Mosquitoes like warm and humid environments, standing water, are well adapted to urban environments, carbon dioxide, heat and human odors can also attract them. These preferences mean that the presence and activity of the different species of mosquitoes vary depending on the region, time of year, temperature and humidity, time of day and other particularities of the location and the characteristics and habits of each person, for example. There are several measures that help keep mosquitoes as far away as possible , both to avoid hearing their irritating buzzing, which is due to the movements of their wings, and, most importantly, to avoid bites. Bites can be painful, cause variable reactions and, depending on the region and species of mosquito, transmit microorganisms that cause various diseases. Those measures include: Personal protection Indoor environment protection Outdoor environment protection Knowing whether there are mosquitoes in the area where you are, understanding individual characteristics and using common sense is all you need to decide on the best measures to be adopted. Personal protection Repellents Mosquito repellents for skin application can have several active ingredients, in different concentrations , as well as different presentations, for example, in spray, roll-on and cream. Repellent-impregnated bracelets are also available for adults and children. The active ingredients in repellents include, for example, diethyltoluamide or DEET, icaridin, IR 3535 and natural oils of citronella, eucalyptus, cedar, among others. Before using a repellent, whether for personal use or to protect the environment, always read carefully the product information. Personal use repellents for application to the skin: Must always be used according to the instructions given in the product information , without forgetting the age group for which they are intended, the interval between applications and other particularities. For most products : Application is on exposed skin areas and, if necessary, to clothing. They should not be applied: Close to the eyes, mouth and nostrils; In children's hands, because they may inadvertently touch their eyes, nostrils or mouth; On irritated, abraded skin or skin with a cut or injury; On skin that is covered by clothing. When you intend to use sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and then the mosquito repellent. Activities that involve wetting the areas where repellent is applied or perspiration which leave the skin wet, may require more frequent reapplications, always in accordance with the product information. When using repellent very intensively, you should not go to bed without first thoroughly washing the areas where it was applied. Washing your hands thoroughly after applying repellent, not pointing a spray directly at your face to apply it and not leaving these products within reach of children are among other precautions to be taken. Clothing Especially when outdoors, the following should be preferred: Light-colored clothing that covers most of the body, such as long pants or skirts and long-sleeved shirts; Loose clothing, when it comes to thin fabrics through which mosquitoes can bite; Closed shoes and socks; Hat, cap or headscarf. Personal hygiene Maintain good hygiene practices and reinforce them whenever necessary, for example when sweating heavily, to avoid odors that may attract mosquitoes. Avoid using perfumes and personal hygiene products with strong, sweet odors. Behavior Avoid: Be outdoors during the peak hours of mosquito activity, such as dusk and dawn for species that are attracted to changes in light, temperature and humidity. Eating meals outdoors in areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes. Walking or staying near humid areas, with standing water or watercourses. Indoor environment protection The indoor protection is done with repellents, physical measures and cleaning care . There are 2 main types of insect repellents commonly used inside homes: Electric ones, with liquid or tablets; Sprays to be applied in closed rooms, where people and animals cannot remain for some time after application. Use screens on windows and doors leading to outside access or keep them closed, especially at dusk and dawn. Use fans or air conditioning to keep the environment cooler and provide protection because insects are kept away from the wind. Do not leave lights on and windows and doors open if they do not have screens. Use mosquito nets to protect beds. Do not leave food uncovered, including pet food. Pay particular attention to ripe fruit. Do not leave containers with water uncovered. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or food scraps accessible. Keep the trash can tightly covered and empty it more frequently, especially when the weather is hot. Outdoor environment protection Eliminate water that accumulates in flower vases, buckets, puddles, door and window gutters and other places. Animal waterers, water tanks, swimming pools and other areas with standing water need to be covered or treated as appropriate. Some plants that are natural repellents can be used to help keep mosquitoes away. When eating outdoors, keep food and drinks covered whenever possible and use candles or other devices with natural repellents to help keep mosquitoes away during meals. Do not leave rubbish and debris near homes or uncovered. In more critical areas, the treatment of buildings and environment with specific products is possible and is usually carried out by professionals. Some diseases transmitted by mosquitoes In addition to the discomfort caused by their presence and bites, mosquitoes can be vectors and transmit microorganisms – bacteria, parasites and viruses – responsible for various diseases . Some examples are: Chikungunya Dengue Japanese encephalitis Yellow fever Malaria Zika Also find out what to do if you are bitten or stung by insects . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
