Gone are the days when mosquito coils and mat tablets were used to ward off mosquitoes. With the advent of technology, there are numerous products available to help you stay away from mosquitoes. Right from body lotions to anti-mosquito bands, here is a list of common mosquito repellent products that can help you prevent mosquito bites and prevent diseases caused by mosquitoes such as malaria, chikungunya, and dengue.
Mosquito repellent band: A mosquito band can be chemical-based or natural one. The chemical based ones are basically DEET-impregnated, which means they are loaded with a chemical that acts as a mosquito repellent. A natural anti-mosquito band contains essential oils such as citronella oil, eucalyptus oil or mint oil, which act as a mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes get attracted to our natural body odour but the chemicals in the bands camouflage body odour.
The mosquito repellent band releases fragrances when exposed to air which can repel mosquitoes. All you have to do is wear it like a bracelet or a fitness band on the wrist. It is a perfect mosquito repellent that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Mosquito patch: As the name suggests, mosquito patches are stickers which need to be stuck on clothes i.e. on collars, sleeves, skirts, or shorts. You do not have to put these patches directly on the skin. So before going outdoors or sending your kids for play in a park, peel off the layer and stick the patch on the clothes.
Just like the bands, the anti-mosquito patch releases active ingredients or mosquito repellent chemicals which prevent mosquitoes from wandering close to a person. These patches are also available in the form of natural patches, which are herbal and safe for kids.
Body lotion: These products can contain synthetic repellents like DEET and permethrin or natural repellents like citronella, which offers protection against mosquitoes. All you have to do is pour some lotion onto your palm, rub gently and apply it all over the hands, legs, neck, and face. These are non-sticky in nature and are quickly absorbed by the skin.
Moreover, these are also available as mosquito sprays. Just spray it all over the exposed skin before you head out to prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquito repellent sticks: One of the most common ways to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house is the use of fumigation. However, a variation of this technique in the form of mosquito repellent sticks is also available. These sticks are similar to incense sticks but are loaded with mosquito repellents. All you have to do is light these sticks and place it in open spaces such as gardens, terraces or balconies.
Mosquito nets: If you do not want to go the innovative ways to fight mosquitoes, you can opt to go the conventional way with the help of mosquito nets. The wire mesh of these nets must be extremely fine so as to prevent the entry of mosquitoes.
All you have to do is ensure that the net is easily mounted on a bed offering protection to more than one person. It is your best bet if you are allergic to mosquito repellents or are traveling to places, which are heavily infested by mosquitoes.
Apart from these repellents, there are products like blankets, floor cleaners, electric zappers and table-top fumigator machines, which help keep mosquitoes away.
Recommended Reads:
Are You Applying Mosquito Repellents Correctly?
Prepare Yourself For The Mosquito Season: 5 Essential Oils To Keep Them Away!
References:
Norris EJ, Coats JR. Current and Future Repellent Technologies: The Potential of Spatial Repellents and Their Place in Mosquito-Borne Disease Control. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Jan 29;14(2).
Rodriguez SD, Drake LL, Price DP, Hammond JI, Hansen IA. The Efficacy of Some Commercially Available Insect Repellents for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae). J Insect Sci. 2015;15:140.