Mosquito infestation on the way - how the pharmacy can help 

Things are going well for mosquitoes this spring, according to experts from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research. Thanks to the mild temperatures at the beginning of spring, forest and meadow mosquitoes have already been on the move since the beginning of April. House mosquitoes will follow in the next few days. As soon as the temperatures rise again after the brief cold spell, there is nothing to stop them from hatching. The common mosquito and large house mosquito lay their eggs in calm waters in spring. This includes ponds, puddles, rain barrels, but also blocked rain gutters or watering cans. Depending on the temperature, it takes around 20 days for the insects to hatch and then bite diligently. This is because the females need the blood protein of mammals or humans in order to develop new eggs.

How do you prevent it?

Mosquito repellents for application to the skin, so-called repellents, act like a camouflage cap. Active ingredients such as diethyltoluamide, icaridin or citriodiol block the olfactory receptors of the small insects. For reliable protection, repellents should have a sufficiently high concentration of active ingredient. Apply the repellents to uncovered areas of the body ten minutes before going outside. Repeat the procedure at the latest before the declared protective effect expires. Heavy sweating and mechanical abrasion reduce the effect. In addition, most products are not waterproof. The team at your local pharmacy will be happy to advise you on suitable products. Insect screens and mosquito nets can also be useful. By the way: mosquitoes are not attracted by light, but by body odors and exhaled carbon dioxide.

What relieves itching?

Anti-allergic gels from the pharmacy are particularly reliable in relieving itching and swelling. If you don't have one at hand, a household remedy can help: place a halved onion on the affected area, this will also provide some relief. Also effective: so-called sting healers work with heat or electrical impulses. The heat can destroy proteins that enter the body with the venom.

And if the sting becomes infected?

In recent years, swelling and inflammation at the sting site has become more common. The reasons are still being discussed. Environmental toxins could play a role, as could the increasing spread of exotic mosquito species. Bites usually only become inflamed when they are scratched open. Antihistamines or cortisone ointments can help with inflammatory reactions. The team at the pharmacy can advise you on when it is better to consult a doctor.

Slowing the spread of mosquitoes

Mosquitoes lay around 200 to 300 eggs in one go. To prevent the next invasion in your garden, it helps to always cover rain garbage cans. A few drops of organic washing-up liquid can also help. Then the larvae hanging on the surface of the water can no longer hold on due to the reduced surface tension of the water and drown. There are also products containing a bacterium that harms many mosquito larvae without harming other creatures. Empty and refill watering cans, birdbaths etc. completely at least once a week

Source: © Apothekerverband Nordrhein e.V. in Kooperation mit der Avoxa – Mediengruppe Deutscher Apotheker GmbH