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Effective protection against mosquitoes
by Dr. med. Dirk Englisch, MD
130 of the approximately 1,500 species of mosquitoes bite – though only the females do so – as they require the protein components of blood for egg production. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting diseases (malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and many more), causing diseases directly (e.g. myiasis), or are simply regarded as pests due to their presence.
In principle, the following preventive strategies against mosquitoes are possible:
1. Personal repellents:
1.1. Skin lotions containing chemical active ingredients that keep mosquitoes at bay for a limited time.
There are two main synthetic active ingredients: Bayrepel (hydroxyethyl isobutyl piperidine carboxylate) and DEET (diethyltoluamide). DEET can cause skin irritation and, in some cases, even nervous system disorders, particularly with prolonged use, whilst Bayrepel is significantly better tolerated. DEET should not be used on infants and young children.
As the active duration ranges from 2 (depending on how much you sweat!) to 4 hours, applying it too frequently is pointless.
Repellents can reduce the effectiveness of sun cream when used at the same time (use combination products).
1.2. Essential oils as active ingredients (e.g. eucalyptus, lemon balm, cloves) often merely give the false impression of being ‘purely plant-based’ and well-tolerated. In several test series, allergic skin reactions involving pustules and itching – including in combination with UV light – and, in some cases, a strong unpleasant odour were observed. Furthermore, these products are either completely ineffective or only effective for a very short period (< 1 hour). Their use is therefore not recommended.
2. Biocide vaporisers / incense coils
Effective devices disperse an insecticide as the active ingredient, meaning that sensitive individuals must expect irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. They should only be used in the event of a massive infestation of disease-carrying mosquitoes (the effect only sets in about 1 hour after ignition!). As a general rule, long-term, continuous use should be avoided.
3. Ultrasonic devices
Mosquitoes are not deterred in the slightest by the high-frequency sounds produced by these devices.
Repellents containing synthetic active ingredients and, subject to the above restrictions, biocide vaporisers therefore provide the most effective protection against mosquitoes.
‘HABARI’ newsletter – Issue 1, 2009 (online version no longer available)