Many protect themselves against mosquitoes with bug spray. But you should be careful when buying, as many products have extreme side effects.
- Do you swear by your well-known mosquito repellent? It is worth taking a look at the ingredients: some substances can be dangerous not only to animals.
- Allergic skin reactions are also possible, as in the case of the ingredient DEET.
- You can find out how to protect yourself against mosquitoes * without resorting to chemicals here.
Antibrumm and Autan: Two of the best-known products that are used against mosquitoes and ticks. Simply spray on the bare skin and unloved mosquitoes stay away. The fact is: some mosquitoes such as the Asian tiger mosquito and ticks can transmit diseases, which is why humans should protect themselves against them. But not only chemistry helps to defend against the nuisances .
As effective as products with ingredients like DEET and Icaridin are, they also have undesirable side effects .
More about diseases that are transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes: Dangerous Zika virus now also in Europe and tick summer is approaching: where you have to be extra careful .
Icaridin and DEET are harmful to aquatic organisms - allergic reactions are also possible
The skin spray of Nobite and Antibrumm Forte are two examples of mosquito sprays containing DEET . The active ingredient is insect repellent because it puts a protective scented coat on the skin. The substance was originally developed by the US Army to protect soldiers from mosquitoes, as reported by the North German Broadcasting Corporation. It is a chemical that requires authorization and can damage organisms. Many bug sprays are subject to regulatory approval, which means that they are tested by state authorities and the customer can find warning and dosage information on the packaging. The problem with DEET : It is water-soluble and harms aquatic organisms - not only if it gets into the lake by swimming. It can also get into the water cycle through showering and thus into sewage treatment plants, where it cannot be completely filtered out. In addition, allergic skin reactions from contact with DEET are possible.
Sleep soundly again - with the right mosquito net
Tired of hunting mosquitoes at night? Then try the Aerb mosquito net, which makes every bed insect-proof (promotional link).
Another problematic ingredient in bug sprays is icaridin . It is contained in Autan Protection Plus or Mosquito protect tick protection spray . Icaridin is suspected of harming aquatic organisms and even decimating mosquitoes' natural enemies such as amphibians. The Naturschutzbund denounces that approval tests for products with Icaridin are incomplete.
Another shortcoming of many insect sprays that require approval: Dosage instructions and warnings are often only hidden - or not at all on the packaging. With some preparations, consumers have to laboriously peel off the film on the back of the product in order to get the information they want, as the consumer magazine Markt reported. Fatal, especially because the products can only be used safely if the recommended dosage is followed.
Also read: Wasps are attacking again : with this ingenious trick you can keep the scavengers away .
In the video: Getting rid of mosquitoes successfully
Would you like to do without chemicals in the fight against mosquitoes? Then you should know the following tools and tips
This is how you can keep mosquitoes at bay without Autan and Co.
- Use a fan : This ensures that mosquitoes no longer perceive the smell of humans so intensely and are therefore not even attracted.
- Take a shower more often : Human sweat attracts mosquitoes, so you should take a quick shower before sleeping or before the party, as reported by the NDR.
- Choosing the right clothing : light colors and thick fabrics are not very attractive to mosquitoes.
- Avoid lakes and rivers at dusk : when it gets cooler, mosquitoes swarm especially in these places.
(jg) * Merkur.de is part of the Germany-wide Ippen-Digital editorial network .
Read more : Home Remedies For Mosquito Bites And How Not To Get Bitten.