Chemical or natural repellent, there are many methods to get rid of mosquitoes. Discover our best anti-mosquito tips to spend a peaceful summer.

Mosquitoes’ favorite places

Mosquitoes are widespread throughout France, but there are places that they prefer! Most of the time, they live near a water source, for the good reason that mosquitoes lay their eggs in water or on the surface of water. This is why they prefer fresh water to salt water, but also stagnant water. Beware of mosquitoes if you live near a pond, a pool or a river arm. But they can also settle near an empty flowerpot filled with water, or any other container with stagnant water. You should also know that the climate plays an important role in the presence of mosquitoes in your garden or your home. They like heat, but also humidity. This is why we see so many of them in spring and summer.

Do you know the difference between a mosquito and a tiger mosquito?

There are no less than 3,500 species of mosquitoes, of which 67 species are present in France and 105 in Europe. In France, only 15 species bite humans. The best known are the common mosquito and the tiger mosquito. The former, less dangerous, is the most widespread in France. Its size varies between 3 and 9 mm. Its distinctive feature: it has only one pair of wings. The tiger mosquito is easily recognizable thanks to its black and white stripes on its body, but also on its legs. It measures between 5 and 10 mm. You will find it mainly during the day, it does not bite at night.

Tips to relieve a mosquito bite

In most cases, mosquito bites are benign. Most often, they cause a small, red bump, of varying size, that itches. If you are a victim of this flying insect, don’t worry, there are many effective remedies to relieve scratching. You can find ointments or homeopathic remedies in pharmacies. If you are a fan of natural solutions, here are some equally effective tips:

  • Pass a cotton ball soaked in wine or cider vinegar directly over the bite.
  • Massage the area bitten by the mosquito with lavender essential oil diluted in vegetable oil.
  • Rub plantain leaves on the bite, a natural antihistamine.

Which mosquitoes can be dangerous? (And it’s not just tiger mosquitoes)

While mosquito bites usually only itch for a few days, certain bites can cause allergies and even transmit more serious diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever or even malaria. Some mosquitoes are more dangerous than others. Here are the ones to watch out for in France:
  • Mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, including the tiger mosquito, capable of transmitting dengue and chikungunya.
  • Anopheles, of which there are about sixty species out of the 400 known, are vectors of malaria. Find the map of their presence in France .
  • Culex, capable of transmitting the West Nile virus. Here is the map of its presence in France.

Although cases of disease transmission are rare in France, mosquitoes are responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide, far more than snakes or sharks.

Is a mosquito net really effective as a barrier against mosquito bites?

The mosquito net is THE most effective solution to fight mosquitoes. Unlike chemical or natural repellents, the mosquito net has the advantage of being guaranteed without side effects. Place it over adult beds, but also and above all, over baby cots. After checking that there are no enemies inside, close it and spend a peaceful night. You can also make your own mosquito net with a few pieces of wood and mosquito netting fabric. It is also possible to install mosquito nets directly on the windows. A 100% effective solution.

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