Protection against mosquitoes, gnats, mosquitoes

Quick overview: Frequently asked questions and answers

How much does insect protection for windows cost? The prices vary depending on the design. Self-adhesive grilles can be bought for less than 10 euros. Special custom-made products are often priced in the three-digit range.

Do fly screens also help against mosquitoes? Yes, fly screens can be very effective against mosquitoes as they create a physical barrier that prevents the insects from entering indoors.

Which spray is good against mosquitoes? Products containing the active ingredient DEET are among the most effective. However, products containing icaridin are considered to be better tolerated.

Overview:

Why is insect protection important?

Effective insect protection makes sense on several levels. The bites of mosquitoes, flies or ticks can not only itch and become inflamed, but can also sometimes cause illness.

For example, ticks can transmit pathogens such as Borrelia, which can lead to Lyme disease. When traveling to high-risk areas, there is a risk of contracting malaria, Zika virus, dengue or yellow fever through mosquito bites.

If insects such as food moths get into indoor spaces, they can also cause hygiene problems. Mosquitoes or flies disrupt concentration and sleep with their annoying buzzing.

On the one hand, there are insect protection products to keep the pests away (“repellents”), and on the other hand, an insect screen can be installed on windows and doors to prevent them from getting into the house, especially in summer.

What means are there for insect protection?

There are different insect repellent products. The most effective are chemical products. Most of them are designed to keep mosquitoes and ticks away.

The following active ingredients are available, among others:

• DEET (Diethyltoluamid)
• Icaridin

DEET is the most effective active ingredient and is recommended especially for areas where mosquitoes transmit diseases such as yellow fever or malaria. Mosquito repellent products containing DEET repel mosquitoes for about eight hours after application.

However, the active ingredient can irritate eyes and mucous membranes and trigger allergic reactions. Corresponding products should therefore only be used for a short period of time. DEET products with a high dose of active ingredient (around DEET 40 percent) are not suitable for pregnant women and children.

The active ingredient icaridin is generally considered to be more tolerable and is also available for pregnant women and small children. After application, the protection lasts for about five hours. However, corresponding products can also irritate the eyes.

Insect repellent should always be applied about 20 minutes after sunscreen.

Essential oils

There is a wide range of mosquito repellents with essential oils. You can choose from products containing:

• Teebaum
• Citronella
• Lavender
• Nelken
• Eucalyptus
• Thymian
• peppermint
• Garlic

However, such products do not have a comparable effect to DEET or Icaridin. Some people are also allergic to certain herbal ingredients. If you are unsure, you should first test the product on a small area of ​​skin to check its compatibility.

Insect protection on windows and doors

To prevent insects from getting into the house in the first place, it can be a good idea to fit the windows and doors with insect screens.

For people with allergies, the grilles can also be fitted with special fabric to protect against pollen.

Mechanical defense through fly screens

The simplest way to protect windows from insects is with a fly screen. A fly screen is made of fine-mesh fabric that prevents flies, mosquitoes and other pests from entering.

There are also various options for insect protection for doors. Balcony or patio doors can be fitted with a fly screen door.

There are various ways of fastening. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific requirements and conditions of the windows and doors. Insect screens and fly screen doors are available in standard sizes or made to measure. However, made to measure options are much more expensive.

Insect protection for light shaft

A light shaft cover ensures that no unwanted crawling creatures get into the basement area. These protective systems are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum and not only keep insects away, but also dirt and leaves.

Further measures for insect protection

Additional measures can be helpful to protect against insects, especially when traveling to risk areas. Here are some recommendations:

• Proper clothing: If you are out in nature, you should wear the right clothing to protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes. We recommend a hat, long-sleeved clothing, long trousers, closed shoes and socks that also cover the ankles. The clothing should be as light-coloured as possible.

• Protection at night: When travelling to risk areas, you should sleep under a mosquito net and, if possible, in air-conditioned rooms, as insects that are used to warm temperatures feel less comfortable there.

• Consider the time of day: It is better to avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, as many insects are most active at this time.

• Eliminate breeding grounds: To prevent the spread of mosquitoes, they should not have a chance to spread in the immediate vicinity. Mosquitoes breed where water collects. Accordingly, popular places in gardens for egg laying should be covered or removed. These include watering cans, drains, flower pots, gutters or rain barrels.