This anti-mosquito guide will allow you to discover all the secrets of this insect in order to avoid unpleasant bites and protect your home.

Mosquito is called: young in Thai

« If you know your enemies and you know yourself, a thousand battles will not be able to defeat you. »
Sun Tzu – The Art of War

Description

Mosquitoes are feared dipteran insects known for their itchy bites.

There are more than 3,000 different species of mosquitoes worldwide, all belonging to the Culicidae family.

Better understand the mosquito

The biological cycle

The mosquito develops from an aquatic larva before metamorphosing to perform its adult phase in the aerial environment.

The aquatic larval phase explains the strong presence of mosquitoes near rivers, ponds, and marshes.

In most mosquito species, the larva feeds on microscopic algae from plankton; a few species have a predatory larva that feeds on other insect larvae.

Once adult, the mosquito feeds exclusively on nectar from various flowers. Contrary to popular belief, it does not feed on blood.

The mosquito bite is performed only by a fertilized female, and is not intended for her food, but for the maturation of eggs before laying.

It should be noted that some rare species of mosquitoes do not need blood for their maturation, and therefore do not bite.

There is a wide variety of behaviors depending on the species. Some will attack humans, others cattle, birds or reptiles.

It is often said that mosquitoes only bite at night, in truth, there are diurnal species, others nocturnal or crepuscular.

The idea that mosquitoes only bite at night probably comes from the fact that the most widespread species in Europe belong to the genera Culex and Aedes, which have nocturnal habits.

Lifespan of adult mosquitoes

Adult mosquitoes have a lifespan of 2 to 3 weeks for males and 1 to 6 months for overwintering females.

Lifespan of mosquito eggs

Several dry years for certain species of the genus Aedes.

The “tiger mosquito” has thus colonized the 5 continents in about twenty years.

Today considered the invasive species par excellence, the eggs of Aedes albopictus have been transported around the world, particularly in tire containers.

Duration of larval development

From 3 days to several months depending on the species.

Some larvae survive in frozen water, encased in ice.

Diseases transmitted by mosquito bites

Mosquitoes are vectors of serious diseases, the main ones being:

Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites.

It is only present in Thailand in very limited areas, forests and borders.

The vast majority of the country, made up of plains and rice fields, is spared.

In areas affected by malaria, there is a risk of transmission only at night.

Dengue fever

Dengue is an endemic disease in Thailand.

A dengue epidemic is currently raging throughout the country, particularly in the north and center.

The disease is spread by the bite of a mosquito, active during the day, so it is necessary to respect the usual protective measures (long clothing, anti-mosquito products to be used on the skin and on clothing, electric diffusers).

Dengue fever can take a potentially serious form, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in case of fever (taking aspirin is not recommended.)

There is a natural method for healing, see our articles:

Dengue fever can be treated with papaya leaf juice!

The Papaya tree and its fruit, papaya, use and medicinal properties

Japanese encephalitis

This disease, which exists only in Asia, is transmitted by mosquitoes in rural areas.

Fortunately, very few cases are recorded in Thailand, but the risk is present.

The Japanese encephalitis virus is transmitted by the bite of the Culex tritaeniorhynchusa mosquito, a mosquito that bites only in the evening (at nightfall and throughout the night).

Its bite is painful and therefore not unnoticed.

Cities are generally spared and the transmission of the disease is maximal in rural areas where mosquitoes swarm, especially during the rainy season or monsoon.

Chikungunya

Viral disease transmitted by bites from Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day.

It is responsible for a high fever accompanied by intense joint pain (in Swahili: chikungunya = "to walk bent").

There is no vaccination or specific treatment.

A doctor should however be consulted.

Only measures to protect against mosquito bites can protect the traveler.

Papaya leaf juice could help according to a Mauritian herbalist, see link above.

Zika virus

It's the "fashionable" disease, very media-friendly, but Zika has existed for years in Thailand and generally only causes symptoms of a mild flu.

We must pay attention to the alarming figures given by the press, make the difference for example between pregnant women who "would be contaminated" by the Zika virus and those very rare ones, who give birth to a microcephalic baby because of Zika.

To date, the only country that has experienced an incredible increase in microcephaly that is "due to Zika" is Brazil.

The cases of microcephaly discovered in the USA and Europe come from people who contracted the disease in South America, but the media strangely refrain from saying which country in South America it is.

As there has been only one affected country, Brazil, it is very likely that these cases also come from there.

And the areas where there has been a very high number of microcephaly are, according to Brazilian doctors, areas where an insecticide has been added to the tap water.

