperatures favor the appearance of mosquitoes. In coastal areas, mountainous areas and in those places with rivers and stagnant waters they are more numerous, but we can also find them in large cities. They become a problem during the summer, especially for those who develop some kind of allergic reaction to their bites.
Mosquitoes don't bite everyone equally, they are selective! There are always those who suffer their bites every summer and those who are saved from them. The main consequences of the sting they are swelling, itching, and pain. However, they do not affect everyone equally, and the symptoms of a reaction to the sting can be summarized in three cases:
- Normal reaction: During the 48 hours after the bite they appear small swellings that disappear by themselves, without the need to be treated.
- Allergic reaction: Hives, bruises and swelling throat are some of the symptoms. It is common for large areas of itching to appear as well.
- Illness: The bites cause symptoms such as headaches, fever, rashes, nausea, body aches and fatigue that make us go to the doctor.
Given the symptoms that bites can cause, the most sensible thing to do is to prevent them using a combination of mosquito nets and insecticides; one of the most effective measures in the prevention of mosquito bites.
Types of mosquitoes
Biological repellants such as DEET and biochemicals such as citronella, citrodiol or vanillin, have been the most used for decades. Researchers, however, have not stopped develop new ways to fight the mosquitoes. More effective and ecological ways such as electric mosquitoes.
Skin repellants
Skin repellants are those that are applied to the skin. Although there is some fear of the possible negative consequences of the use of this component in the body, allergic reactions are not usually very frequent. The most effective among skin repellants are DEET and picaridin. At lower concentrations, picaridin is more effective, however, it usually offers a shorter protection time than DEET. Another advantage of pyridine over DEET is that the former is that it does not degrade plastics or nylon.
Vaporized mosquitoes
Vaporized mosquitoes have been a part of our homes for decades. Liquid or pill, decrease the chances of a mosquito bite. They are not as effective as the repellants mentioned above and there is increasing resistance to them, but they are still the most popular.
The tablets are effective in small rooms, where they last for approximately twelve hours. Those of liquid format have a more prolonged action; can last up to 45 nights, keeping it on for ten hours every day. They also offer us another advantage: they do not require direct contact with the insecticide.
It's solutions are comfortable and relatively effectiveHowever, it is not recommended to use them in places with poor ventilation, or near people who have respiratory problems or allergies that affect the respiratory tract.
Electric mosquitoes
Electric mosquitoes have been the last to arrive. Connected to electrical current, they attract mosquitoes using ultraviolet light and / or by imitating the stimuli that attract them to us. Once trapped, mosquitoes are killed by electric shocks. In the market it is possible to find a wide variety of electric anti-mosquitoes that differ in size, radius of action and insect elimination system.
The advantage of electric mosquitoes compared to vaporized ones is that do not require chemicals to kill mosquitoes. They are therefore suitable for homes with babies, children or pets. In addition, many of the models can be used both indoors and outdoors, being able to protect our garden as well.
Other anti-mosquito remedies
There are other solutions to keep our mosquito-free homes. Combining certain hygiene guidelines at home with some of the anti-mosquito solutions is in fact the key to protecting ourselves from their presence. We give you some keys:
- Remove those containers that can accumulate water and thus you will eliminate possible mosquito breeding sites.
- Cover garbage cans and do not leave cutlery or dishes unwashed.
- Treat your pets for fleas and ticks and keep them clean.
- Put mosquito nets on the windows. To prevent the passage of mosquitoes, the pore of the mosquito nets must be 1,2 mm x 1,2 mm.