You've just gone to sleep when you hear the familiar buzz of a mosquito. The light or flashlight is immediately turned on again to go mosquito hunting. Because hardly anything is as annoying as an itchy mosquito bite. We have put together some tips against mosquitoes for you. How can you keep insects at bay? And what can you do against itchy mosquito bites?
Mosquitoes on the campsite are no fun
What attracts mosquitoes?
Many people believe that mosquitoes are attracted to light, but this is not true. Mosquitoes are nocturnal animals and only become active around the same time we turn on the lights. This gives the impression that mosquitoes are attracted to light. Mosquitoes follow their noses to find their victims. The insects can smell the carbon dioxide that humans exhale. In addition, other body odors also play a role. A mosquito can apparently smell where its next victim is from 20 meters away.
Mosquitoes at the campsite
When camping, it is almost impossible to avoid mosquitoes. Especially if you are camping near standing water, you run the risk of being bothered by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. Most mosquitoes stay within 1.5 kilometers of their birthplace. So the closer you camp to the water, the more likely you are to encounter mosquitoes. When dusk begins, most mosquitoes become active. You don't need to be afraid of male mosquitoes because only the females bite. Too bad you can't tell the difference by the buzz.
What helps against mosquitoes on the campsite?
There are many tips on how to fight mosquitoes. There are even apps that claim to keep mosquitoes at bay by emitting a high-pitched beeping sound. However, research shows that these apps do not work. Special lights that emit a high-pitched beep also don't work, according to researchers. What does work, we found out for you.1. Fly screens in front of doors and windows
If you don't have mosquitoes in your RV or camper, you can't get bitten. You will sleep much more peacefully if you keep all insects out. You can do this by placing mosquito nets in front of your doors and windows. Then all you have to do is make sure they are tight.2. Keep the zipper of the inner tent closed.
Most tents come with a mosquito net at the entrance anyway. So you just need to remember to keep it closed at all times. If you have separate sleeping quarters, they still have a net as well. Keep this closed as much as possible to keep mosquitoes out of the sleeping area. This will allow you to dream with peace of mind.3. Use a fly swatter
If a mosquito has flown into your caravan, you can pull out the old-fashioned fly swatter. You have a choice between a simple plastic swatter or an electric fly swatter. Turn on the lamp and, most importantly, use your ears to figure out where the mosquito is.4. Acquire a mosquito lamp
There are special lamps that attract pests and electrocute them when the animal sits on the lamp. The insect lamp is effective, but occasionally you will hear the sound of a dying insect. It also produces a slight burning odor.5. Use anti-mosquito spray
When you are outside, you can keep mosquitoes away with an insect spray. The smell may not be pleasant, but an insect spray is effective. There are many different suppliers and varieties available, some of which help better than others. Insect spray often works not only against mosquitoes, but also against more dangerous animals like ticks, so it helps you several times over.6. Mosquito control with fire and smoke
Mosquitoes hate fire and smoke. To keep them at bay, you can keep your fireplace or grill on all evening. If you smell smoke, leave the mosquitoes alone. Of course, there is a chance that others will also avoid your vicinity if you smell like smoke.7. Vacationing in Sweden? Camp by the sea.
Scandinavia is known for its many mosquitoes. Especially at the lakes you often can't save yourself from mosquitoes. But there are much fewer mosquitoes on the Swedish coast than inland or further north. In Finland and Norway there are also fewer mosquitoes on the coast. This is mainly due to the wind.8. Camping in spring, autumn or winter
If you want to completely avoid mosquitoes in your campsite, you should camp during a time when they are not active. Mosquitoes are most active in July and August, as are most campers. You might try winter camping. There are guaranteed to be no mosquitoes during the coldest months of the year. But there are also fewer in the fall or spring.
What can you do about itchy mosquito bites?
If you get bitten despite all the tips and precautions, you don't have to despair. As tempting as it is to scratch, it's better not to. True, an itchy mosquito bite is very annoying and the itchiness can drive you crazy. However, it is better to cool the mosquito bite or apply an ointment against the skin irritation, such as an ointment containing aloe vera.Your tips against mosquitoes
- You can do about mosquitoes. But you can rub vinegar or toothpaste on mosquito bites for itching.
- Making a paste of sodium bicarbonate and water and smears it on mosquito bites. (She also uses it on wasp bites).
- Swallowing vitamin B1 helps keep mosquitoes away
Is your golden anti-mosquito tip not yet in this article? Then share it with us in the comments below. This way you can help other campers.