But according to the WHO, it is a coincidence, because this insecticide, which is to my knowledge the only insecticide given to drink to an entire population, is harmless.

The WHO, which is behind the introduction of this insecticide into the daily drinking water of these Brazilians, claims that pyriproxyfen only blocks the development of mosquito larvae, not human fetuses…

The role of mosquitoes in the environment

Because nothing is all black, the mosquito does not only have bad sides.

With its diet consisting of nectar, the mosquito is one of the agents of plant pollination like the bee and the butterfly.

Mosquito larvae are a source of food for certain fish, particularly gouramis and fighters (Betta splendens) which particularly appreciate them.

Once adults, they are also consumed by various insectivorous animals such as birds, amphibians, bats…

Species of mosquitoes that are vectors of diseases are already evolving in urban areas, and are therefore not useful for pollination or water purification.

Intervening on these species does not therefore pose risks to ecosystems.

Why do mosquito bites itch?

The mosquito bite is most often painless, but once completed, you gradually feel itching that can be very unpleasant.

This itching is in fact an allergic reaction of the skin to an anticoagulant compound injected by the mosquito's proboscis during the bite.

As with any allergen, the importance of the reaction differs from person to person, but also depending on the species of mosquito responsible for the bite.

In extremely rare cases, the allergic reaction can even lead to anaphylactic shock, requiring emergency treatment.

As for people who say they never get bitten, it is very likely that they are bitten, but are insensitive to the allergen, hence an absence of a button.

Protecting oneself from mosquitoes

Prevention through diet

Western food (potatoes, bread, with too much salt and sugar) contributes to a high secretion of lactic acid that attracts mosquitoes.

Certain foods like garlic, onions, peppers, basil, often used in Thai cuisine, give off a body odor that mosquitoes dislike, but it's not foolproof.

For example, if you consume raw garlic, your body will give off odors that mosquitoes dislike, if you're with other people who don't eat raw garlic, you'll be the least appetizing and they'll attack the others, but if you're alone, they'll bite you.

Studies published in the Nature Magazine of the University of California explain that the mosquito also avoids the smells of a certain chemical (3-octanol) found in bananas, grapes and strawberries.

Personally, I like to eat raw garlic with my food and I had a Laotian girlfriend, who didn't eat raw garlic, and who asked me one day why mosquitoes only bit her when we were together.

Vitamin B12 against mosquitoes

A few years ago, it was said that consuming vitamin B1 could protect against mosquitoes, I had tried like many others without too much success.

But today, there are some testimonies from people who take vitamin B12 or a vitamin B complex with B12 and claim to have results.

Vitamin B12 would give your body an odor that repels mosquitoes.

You can find vitamin B12 on Amazon here

Commercial mosquito repellents

There are various anti-mosquito products on the market: aerosols, diffusers, candles, ultrasonic devices…

These products often contain synthetic chemicals and/or consume energy.

Mosquito net: the best solution for a peaceful sleep, some hotels have them, but most rely on air conditioning:

Fans and air conditioning

Repellents with DEET:

Warning, there are contraindications:

DEET is dangerous at high concentrations (risk of irritation or poisoning).

There is an alternative: repellent aerosols based on essential oils.

Coils

Aerosol insecticide: disadvantages: sometimes toxic (leave to act for 1 hour before re-entering the room)

Insecticidal substances, for aerosols as well as for diffusers, are often synthetic pyrethroids (pyrethrin, transfluthrin, permethrin…).

Synthetic pyrethroids are harmful if inhaled or if they come into contact with the skin.

Another insecticidal substance, fortunately less used, is dichlorvos, which is classified as a possible human carcinogen.

Dichlorvos is actually banned in France since the end of 2008.

Electric diffusers: plugged into a power outlet, they diffuse insecticidal substances in the room.

Refills are made in the form of tablets or vials of liquid.

They are sometimes only adapted to receive refills of the same brand, the customer is thus "loyalized" by force.

Ultrasonic devices: their effectiveness remains to be proven.

In addition, they can disrupt other animals such as bats (which also feed on mosquitoes), dogs, cats and certain birds.

Mosquito candles: often used outdoors, these are scented candles, most often citronella.

The effectiveness of these candles is still not enormous, but the smell has the merit of being pleasant!

If used indoors, a candle must be kept away from flammable objects.

However, be careful, today candles are mostly made of paraffin, a petroleum derivative that is not necessarily ideal for health.

