Key Points at a Glance
- Insect bites are one of the more unpleasant side effects of the warmer months.
- Some years there are countless numbers of these pests, especially when it's warm and humid in the spring and summer.
- These bloodsuckers can be really annoying—not just outside, but inside, too.
- That leaves us with the question: What effectively protects us from insect bites?
When mosquitoes attack, it’s not without consequences. While we barely notice the insects during the day—only feeling the effects of their visit on our skin afterward—the high-pitched buzzing with which these pests announce their arrival at night robs us of our sleep and drives us mad. The quest to effectively protect ourselves against the bites and the ensuing, often unbearable itching is probably as old as humanity itself. The question remains: what actually helps?
Insect screens perform relatively well
The relevant products from the insect repellent line—such as those from Anti Brumm, Phytopharma, Puressentiell, and Sensolar—generally work quite well. However, regular use is only recommended if you’re actually out in nature. These sprays and creams should not be used at home, as they can cause allergic reactions. Eye irritation is also a possible side effect.
Anyone traveling to areas where there is a risk of malaria should make sure that the product contains the active ingredient diethyltoluamide (DEET). In Central Europe, it is sufficient for the cream or spray to contain the active ingredient icaridin.
Wearing the right clothing to protect against insects is crucial
Even when it’s hot, long clothing provides good protection against bloodthirsty insects. However, the fabric is key. Thinner materials—and even jeans—are no barrier to these bloodthirsty pests. The denser the weave, the better. It’s also a known fact that dark clothing generally offers less protection than light-colored clothing. Why this is the case, however, remains unclear to this day.
What many people probably don't know: Mosquitoes are attracted to socks—specifically, worn ones. That’s because a lot of sweat builds up there during the day, which breaks down into butyric acid and ammonium. So changing your socks and washing your feet are definitely options—though on a balmy summer evening on the balcony, you’d probably rather go barefoot anyway, right?
Essential oils and nutrition can help relieve insect bites
We all have that grandmother or aunt who knew a home remedy for just about everything. You often read that essential oils made from mint, lemon, or lavender can help with insect bites, but is that really true? The German Wildlife Foundation is skeptical—though the scents might keep a mosquito or two at bay. The downside: The scents evaporate quickly, so in theory, you’d have to reapply the oil to your skin every quarter hour.
Our diet also plays a role in whether or not we magically attract these biting six-legged creatures. For example, when outdoors, you should try to avoid eating rice, since this food causes your body to release more carbon dioxide through your breath and pores. For mosquitoes, this is like an invitation to a feast. Cabbage, on the other hand, acts as a deterrent, according to the German Wildlife Foundation. The problem is that cabbage doesn’t really make you feel comfortable in hot weather.
Otherwise, you should install fly screens with very fine mesh on the windows and bring mosquito nets with you to the beach or lake. There are also fine-mesh nets available for strollers that can be easily attached to the stroller.
