Every summer, the same merciless war takes place. Mosquitoes are back, buzz in the ears, disturbing our sleep already weakened by the heat, and devour our skin, leaving in the process visible and unbearable itching. To avoid their inopportune visit, the best advice remains that of prevention: no mosquitoes, no sting. By emptying all the containers containing water once a week (cans, vases, cache-pots, buckets, etc.), the damage is already greatly limited, since these long-legged insects naturally lay their eggs in stagnant water.
Other personal protection tips may be helpful. But be careful not to get tricked. Some old-fashioned advice is actually not (or not very) effective, just as many technologies sold as eradicators do not prevent mosquitoes from attacking at all. For Releaseentomologists Guillaume Lacour, scientific manager of Altopictus, vector control operator for several regional health agencies, and Michel Collin, head of the entomology study office in Morbihan, disentangle the true from the false of anti- mosquitoes.
Wear bright clothes, but not only
Yes, light colored clothes keep mosquitoes away. This is the case for white, but also for certain shades of blue, green and purple. “It has been scientifically proven, emphasizes Guillaume Lacour. These insects prefer to land on dark clothing. But it is also essential to wear long and loose clothes. “If the fabric is stuck to the body, you are more likely to be pricked through,” specifies the Montpellier entomologist. Michel Collin also advises hikers to cover up “the lower limbs, especially the ankles”. “In the lateral position, as when sleeping, the upper limbs are more affected”, notes, however, the specialist. But if it turns out to be more complicated, especially in summer, to hide your neck and wrists.
Turn off the lights, it depends on the species
Light has no effect on the aggressiveness of common mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti, Anopheles, Culex…), because these insects are nocturnal: they feed at night and rest during the day. But to fight against the presence of tiger mosquitoesturning off the lights can have a beneficial effect. “They are not attracted to light, but they may consider that night has not fallen, and therefore continue their cycle of activity”, says Guillaume Lacour. It is therefore recommended to use bulbs whose tint is more yellow than white, because the light rays are less perceptible.
Install a mosquito net, if you are not lazy
The mosquito net is very effective in preventing penetration into houses. “We associate it a lot with tropical countries, but it is also very useful in Europe”, believes the head of Altopictus. Problem: its installation often requires work if you want to place it in front of a window. In hot countries, we favor simple veils that we hang above the bed and which allow us to stay under a bell.
Bringing a repellent spray and plug is not bad
“The wall socket continuously diffuses a mosquito repellent and lasts several dozen nights”, explains Michel Collin. For Guillaume Lacour, it is essentially effective against “nocturnal mosquitoes, which are already resting inside houses”. However, pay attention to the products contained inside. The most famous, and recommended by the WHO, is DEET. Ditto for sprays, whose insecticide is applied directly to the skin. “There are also precautions for use to be taken according to the public, especially for young children and pregnant women. Outdoors, you should also not mix the repellent product with sunscreen. recalls Guillaume Lacour.
Lemongrass essential oil, a myth
Touted as an unstoppable trick, it has no effect. During his experiments, Michel Collin deposited mosquitoes in bottles filled with citronella for two days. Results : “They were still alive,” assures the entomologist. For his part, Guillaume Lacour is ironic about “advice from grandmothers who were not confronted” to the problem of our “era”, that of the tiger mosquito, “became the first domestic animal of man” and completely insensitive to lemongrass.
Bracelets and ultrasonic watches, big scam
One word: run away. This will save you from losing money. “The repellent needs to be smeared on a surface or send a molecule into the atmosphere to be effective, attests Guillaume Lacour. If a watch has shimmering colors, it can even attract mosquitoes! As for watches that work with ultrasound, they have been tested by several laboratories and have no effectiveness.
And otherwise ?
Here, to finish, are our last tips for spending a hassle-free summer: get an electric snowshoe, more effective than our hands (not so good at killing mosquitoes), and turn on the fan, indoors but also outdoors. , especially under the table when eating outside, the air flow disturbing the flight of insects.