Also, be aware that mosquito repellent candles often contain insecticides!

It is possible to make some yourself by adding essential oil of lemon eucalyptus, geranium or lavender when making a candle.

Mosquito protection using plants

Essential oils

A mixture of alcohol, water and a few drops of one of the essential oils mentioned above allows the confection of a preventive friction lotion.

Essential oil is soluble in alcohol, not in water, so you need to pour the drops of essential oil into the alcohol and mix vigorously before adding water.

Essential oils can be dangerous if used improperly, read the precautions for use.

Lamiaceae: the usefulness of Lamiaceae as a repellent for various species of insects is well known.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, there are several solutions.

Lemon balm is certainly the most effective, but it tends to proliferate, which can be a problem in a garden.

Lemon balm: lemon balm is a kind of mint with a lemongrass scent.

Planting lemon balm near openings (doors, windows) acts as a repellent for mosquitoes and various other insects.

Its essential oil, although less effective than that of the true citronella, also acts to prevent bites.

Lemon balm has the advantage of being able to be grown in cold climates (Northern Europe and mountains) while citronella is afraid of frost.

Lemon thyme: lemon thyme is a variety of thyme that smells good like lemon.

It grows even in winter, and is perfectly adapted to the French climate.

Putting a pot in a house can help avoid mosquitoes.

Small-leaved basil: small-leaved basil (is different from the one used in cooking) is recognized as effective in driving away many diptera, especially flies.

Its strong smell would also repel mosquitoes.

Geraniums : plants of the genera Geranium and Pelargonium (also called geraniums in horticulture) produce essential oils that do not mix well with mosquitoes: one drop of this essence on the pillowcase is often enough to make it not pass again at night.

Houses where these plants grow on the windowsills are, it seems, never touched by mosquitoes.

Citronella geranium (Pelargonium citrosa): seems to be the most effective variety against mosquitoes.

Pyrethrum : very effective against many insects.

Other mosquito repellents

* Empty (at least once a week) the saucers under pots, small watering cans, watering cans, and other containers that can contribute to the formation of small deposits of water, watering or rain, in which tens of thousands of mosquitoes can develop in a few days.

* Check that water does not stagnate in the gutters.

* Place copper wires (electrical wire without plastic sheath) or a copper coin under flower pots and in small containers.

This metal in water causes high mortality of larvae and doubles the reproduction time.

* Cover tightly containers that cannot be emptied.

How to treat a mosquito bite?

Different ways to stop itching caused by a mosquito bite.

1- Use an anti-venom pump : to suck out the venom, it's the most effective! You can find it here: anti-venom pumps

2- Use an ice cube : cold on the bite can soothe the itch, as well as heat.

3- Use a tiger balm : put a little cream or liquid on the bump and massage. There are many brands more or less effective, but the small sticks of the Poy-Sian brand that can be found in all shops in Thailand do the trick.

4- Clean the area with soap : sometimes just cleaning the bitten area with soap and water is enough to calm the itching !

5- Use toothpaste : toothpaste has little-known properties, in addition to cleaning teeth, it can relieve burns and insect bites, just put some on the button and massage around.

6- Use a basil leaf : crush a basil leaf well between your fingers and use the resulting paste on the bite, Thai friends told me that it could also have an effect on certain snake bites !

What not to do

You should not scratch with your nails, you risk creating a wound that can become infected.

It's better not to touch it, but if you really can't help yourself, then just tap on the area, or rub with the skin of your fingers (not your nails) it will relieve you just the same.

How to kill mosquitoes without chemicals?

To help in the ongoing fight against mosquitoes and hemorrhagic dengue, one idea is to lure them into a trap that can kill many of them.

What we essentially need is:

200 ml of water
50 grams of brown sugar
1 gram of yeast (baker's yeast, you can find it in any supermarket)
A 2-liter plastic bottle

Here are the steps to develop:

1. Cut a plastic bottle in half. Save the neck part:

2. Mix brown sugar with hot water:

Let cool and then pour the liquid into the lower half of the bottle.

3. Add yeast. No need to mix. It will create carbon dioxide.

4. Place the funnel, upside down inside the other half of the bottle.

5. Wrap the bottle with something black, less tall, and put it in a corner of your house.

6. To avoid ants, place the bottle in a plate with a bottom of water.

In two weeks, you will see the number of mosquitoes that have died inside the bottle.

In addition to cleaning their homes, mosquito breeding sites, we can use this very useful method in schools, daycare centers, hospitals and homes.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes? The complete guide